Football players can receive injuries to the foot and ankle due to running, side to side cutting, or from direct trauma, such as from another player during a tackle. They should be aware of the following risks:
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Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments, and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
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Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
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Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact during tackling.
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Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.