Weightlifting can benefit your body in a myriad of ways. Many use it to counteract the natural effects aging has on muscle mass, a condition called sarcopenia.
For some, it’s a lifestyle in-and-of-itself. Weightlifting can be more than just a hobby; it’s why they wake up, what they spend their time doing, and can alter everything they do, even what they eat.
Regardless of where you find yourself on the weightlifting spectrum, unfortunately, if you push your body too hard while weightlifting, you could end up injured.
If you notice foot or ankle pain after weightlifting, one of the following injuries might be the culprit:
1.) Plantar Fasciitis
This occurs when the tendon that runs along the bottom of your foot, the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed and is a common injury with bodybuilders. Since it usually occurs in just one foot, it causes you to lose balance when lifting, which can be dangerous— increasing your cases of more than just a foot or ankle injury.
Plantar fasciitis causes a sharp stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot. While overtraining can be a leading cause, faulty footwear can cause this condition.
Learn more about plantar fasciitis here.
2.) Muscle Strain or Sprain
This condition occurs when you strain either a tendon or muscle in your foot or ankle. A muscle strain can be only stretching of the muscle, or it could be a complete tear. Sometimes, it affects both the muscle and the tendons simultaneously.
Strains and sprains usually respond well to the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and some extended recovery time to properly heal.
Learn more about ankle sprain prevention here.
3.) Stress Fractures
A stress fracture is exactly what you would assume, a tiny crack in an ankle, foot, or toe bone. This condition is often caused by overusing muscles, meaning they are not able or equipped to absorb the shock heavy lifting demands. Exhausted muscles then transfer pressure to the bones, causing a painful stress fracture.
Learn more about preventing stress fractures here.
4.) Tendonitis
This is another common overuse injury. Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon in your foot. It can be chronic or long-term in nature and is a degenerative condition. It is caused by overuse in many cases, but can also be the result of improperly fitted footwear.
Tendonitis is also referred to as Achilles tendonitis and is often an injury experienced by avid runners as well. No matter if you’re a weightlifter or runner, proper lacing matters— and here’s why.
Learn more about causes and treatments for tendonitis here.
5.) Arthritis
This painful condition is characterized by inflammation in one or more of your joints, often causing stiffness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, a great deal of which involve the ankle and foot areas. No matter what type of arthritis you have, it can put a serious damper on your activity level as it can make even walking difficult.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, but there are treatment options that can reduce the symptoms. For example, you can utilize braces or change the exercises you perform or even take part in physical therapy.
The Treatment You Need to Get Back on the Mat
Weightlifting is a great way to promote on-going health. Unfortunately, it can cause several problems, especially if it’s practiced excessively or you use improper form.
Thankfully, there are ways to treat many of these conditions that allow you to continue weightlifting in a modified way.
If you have experienced ankle or foot pain because of weightlifting, contact us today— and let us help you get back to the lifestyle you love before your pain develops into a chronic condition.
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