Rugby Injuries to the Foot and Ankle

Rugby is hard on the feet and ankles! Injuries can occur from running and cutting, direct trauma during tackling and during the scrum. Rugby players should be aware of the following risks:

• Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
• Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
• Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact during tackling.
• Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD) and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.