History’s Most Infamous Leg & Foot Injuries

WHEN WE THINK of sports and some of the greatest athletes throughout the course of history, there's no way we can forget about the leg and foot injuries that made headlines alongside those famous names. Ankle injuries, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis have benched some of the best athletes in the world. Let's take a look at some of the most unforgettable injuries and how they shaped the course of history.

Achilles and the Legendary Heel Injury 

One of the most notorious sports injuries of all time is Achilles’ heel. As famous Greek mythology has it, Achilles’ mother dipped him into the river of Styx, holding him by his heel, making him invincible everywhere except for where her thumb had covered. Many years later during the Trojan war, lore has it that Achilles was killed by a fatal arrow wound to his mortal heel, thus birthing the term “Achilles heel”. 

Today, in addition to meaning a point of vulnerability, Achilles’ problematic ankle has a medical condition named after it - Achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis is a condition where the tendons of the ankle become inflamed, and is common in runners and those who play sports involving large amounts of running like soccer, football or baseball. Achilles tendonitis can be a hassle, but graduated compression socks are a great way to manage pain and promote quick recovery.

Kerri Strugg and the Ankle Sprain Heard ‘Round the World

Keri Strugg made Olympic history in 1996, when she landed on an injured ankle and won the first gold medal for the US women’s gymnastics team in Atlanta. During her first vault, Strugg had fallen and tore two ligaments in her ankle, which is enough for most people to call it quits. Her coach pleaded for her to go one more time, which she did - sticking the landing on that injured ankle before collapsing and being carried off the podium. Strugg was suffering from a severely sprained ankle.

Ankle sprains are incredibly common for gymnasts; sticking the landing incorrectly can cause unnatural twisting or turning in the ankle. As compression technology has advanced, compression socks have become popular among gymnasts, because they reinforce the ligaments and tendons in the ankle.

Kobe Bryant and the Ankle Injury that Took Him Down

Famed Laker’s player Kobe Bryant is no stranger to injuries, especially those involving the ankles, but during the 2013 season, it was different. Crumpled on the floor in pain after an awkward landing on his ankle, Bryant was out for the remainder of the season. In the years preceding this, Bryant had played through various wrist, knee and ankle sprains, but this was the worst ankle injury he had ever had in 13 years. While injuries can’t always be avoided, proper post-game rest and recovery can help muscles and ligaments to heal before its time to play again.

Basketball players are no strangers to using compression socks for recovery. After a tough game, rest, ice, compression and elevation are recommended to help the muscles recover before its time to hit the court again. Slipping on a pair of basketball compression socks is an easy way to promote healing, because the increased blood circulation reduces swelling and also makes it possible for nutrients and oxygen to reach their destinations quicker, leading to speedier recovery times.

Evan Longoria and the Vicious Case of Plantar Fasciitis

Evan Longoria who is now the third baseman for the San Francisco Giants, first played ten seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2013, after dealing with plantar fasciitis for the better part of a month, Longoria injured his foot once again and was forced to sit out for much of the season. Once again in 2019, Longoria fell victim to plantar fasciitis in his left foot once again; benching him for 10 games.

Plantar fasciitis is a common affliction that causes stabbing pain, swelling and tenderness in the heel of the foot. With treatment, a full recovery can be made, but constant impact from playing sports can greatly prolong recovery times. In addition to doctor supervision, compression socks can be helpful for managing the pain associated with this condition. Plantar fasciitis compression socks reduce swelling, and give increased support to the arches of your feet, where foot pain is most likely to occur.

The Best Compression Socks for Injuries and Post-game Recovery

For athletes of all skill levels, having the right gear can be the difference between playing a great game or getting an injury. Lasso’s athletic compression socks are designed to reduce ankle rolls, reduce pain and swelling, and relieve the symptoms of common leg and foot ailments without compromising mobility. Our socks come with added joint and arch support to keep ankles stabilized as long as you’re playing.