subject: Sports And Your Feet- Avoiding Injuries With The Help Of Your Carmel Podiatrist [print this page] Exercise and vigorous sports training can really take a toll on one's body, especially the feet as they take the brunt of the punishment. From basketball and football to tennis and running, repeated high stress from these high-impact sports can result in foot injuries that require professional attention from a podiatrist in Carmel to get you back in the game. A podiatrist can treat injuries of the foot and ankle using a variety of methods, including insoles, footwear and exercises.
You won't always be able to avoid a foot injury, but understanding how to recognize and treat a problem when it does happen can ensure a fast recovery; and that means less time on the sidelines. Three common sports-related foot problems include: heel pain, sprains and athlete's foot.
A Pain in the Heel
One very common and painful sports-related foot condition is plantar fasciitis- an inflammation and irritation of the band of tissue that extends from the heel along the arch of the foot. Of all athletes, runners experience plantar fasciitis the most, making running long distances extremely difficult and painful.
Rest, ice and inflammatory medications are often the best treatments for plantar fasciitis. You can also talk to your podiatrist in Carmel about specific exercises, stretches and shoe inserts that can alleviate the heel pain and treat the inflamed tissue.
Ankle Sprain Prevention
A sprained ankle means you've torn tissue- a muscle, tendon or ligament- and usually occurs following a sudden, unnatural twisting movement of the foot. The severity of a sprain will depend on the extent of stretching and tearing of ligaments. And how severe the tear is will determine how long it takes for your ankle to heal- sometimes up to several months. When a sprain first occurs there will likely be chronic ankle pain. The ankle will swell and possible discoloration may occur.
The RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) procedure should be administered right away for an ankle sprain. Serious ankle sprains, particularly among competitive athletes, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments. If you're prone to ankle sprains, avoid running on uneven terrain and wear firm, supportive footwear for improved stability. Unfortunately ankle sprains are often recurring. Your podiatrist in Carmel can help determine the severity of your sprain and the necessary course of treatment, including exercises to strengthen the weak ankle.
Avoiding Athlete's Foot
While not an injury, athlete's foot is a very common skin infection that affects athletes, and is most often contracted in warm, moist public places, such as locker rooms, showers and pools. This foot fungus usually appears as cracked and peeling skin on the bottom of the foot or between the toes. It typically itches, and when severe, blisters can form.
Prevent athlete's foot by always wearing shoes in public areas, and keep feet dry before putting on socks. Most of the time over-the-counter anti-fungal foot powder is enough to eliminate the infection. But in severe cases, a prescription strength medication from your Carmel podiatrist will be necessary for getting rid of this irritating and often recurring condition.
Whether you are a competitive runner or a star quarter back, it won't always be possible to prevent a foot or ankle injury from occurring. You can significantly reduce your chances of sustaining a serious condition, however, by taking the necessary steps toward good foot care.
