Items filtered by date: August 2025
Protecting Young Athletes’ Feet and Ankles While Cheerleading
Cheerleading places intense demands on the lower body, often leading to injuries such as ankle instability, Achilles tendinitis, and stress fractures in the ankle. These cheerleading foot injuries can result from repetitive jumping, hard landings, improper technique, or insufficient conditioning. Risk factors include weak ankle muscles, poor footwear, and training on hard surfaces. Symptoms include pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can evaluate these conditions, provide bracing, custom orthotics, and design rehabilitation plans to restore strength and prevent re-injury. If your cheerleader experiences foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, as prompt care is essential. This type of doctor can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on additional injury prevention tips.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Joseph M. LaCava, DPM from Arkansas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
- Broken Foot
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Stress Fractures
- Turf Toe
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
