Kickboxing as a sport, aerobic exercise program and or in various martial arts provides many benefits from self-defense to getting in shape, but too much participation can lead to injury. Inflammation of the tendons in the feet and legs is possible from overuse or improper stretching before kickboxing. As there are several different conditions linked with kickboxing that can cause inflammation, it is best to talk with your doctor if the pain and inflammation do not lessen with a few days of rest and ice.
Prevention
To prevent inflammation in the tendons, stretch for at least 15 minutes before engaging in a kickboxing class or workout to reduce the chance of a muscle or tendon strain or even tendon dislocation. When you take a kickboxing class or even a cardio kickboxing class, the instructor should lead you through a set of stretches. Arrive early and stretch yourself if this is not the case at the school or gym that you frequent.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar faciitis is a specific tendon inflammation that can result from kickboxing. Plantar fasciitis occurs from overuse of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of connective tissue that connects at the heel and the toes. Inflammation and pain, particularly in the heel, results from the development of plantar fasciitis. Kickboxing involves frequent pivoting on the ball of the foot, which requires a degree of raising the heel. Lifting the heel, such as in a calf raise, is called plantar flexion. This is a common action in kickboxing, especially when you push off the ball of the foot to initiate a kick.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles' tendonitis is another possible issue you might get from kickboxing. This condition simply describes inflammation of the Achilles' tendon. The Achilles' tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and tightens every time you lift onto the ball of your foot. Overuse and intense exercise related to sports are common causes of Achilles' tendonitis. It is very possible to overuse the tendon in kickboxing where high repetitions of kicks are common.
Seasmoiditis
The tendons in the ball of the feet each have two tiny bones called sesamoids located beneath the big toe. Sesamoinds are simply the name for bones embedded into tendons and are found in other locations of the body.. Pain and inflammation in the toes and feet after kickboxing can occur when these bones become irritated from repetitive kicking. The action of pivoting the on the ball of the foot when delivering a kick relates to seasmoiditis.
