Soccer is one of the most strenuous sports that can be played.  It is also the most popular sport in the world.  It is becoming more and more popular in the United States, especially in the youth.  The game can consist of both contact and non-contact injuries.     According to Dr. Christopher Witt, podiatrist and foot and ankle sports medicine specialist at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in McKinney and Prosper, “The most common types of injuries include sprains, stress fractures and tendinitis”.  Dr. Witt adds that,  “an especially common foot issue in children is calcaneal apophysitis, also known as Sever’s disease.  This condition isn’t actually a disease but inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone.  Treatment is simple and required to improve their symptoms but kids still avoid the doctor”.   Shoes also have an important role in the sport, “too small and you can have issues with bunions, neuromas, hammer toes and calluses.  Too Big and you can have problems with your feet sliding and jamming into the shoe which can cause turf toe, injuries to the nail and other issues”, Dr. Witt states.   

Because soccer involves so much running, small injuries can linger and become a chronic, season ending issue.  “An athlete can run over 5 miles per game and if there foot is not functioning appropriately and not balanced anatomically, major pathology can develop in the feet and ankles”, Dr. Witt states,  “If you are experiencing any pain during or after a game, it is important to stop playing and be evaluated to determine your injury and your best treatment course”.  At Advanced Foot and Ankle, Dr. Witt has experience with these issues and is wanting to help you get back on the field as quick as possible and prevent issues in the future.  If you have any questions about this or any other foot or ankle issue, you can contact Dr. Witt at 972-542-2155.