Site Products

Sports Medicine Coverage – Ankle and Foot Injuries

(by Dr. Alomar-Jimenez)

The summer months has been exciting time for table tennis. Multiple competitions across the globe including US Open, WTT Contenders, Central and Caribbean American Games, Youth Pan-American Championships, among others, have been completed.

I had the honor to collaborate as a Team Physician in the Central American and Caribbean Games (El Salvador) and the Youth Pan-American Championships (Charleston, USA).

 

Ankle and Foot Injuries

Ankle and foot injuries are responsible for approximately 7.69% – 9.21% of table tennis injuries. These injuries can be mild, moderate or severe. I would like to discuss some of these injuries that occurred in recent table tennis tournaments.

 

Ankle Sprain

Lateral ankle sprain is the most common form and typically affects the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL). It occurs due to excessive ankle inversion. Ankle pain, swelling and pain with weight-bearing are common presenting symptoms. Ankle sprains are classified as Grade 1, 2 and 3, depending on pathology, ligaments affected and findings on physical exam stress testing.

Ankle Sprain
Typical mechanism of injury for ankle sprain.

Treatment
– Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
– Patient may need radiographic imaging.

Return to Play
– Depends on the severity of the injury.
– Full range of motion, strength and pain free are indicators that the athlete may return to play.

Injury Prevention
– Bracing, Taping and Neuromuscular training has been shown to reduce re-injury.

 

Turf Toe

This injury refers to “Big Toe” sprain, first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint sprain. The injury is caused by forced dorsiflexion (hyperextension) of the first MTP joint. Risk factors include pes planus, decreased ankle range of motion and decreased first MTP range of motion. Pain and impaired range of motion of the “Big Toe” is the most common presentation.

Turf Toe
Typical foot position when turf toe injury occurs.

Treatment and Return to Play
– Evaluate for Joint Instability and Alignment.
– X-rays and MRI may be needed in severe injuries.
– Freeze Spray can be used in game for return to play, if the athlete is able to tolerate.
– Immobilization with taping may be necessary.

Injury Prevention
– Early restoration of range of motion has been shown to be beneficial in recovery when the athlete is able to tolerate.

 

Subungual Hematoma

Occurs when direct trauma or repetitive pressure from footwear leads to bleeding under the toenails. The nail appears black and purple. The nail may ultimately loosen from the nail bed.

Subungual Hematoma
Subungual Hematoma

Treatment
– May require Nail perforation to release collection of blood.
– If the procedure is to be made, is strongly encouraged to be performed in an ambulatory clinic by a physician.

Injury Prevention
– Correct fitting footwear
– Appropriate lacing techniques

Walter Alomar & Brian Afanador

References

Analysing Of the Types of Injuries Observed In Table Tennis Players According To the Some Variables Leyla, A.Ebadi, M.Gunay, 2018

Latest News

Racket Up All the Time

July 18, 2025
Robot will play RANDOM top spin balls to 2/3 of the table (Backhand), Forehand topspin from Forehand/ middle… Read More

Keep the Swing as Compact as Possible

July 16, 2025
Robot will play RANDOM top spin balls to 2/3 of the table (Backhand, only Forehand topspin from this… Read More

Reviewing Bugller with Logan Rietz

July 15, 2025
(by: Logan Rietz) I love pips.  I like chopping with them, hitting with them, anything I can do… Read More

Keep Your Elbow Closer to Your Body

July 14, 2025
WAIT FUNCTION: Serve long serve to elbow and Robot plays topspin to Forehand, Forehand spin block or counter… Read More

#3 High toss serve that disrupts the opponent’s rhythm and leads to a quick attack

July 14, 2025
[Feature] [Special feature] America’s star! Jha’s strong points #3 High toss serve that disrupts the opponent’s rhythm and… Read More

Ten Tips for Faster Footwork

July 14, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) Tie your shoes tight so there’s less give when you move. Grippy shoes on non-grippy… Read More

Rogelio Castro – Third Ball Attack

July 14, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rogelio Castro is executing the “Third Ball Attack” using his… Read More

MLTT Featured Team: Chicago Wind

July 14, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) The Chicago Wind plan to blow over competition in the upcoming Major League… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.