subject: How To Stay In The Game By Avoiding Common Foot Injuries This Season [print this page] If you are involved in sports, it is important for you to take proper care of your feet to ensure a long season and avoid the bench. Whether you are a professional athlete, play in high school or just enjoy pick up games with your friends, your feet and ankles can take a beating when you are playing sports.
What Is Sports Podiatry?
A sports podiatrist treats foot, ankle and leg injuries by altering lower limb function. In addition, a sports podiatrist will also analyze the way your foot strikes the ground and the chain of motion from the foot, knee, hip and back. By doing this, your podiatrist will determine whether there are any mechanical imbalances that may be contributing to your injury. Pressure on your feet is exaggerated during walking and is further increased during sporting activity. Your sports podiatrist specializes in the diagnosis and management of foot and lower leg disorders with a focus on injuries commonly associated with sports.
During sports, it is important to protect your feet from injury. Activities such as football, soccer, baseball, field hockey and lacrosse often lead to ankle injuries due to playing on artificial surfaces, wearing improper footwear and/or inadequate stretching. Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports and may occur when running, shooting baskets, fielding fly balls, etc. Sprains should be evaluated by your sports podiatrist so he or she can determine the extent of the injury and recommend effective treatment.
Failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains. Overuse or excessive training can also put athletes on the bench with Achilles tendinitis or heel pain. Regular stretching of the calf muscles before and after the game will help minimize pain and stiffness.
The Aches And Pains Of Running
Even with the best preparation, aches and pains can be unavoidable as a result of a new running regimen or frequent running in sports. One of the most common running pains is due to runner's knee, which is characterized by all around knee pain and can be caused by excessive rolling in and down of the foot. Arch supports provided by your Olney podiatrist are usually the best way to relieve the problem.
Here are some running tips to remember:
*Start easy and build up your distance slowly
*Remember to stretch regularly
*Use sport-specific shoes
*Fit your shoes with the socks you plan to wear while you are running
Talk to your podiatrist in Olney if you experience any injuries from running, football, soccer or any other sport or physical activity. Your podiatrist will be able to properly treat you and offer prevention techniques that will get you back on the field as quickly as possible.
