Water sports

Abstract

Several water sports have been connected to foot and ankle injuries. Most of these injuries are sprains, strains, contusions and skin lesions, with just a few of them being fractures. Ankle sprains are the most common injuries during water skiing followed by talus fractures, calcaneal tendon ruptures and ankle fractures. However, regarding the rest of the water sports reviewed in this chapter (rafting, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, rowing, snorkeling and diving), foot and ankle are not the most common areas involved in injuries during these activities. Otherwise, data reported in literature about dermatoses in aquatic sports (sailing, rowing, snorkeling and diving) is related to wet suits. In conclusion, there is little literature regarding foot and ankle injuries in water sports. Therefore, studies are needed to complete information and to get a higher level of evidence to lead sports practitioners to recognize, treat and prevent these injuries.