Blisters: collection of fluid in a “bubble” under the outer layer of the skin.
Callus: usually painless thickening of skin caused by repeated pressure or irritations a form to protect a skin area from injury caused by rubbing or squeezing. Pressure causes cells in the irritated area to grow at a faster rate, leading to overgrowth.
There are two types of injuries that an athlete may encounter: one caused by an acute trauma, the other resulting from overuse.
The Traumatic Injury:
The Traumatic Injury is violent and sudden, such as sprains, lacerations, torn ligaments, pulled muscles, or broken bones caused by a fall. These types of injury usually require immediate professional treatment. If the injury causes immediate pain, swelling, inability to use the injured body part, or severe pain that does not subside in 30 to 40 minutes the injury should be examined by a professional. If the athlete hears or feels a crack, tear or pop and the pain persists, help should be sought.
Chondromalacia Patella or “Runner’s Knee” occurs when repeated stress on the knee causes inflammation and a gradual softening under the kneecap (patella).The inflammation of the cartilage prevents the kneecap from gliding smoothly over the end of the thigh bone (femur), therefore causing pain and swelling of the knee. The underside of the kneecap should be smooth and move within the femoral groove (a groove on the thighbone). If the kneecap is pulled sideways, it becomes rough like sandpaper and the symptoms appear.
Plantar Fasciitis is a persistent pain located on the plantar (bottom) of the heel and the medial (inside) of the foot. The planar fascia is a fibrous, tendon like structure that extends the entire length of the bottom of the foot, beginning at the heel bone and extending to the base of the toes. During excessive activity, prolonged standing or walking, the plantar fascia can become irritated and may even tear if the area is subjected to repetitive stress. Heel contact during the gait cycle exposes the medial-plantar aspect of the heel, where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone.
The lower leg pain resulting from shin splints is caused by very small tears in the leg muscles at their point of attachment to the shin. There are two types
Anterior shin splints are due to muscle imbalances, insufficient shock absorption or toe running. Excessive pronation contributes to both anterior to both anterior and posterior shin splints.