When it comes to football, you can expect to find me there, or hear me get excited. Trust me, it wasn’t always the case; but after being around footballers for 16 years, I consider it a part of me now. I see it time and time again; improper warm ups and downs, and injuries that aren’t treated. Within recent times, I’ve seen quite a few footballers, and it’s a different injury but same story; little or no treatment.

Not only does the sport require a lot of running and wear and tear on the feet, but there are some serious risks to consider. These risks can be something as simple as wearing the wrong shoes, or having the top of your foot stepped on by a cleat. There are also some common injuries and problems associated with the feet of footballers. We will focus on some of those injuries, and how you can prevent and treat them as needed.

Athlete’s Foot and Toenail Fungus

 One of the biggest issues for players is that they may sweat more than the average person. A lot of this sweat will come out through the feet. Not only can sweaty feet cause a bad smell, but they can be dangerous. One of the most common foot conditions facing players is athlete’s foot. This is a fungal infection that usually starts off between the toes.

People who sweat profusely in their feet are also susceptible to toenail fungus. This condition is similar to athlete’s foot but actually, occurs underneath the nail. Both are considered to be fungal conditions. Fungus thrives in warm, moist, dark environments. Cleats are a perfect place for these conditions to grow and spread. Not changing the socks after each game, is another factor. Some of the symptoms you might notice are:

• Discolouration of the nail
• Scaly rash (athlete’s foot)
• Itching
• Redness
• Thick, hard toenails
• Bad smell coming from the feet

It is recommended that you don’t go barefoot in public gyms, showers, or locker rooms. Wear shower shoes or sandals when you’re in these places, to avoid contracting and spreading a fungal infection of any kind. Additionally, be sure to keep your feet as dry as possible at all times.

Loss of a Toenail 

As football is an incredibly physical sport, the top of your foot may get stepped on by a cleat. Or, you can experience foot pain from kicking a ball. These types of trauma can sometimes create pooling of blood underneath the toenail. This underlying bleeding is referred to as a subungual hematoma. If this occurs, you will likely need to go to a podiatrist. In some cases, the toenail may fall off due to the extent of the damage. It can take up to a full year for a toenail to grow back. While you don’t have to stop playing during that time, proper padding of the toe will be required. You will also need to take extra care to avoid bacterial or fungal infections to the exposed area.

Foot Sprain

There is a high concentration of ligaments in the feet. When those ligaments go through things like tearing, over-stretching, or even being severed, it can result in a foot sprain. Some torn ligament in the foot symptoms include:

• Pain near the arch of the foot
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Not being able to put any weight on the foot

The worse the sprain or tear is, the harder it will be to use that foot. They are typically caused by accidentally rolling the foot too far inward, or outward.

In most cases, sprains can be dealt with using the ‘RICE’ method of treatment:

• Rest
• Ice
• Cold and compression
• Elevation

For severe sprains, some type of immobilisation of the foot and ankle may be required. Mid-foot sprain recovery time depends on the severity of the tear. Minor sprains can take just a couple weeks, while more severe sprains can take up to two full months for complete recovery.

Irritation Caused by Plantar Fasciitis

 Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the tissue on the sole of the foot is irritated or injured. This tissue goes all the way from the heel to your toes. In soccer, irritation typically occurs because you’re pounding your feet against hard surfaces while running. One of the most common symptoms is a stabbing pain in the heel. At times, the pain can feel sharp. But, to rule out other conditions, it’s best to have a doctor or podiatrist diagnose this particular condition.

Broken Bone

 Aside from skin conditions, toe issues and potentially torn ligaments, one of the biggest things players have to worry about is breaking a bone. As you might expect, it’s one of the more serious injuries a player can go through, as it takes a long time to heal.

In football, broken bones usually occur when someone gets stepped on, or kicked. It will usually instantly bring on a lot of pain and immobility. Sometimes, you can even hear the break as it happens. The best thing to do in this situation is to stop all movement immediately, ice and elevate the area, and get to a doctor. An official x-ray of the bone will need to be performed to confirm that it’s fractured or broken. Unfortunately, the only treatment option to heal a broken bone is complete immobility. For a foot or ankle injury, this usually requires a cast or boot of some kind.

Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!