Sports Injury Treatment for Feet & Ankles in Markham
Stay active and healthy with practical guidance on preventing and managing foot and ankle sports injuries.
Your feet and ankles absorb enormous stress and impact during sports, which makes them some of the most commonly injured areas of the body. Below are the foot and ankle injuries we see most often at our Markham clinic, along with how they are typically managed.
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, usually from an awkward twist or roll. It often causes pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty bearing weight. Early care usually follows the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) to control pain and swelling. More severe sprains should be assessed by a healthcare professional and may need bracing and rehabilitation exercises for a full recovery.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is irritation and inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is often caused by repetitive stress or a sudden increase in training. Common symptoms include pain and stiffness at the back of the heel or ankle, especially when you start moving. Treatment generally includes relative rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate, and targeted stretching and strengthening exercises.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It is often caused by overuse or unsupportive footwear and leads to heel pain that is usually worst with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Rest, ice, stretching and supportive footwear are key to managing it, and persistent cases may benefit from custom orthotics or shockwave therapy. Learn more about plantar fasciitis.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone caused by repetitive impact or overuse. They commonly affect the metatarsals (the long bones in the middle of the foot). They cause localized pain and swelling that get worse with activity. Healing requires rest and reduced weight-bearing activity, and some cases need a supportive boot, stiff-soled footwear or orthotics during recovery.
Turf Toe
Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint, usually caused by bending the toe too far upward. It is common in sports played on artificial turf. It causes pain and swelling at the base of the big toe and can limit movement. Treatment includes rest, ice, and stiff-soled shoes or toe taping to protect the joint while it heals.
Common Foot & Ankle Sports Injuries
These are the injuries our Markham chiropodists treat most often. Early assessment leads to faster, safer recovery.
Ankle Sprain
SignsPain, swelling, bruising and trouble bearing weight
Common causeRolling or twisting the ankle
Achilles Tendinitis
SignsPain and stiffness at the back of the heel
Common causeOveruse or a sudden increase in training
Plantar Fasciitis
SignsHeel pain with first steps in the morning
Common causeOveruse or unsupportive footwear
Stress Fracture
SignsLocalized pain and swelling that worsens with activity
Common causeRepetitive impact or overtraining
Turf Toe
SignsPain and swelling at the base of the big toe
Common causeBending the big toe too far upward
How to Prevent Sports Injuries
You can lower your risk of foot and ankle injuries by:
- Building strength and flexibility in your feet, ankles and calves
- Wearing sport-specific footwear that fits well and offers proper support
- Increasing training time and intensity gradually
- Warming up before activity and cooling down afterward
- Replacing worn-out athletic shoes regularly
When Should You See a Chiropodist?
- Pain or swelling that hasn't improved after a few day of rest and ice
- Heel or Achilles pain that keeps returning during or after activity
- Pain that gets worse as you continue to train
- Repeated ankle sprains or a feeling that your ankle "gives way"
- You want to return to your sport safely after injury
Go to the emergency room if you cannot put any weight on your foot, your foot or ankle looks deformed, or you have numbness or severe pain.
Keep Your Feet Active & Healthy
Personalized care to help you return to your sport safely
Our chiropodists at Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre treat both acute and chronic foot and ankle sports injuries. We start with a thorough assessment of your injury, your biomechanics and your footwear. Then we build an evidence-based treatment plan around your sport and your goals.
Depending on your needs, your plan may include:
- Custom foot orthotics to correct alignment and reduce strain
- Footwear recommendations for your sport
- Medical bracing and kinesiology taping for support and protection
- Compression stockings to help reduce swelling
- Rehabilitation exercises to restore strength, flexibility and balance
- In-clinic therapies such as shockwave therapy and laser therapy
We monitor your progress at every step until you are ready to return to your sport with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked question about sports related injuries
Go to the emergency room if you cannot put any weight on your foot, if your foot or ankle looks deformed, or if you have numbness or severe pain. For sprains, ongoing pain or injuries that are not improving after a few days of RICE, a chiropodist can assess your injury and create a treatment plan.
Mild sprains often improve within one to three weeks. More severe sprains can take several weeks to months. A structured rehabilitation program helps restore strength and balance and lowers the risk of spraining the same ankle again.
Yes. Custom orthotics can correct alignment problems and spread pressure more evenly across your feet. This can reduce strain on the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and other tissues. They are often part of both treatment and long-term prevention.
Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing in injured tissue. It is commonly used for persistent heel pain, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis, especially when other treatments have not given enough relief.
It depends on the type and severity of your injury. Returning too early is one of the most common causes of re-injury. Your chiropodist will monitor your progress and guide you on when and how to safely return to training.
No. You can book directly with our clinic. Many extended health insurance plans cover chiropody and custom orthotics, so check your plan for details.
