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As basketball season comes to an end and baseball season continues, it is important to take proper care of your feet to ensure a long lasting season and to avoid the bench. America has carried on a love affair with baseball for over a century. Whether you are a professional baseball player or play in youth leagues, adult softball teams, or pickup games with friends, your feet and ankles take a beating while you are playing any sport. Running for fitness is also very important in maintaining proper health and remaining active, but it is not always easy on your feet. Without proper precautions, foot and ankle injuries may occur, just as with baseball and other sports. The balance, support, and propulsion of a runner's body all depend on the foot. Before entering a fitness regimen that includes running, it is important to make certain that your body's connection with the ground is in proper working order. Whether running in sports, with friends or any other reason, it is important to pay extra close attention to the health of your feet this summer season. What is Sports Podiatry? A sports podiatrist treats foot, ankle and leg injuries by altering lower limb function. Additionally, a sports podiatrist will also analyze the way the foot strikes the ground and the chain of motion from the foot, knee, hip and back. By doing this, your sports podiatrist will determine whether there are any mechanical imbalances that may be contributing to your injury. Maintaining correct alignment with the position of your feet during stance are exaggerated during walking and is further increased during sport activity. Specializing in the diagnosis and management of foot and lower leg disorders with a focus on injuries commonly associated with foot and lower limb function. When it comes to sports, it is important to protect your feet from injury. Activities such as football, baseball, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse often lead to ankle injuries as a result of play on artificial surfaces, improper footwear, and/or inadequate stretching. Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports and may often occur while running, shooting baskets, fielding balls, etc. Sprains should be evaluated by your sports podiatrist to determine the extent of the injury, including possible fractures. Your podiatrist will develop a treatment plan in order to properly heal your ankle. Failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains. Overuse or excessive training can also put some athletes on the bench with Achilles tendinitis or heel pain. Regular stretching of the calf muscles gently and gradually before and after the game will help minimize the pain and stiffness. The Aches and Pains of Running Even with the best preparation, aches and pains may be inevitable as a result of a new running regimen or frequent running in sports. One of the most common running pains is known as runner's knee, which is all around knee pain, commonly caused by excessive rolling in and down of the foot. Arch supports prescribed by your podiatrist are the best way to alleviate the problem. Some running tips to remember: * Start easy and build up your distances slowly
* Don't forget to stretch regularly
* Use sport specific shoes
* Fit your shoes with the socks that you plan to wear during your running Contact your podiatrist in New York City if you exhibit any injuries from running, baseball or any other sport and physical activity. Your podiatrist can properly treat and offer prevention techniques so that you don't sit on the bench for the season.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading podiatrist in New York City, Dr. Gary Evans. Dr. Gary Evans has also appeared on Good Morning America to demonstrate laser toenail treatment in New York City using the PinPointe FootLaser. Dr. Evans is qualified to handle any podiatry need for patients of every age, including heel pain in NYC.
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