Mayo Clinic Highlights Ankle Sprains as Most Common U.S. Foot Injury

Foot injuries can happen to anyone and understanding the most frequent issues and their warning signs can help keep you active and pain-free.

Common Types of Foot Injuries

• Plantar Fasciitis
  The leading cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of tissue supporting the foot arch becomes irritated or inflamed, often due to overuse, poor footwear, or excessive standing. As the Cleveland Clinic explains, “More than 2 million people are treated for plantar fasciitis every year in the United States.”

• Ankle Sprains
  A sprain occurs when ligaments stabilizing the ankle are stretched or torn.  Mayo Clinic notes “Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries—twisting or rolling your foot can stretch or tear the ligaments.”

• Stress Fractures
  Often seen in athletes, stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force or overtraining. “Stress fractures are common in the foot and can lead to lingering pain if not addressed early,” notes Orthosportsmed.

• Achilles Tendinitis
  This is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. It’s usually triggered by sudden increases in activity. As U of M Health puts it, “Degenerative changes or inflammation of the Achilles tendon is a very common cause of heel and lower leg pain.”

• Bunions
  Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, typically due to shoes that squeeze the toes together or faulty foot structure. Riverside Orthopedics explains, “Conservative options include toe spacers, splints and bunion-friendly footwear, while severe cases may require surgical correction.”

• Neuromas
  A neuroma is a pinched nerve or nerve tumor, usually between the third and fourth toes, that causes burning pain or numbness. Healthline reports, “Many people describe Morton’s neuroma as feeling as if you’re standing on a pebble in your shoe.”

More Conditions to Watch For

Other frequent foot troubles include hammertoes, metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain), heel spurs, corns and calluses, and ingrown toenails. Certain medical conditions like diabetes also raise the risk for foot injuries and complications.

Expert Insights

“Foot pain is not normal and should never be ignored,” emphasizes Dr. Kenneth Jung of Kerlan Jobe Institute. “While mild soreness can be common, persistent or severe pain means something is wrong.”

Prevention at a Glance

Proper footwear, gradual increases in activity, and prompt attention to early pain signals are key strategies for keeping your feet healthy and injury-free. For more detail, consult your podiatrist or visit resources like the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and Healthline.

Understanding these common foot injuries is the first step toward recovery and lifelong comfort—because happy feet mean a happier, more mobile you.