Rugby - injuries on feet?

Question

Hi, I just started playing rugby; my biggest issue is that my feet hurt after each practice - i´m not sure if it´s the tendons, muscles or bones.... My assumption is that the whole sprinting (I´m a fast sprinter) and abrupt stop are very bad for my feet as it takes me at least a week to fully recover and not feel pain as I walk or run. How can I avoid this? Should I focus to strenghten my ankles or any specific muscles?

Answer 1

the medical term is fallen arches. or flat foot. orthotics should help

Answer 2

Where is the pain? If it's under the arches of your feet, then I'd suggest seeing a podiatrist to have a pair of special insoles (orthotics) made for your boots.

I can't remember the medical term for this, but I suffered from it many years ago. Once I had a pair of orthotics fitted, the problem was solved.

Answer 3

It could be a variety of things, you being fast is probably not one of them, abrupt stops tend to cause problems in hamstrings more than anything.  I'm guessing your practice field is probably like a rock.  If your boots (cleats) are brand new you may just be breaking them in still, try wearing them around when you're doing things outside (mowing, walking dog, etc.). If you're wearing metal sprigs this will increase the pounding on your feet, and cause problems.  If you're wearing molded boots, try switching to flat soled cross trainer shoes for practice, you might lose a half step, but if you keep pounding your feet you'll lose more.  

It also depends what sports you've played before, because if you were constantly running on a different surface, the change may be causing problems and it will work itself out.  It also depends where your pain is.  Is it on the bottom of your feet, the ball, your heel, your ankles?  There are many bones in your foot/ankle, not to mention all the ligaments to hold those together, and all of the surrounding muscles, so the area(s) of your pain could be very different.  If you're continuing to have problems go to an orthopedist, and they will be able to give you an answer.

Most likely it has something to do with the playing surface itself (if you don't hurt as much after the field has been wetted down with a good rain this is the reason), with your boots (not broken in/too big/too small/sprigs or molded boots, or your feet aren't in condition/you are running too much at practice.  Good luck with it