Sports and overuse injuries develop when repetitive stress, inadequate recovery, or biomechanical imbalances place continuous strain on the foot and ankle. Unlike acute trauma, these conditions often build gradually, starting as mild discomfort and progressing into persistent pain, inflammation, or structural damage if left unaddressed. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), overuse injuries are among the most common causes of foot and ankle pain in active individuals, affecting athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even people with physically demanding jobs.
DPM, FACFAS, FACFO
Over 30 years of experience in podiatric surgery, medical education, and clinical leadership
DPM
More than a decade of caring for patients across Connecticut as a board-certified podiatric surgeon
DPM
Up-to-date surgical training with a conservative-first approach, guided by current research
DPM
An exercise science specialist who combines advanced surgical training with genuine empathy
Understanding Sports & Overuse Injuries
Dr. James M. DeJesus frequently notes that many patients delay care because pain initially feels manageable. However, early evaluation is key, as addressing the root mechanical causes can often prevent long-term injury and time away from activity.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Overuse injuries typically result from repetitive motions such as running, jumping, cutting, or prolonged standing. Contributing factors may include training errors, sudden increases in activity intensity, poor footwear, inadequate support, and underlying biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches. The AAOP emphasizes that abnormal load distribution across the foot and ankle can accelerate tissue breakdown, leading to conditions like tendonitis, stress reactions, and joint irritation.
Dr. Austin Davidow highlights that even well-trained athletes can develop overuse injuries if recovery is insufficient or if subtle alignment issues are ignored. Proper assessment helps identify why the injury occurred, not just where the pain is located.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
A thorough evaluation is essential to determine the severity of injury and contributing factors. This includes assessing gait, foot structure, joint mobility, muscle balance, and activity history. AAOP-aligned principles support biomechanical analysis to identify repetitive stress patterns that may not be visible on imaging alone. When necessary, imaging studies are used to rule out fractures or more advanced tissue damage.
Dr. Betty Carreira underscores that identifying early tissue overload can prevent progression to more serious injuries that require prolonged rest or surgical intervention.
Treatment and Injury Management
Treatment for sports and overuse injuries is individualized and may include activity modification, targeted rehabilitation, biomechanical support, and gradual return-to-activity strategies. The AOFAS supports conservative, evidence-based care focused on reducing inflammation, restoring strength and flexibility, and correcting mechanical stress. Long-term success depends on addressing both symptoms and underlying causes rather than relying on short-term pain relief alone.
Our physicians work closely with patients to balance healing with maintaining conditioning whenever safely possible.
Preventing Recurrence and Supporting Performance
Prevention plays a central role in managing sports and overuse injuries. The AAOP emphasizes proper footwear, gradual training progression, recovery planning, and biomechanical correction to reduce reinjury risk. Education is critical so patients understand how daily habits and activity choices affect foot and ankle health over time.
Your Plan for an Active Life
1. Schedule an Expert Evaluation Built Around You
A detailed evaluation helps uncover biomechanical and activity-related factors contributing to injury, not just the painful area itself.
2. A Clear, Personalized Treatment Plan
Care is guided by Dr. James M. DeJesus, Dr. Austin Davidow, Dr. Michelle DeJesus, or Dr. Betty Carreira, focusing on recovery, movement quality, and injury prevention.
3. A Roadmap Back to Comfortable Movement
A structured, progressive approach supports healing while helping you return to sports and daily activities with reduced risk of recurrence.
By combining evidence-based guidance from the AAOP and AOFAS with individualized care from our experienced physicians, sports and overuse injuries can be managed effectively—supporting long-term foot and ankle health and an active lifestyle.
Why Patients Trust Family FootCare
Patients choose Family FootCare because we combine advanced training, evidence-based decision-making, and a patient-centered approach that makes each person feel understood and supported. Our doctors bring extensive experience in forefoot reconstruction and use modern diagnostic tools to ensure precise evaluation. We don’t rush decisions: every patient receives a thorough explanation of findings, treatment options, and realistic expectations so they can make informed, confident choices about their care.
Related Conditions and Treatments
We provide a full spectrum of treatments tailored to the diverse lifestyles of Southbury residents.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If pain is limiting your life, you don’t have to keep pushing through it. Our team will help you understand the cause of your symptoms and whether surgical correction may offer long-term relief. Schedule a consultation to begin your path toward comfortable, confident movement.
Whether you need a routine diabetic foot check, orthotics for work, or treatment for an injury, Family Footcare CT is here to help. Contact us!
Call us today to book your visit:
📞 +1 203-405-6501
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
According to Dr. Carreira, DPM, Acute injuries happen suddenly, usually due to a specific trauma like a fall, collision, or awkward landing. Examples include ankle sprains, muscle tears, or fractures.
Overuse injuries occur gradually over time when an athletic activity is repeated so often that parts of the body do not have enough time to heal between sessions. At Family Footcare, we frequently treat overuse issues like tendonitis and stress fractures that build up after weeks of training without adequate rest.
You should make an appointment at one of our clinics if:
– You cannot put weight on the injured foot or walk without severe pain.
– There is significant swelling, redness, or warmth around the injury.
– The pain persists for more than a few days despite rest and icing.
– You have diabetes (even minor injuries require professional attention).
Runners often visit our offices suffering from:
– Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes.
– Achilles Tendonitis: Pain along the back of the leg near the heel.
– Shin Splints: Pain along the shin bone (tibia).
– Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force.
Absolutely. Athletic shoes lose their shock absorption and structural support over time (usually every 300–500 miles for runners). Wearing worn-out gear alters your biomechanics, increasing stress on your feet and ankles. During your visit to Family Footcare, we can assess your current footwear and recommend the right type of shoe for your arch and gait.
Store-bought inserts can provide temporary cushioning, but they cannot correct the underlying biomechanical issues causing your pain. Custom orthotics are precision-molded devices we create specifically for your feet. Whether you visit us in Danbury, Southbury, or Naugatuck, we can scan your feet to create orthotics that correct imbalances, often preventing injuries from returning.
Generally, no. Pain is your body’s warning signal. “Running through it” often turns a minor inflammation (that might heal in a few days) into a major injury (like a tear or fracture) that could sideline you for months. If you feel sharp pain or pain that alters your stride, stop immediately and contact us.
This is the classic symptom of Plantar Fasciitis. The fascia tightens overnight while you sleep; when you take that first step, the tissue is suddenly stretched, causing sharp pain. While it often warms up during the day, ignoring it can lead to chronic issues. We offer various treatments for this, from stretching regimens to advanced therapies.
Children and teens have open growth plates in their feet and ankles that are susceptible to injury. Conditions like Sever’s Disease (heel pain) are common in active kids. If your child is complaining of heel or ankle pain during or after sports, it is rarely just “growing pains” that should be ignored. A check-up at Family Footcare can ensure their bones are developing correctly.
Shin splints are often caused by increasing workout intensity too quickly. To prevent them:
– Follow the 10% Rule: Do not increase your mileage or intensity by more than 10% per week.
– Ensure you are running on softer surfaces when possible.
– Strengthen your calf muscles.
– Wear proper footwear with adequate arch support.
We understand that sports injuries are painful and inconvenient. We strive to offer timely appointments to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. We have three convenient locations to serve you: Danbury, Southbury, and Naugatuck.
Simply call the office nearest you to schedule your evaluation!
