Fall Sports = More Injuries: Protect Your Feet This Season
When the Arizona heat finally starts to break, athletes across Phoenix, Glendale, and Scottsdale hit the fields for fall sports. Soccer, football, cross country, and volleyball season bring excitement! They also bring a spike in foot and ankle injuries. At On The Move Podiatry, we see it every year: more sprains, fractures, and overuse injuries as athletes push themselves in cooler weather.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your feet strong and healthy this season.
Why Fall Sports Lead to More Injuries
Sudden Increase in Activity – Many athletes take the summer off. Jumping back into full practice schedules without gradual conditioning puts stress on the feet.
Uneven Playing Surfaces – Outdoor sports like soccer and football often mean dry, hard fields or even gopher-hole-ridden grass in Phoenix parks. These surfaces are tough on ankles.
High-Impact Movements – Quick cuts, sprints, and jumps create repetitive stress, especially in growing athletes.
Improper Footwear – Worn-down cleats, unsupportive sneakers, or hand-me-downs can contribute to injuries.
Common Fall Sports Foot & Ankle Injuries
Ankle Sprains – The #1 sports injury we treat in the fall. Lateral movements and turf conditions make sprains especially common.
Stress Fractures – Small cracks in bones of the foot (often the metatarsals) from repetitive running and jumping.
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain – Increased mileage in cross-country or soccer can inflame the tissue along the bottom of the foot.
Turf Toe – Hyperextension of the big toe joint, common in football players.
Shin Splints & Overuse Syndromes – Not always in the foot itself, but heavily linked to poor support or biomechanics.
How to Protect Your Feet This Season
Start Slow – Build up training volume and intensity over a few weeks instead of jumping straight into daily practices.
Check Your Shoes – Make sure cleats or sneakers fit well, aren’t overly worn, and match the sport.
Strengthen & Stretch – Focus on calf raises, ankle mobility, and foot strengthening drills to prevent sprains.
Use Orthotics When Needed – Custom orthotics can prevent repetitive strain injuries, especially for athletes with flat feet or high arches.
Don’t Play Through Pain – Ignoring early signs of foot pain often turns a small issue into a season-ending injury.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you or your child experiences
Pain that lasts longer than 48 hours
Swelling, bruising, or inability to bear weight
Recurrent ankle sprains or chronic heel pain
…it’s time to see a podiatrist. Early diagnosis and treatment mean faster recovery and fewer missed games.
On The Move Podiatry: Sports Foot Care in Phoenix
At On The Move Podiatry, we specialize in sports podiatry and injury prevention. From youth soccer to Friday night football, we help athletes of all ages stay on their feet and in the game. Don’t let a preventable injury sideline your season. Book your appointment today with On The Move Podiatry and keep your feet moving strong.