Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or even if you just play sports occasionally, you might face lower limb injuries at some point. They range from minor sprains to more serious cases like ligament tears or bone fractures.

It’s important to identify the symptoms of some of the more common lower limb injuries and recognise when you need medical treatment. Especially when a consultation with an experienced orthopaedic doctor in Singapore is required for further evaluation.

1. Plantar Fasciitis

The defining symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain at the bottom of your feet, close to the heel. The risk factors for plantar fasciitis include age, physically taxing activities, and obesity.

If you are in constant pain from your heel and it hasn’t improved after a few days, then it’s advisable to see a specialist. Pain from plantar fasciitis can cause patients to alter the way they walk causing issues down the road with the knees, and ankles.

2. Anterior Ankle Impingement

Anterior ankle impingements occur when there’s damage or inflammation to the structures at the front of the ankle joint. Symptoms include pain while walking or running up inclines, doing squats, or landing after jumping exercises.

Ignoring the pain that comes from anterior ankle impingement can exacerbate the condition. An orthopaedic doctor would be able to prescribe an activity program to build strength and flexibility in the ankle joint to aid recovery and prevent future injuries.

3. Shin Splints

Shin splints refer to pain down the shin bone and is a common condition among runners. Other symptoms include tenderness, soreness, and swelling. The initial pain might stop after exercise, but with repeated usage and without adequate recovery it can progress into a stress fracture.

Since shin splints usually occur due to overuse, the first line of treatment is to take a break from the activity that is causing the issue. An orthopaedic doctor would also be able to identify issues with flat feet, or overly rigid foot arches and prescribe orthotics as necessary.

4. ACL Tear

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) connects your thigh bone to the shin bone. ACL tears happen most often when engaged in sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction. Signs of ACL injuries include a loud pop or popping sensation in the knee, swelling, pain, loss of range of motion, and inability to bear weight.

ACL reconstruction surgery in Singapore is recommended for patients who have not recovered after physical therapy treatments or if the injury is deemed severe enough.

Learn More: Helping Athletes Bounce Back To Form After Sports Injuries

5. Runner’s Knee

Runner’s Knee, known medically as Patellofemoral pain syndrome, refers to pain localised around your kneecap. It causes dull aches that get worse during physical activity. The causes are varied with overuse, muscle imbalance, injury, and knee surgery all known risk factors.

Improving strength, losing excess weight, and optimising technique are just some of the ways to help prevent Runner’s Knees.

6. Ankle Fracture

An ankle fracture is an injury to the bones in the ankle. The severity of the condition can vary from tiny cracks in the bone to serious breaks which might require surgery. If you have an ankle fracture in Singapore, you might experience immediate pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, and deformity. If there are any obvious deformities, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to assess the seriousness of the fracture.

7. Ankle Ligament Tear

Ankle ligament tears can range from minor tears that get better with at-home treatment protocols, to more severe ligament tears that might require further medical intervention.

Physical therapy to strengthen ankles or orthotic devices to support your feet are options for treatment. In rare cases for severe tears, surgery can be performed to repair ligaments.

Lower limb sports injuries happen often enough and can put you out of action for long periods of time. But taking preventive measures like wearing proper footwear, and maintaining strength and flexibility in your lower limbs, can reduce your risks of encountering such injuries.

In the unfortunate case you do get injured, it’s important to seek timely medical attention and get your condition diagnosed by a qualified orthopaedic surgeon.

Effective orthopaedic treatment that provides high-quality, comprehensive, and specialised care for patients has always been the aim of our orthopaedic clinic in Singapore. Contact us today to enquire about our services and set up an appointment with us to find out how we can help you.