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Over 10 million sports injuries occur each year, most due to traumatic injury or overuse of muscles and joints. Bearing the weight of the entire body, the foot is under tremendous stress, and in many sports, the foot can absorb forces reaching more than 20 times the athlete's body weight. Among the most common sports-related injuries are ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures and plantar fasciitis. And without proper treatment, an athlete's minor foot injury can turn into a serious problem, landing you a spot on the bench. The good news is that many sports-related injuries can be prevented with proper training and modified footwear. And when pain persists, your Spring Hill podiatrist can make recommendations for a treatment plan to get you back to your best performance. Sports Podiatry A podiatrist plays a very important role in evaluating and treating lower leg and foot problems caused by sports injuries. Taking into consideration the patient's inherited structural variations, abnormal foot biomechanics, muscle imbalances, and external factors such as shoes and training programs, the podiatrist can make a diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment can range from physical therapy, orthotics or even surgery to repair a broken bone or damaged ligament; all of which are designed to treat your injury and strengthen your feet for return to normal activity and improved performance. Train Appropriately The most common cause of sports-related injuries is poor training. With that being said, many injuries could be prevented if athletes took the time to train and recognize problems with their feet and ankles. It's not uncommon for athletes to experience temporary discomfort after participating in rigorous workouts or sports training, but if the pain persists for more than a few days with continued swelling or redness, an athlete should see their Spring Hill podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and recommend treatment options. Pain is a warning sign, and if the pain is ignored, then an athlete is only asking for significant down time from his or her sport. Wear Activity-Appropriate Footwear Many athletic foot problems can be avoided by wearing the most supportive and activity-appropriate shoes. No matter what sport you play, your shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment. From baseball and running to basketball and tennis, choosing the best athletic shoes for the biomechanics of your feet can make a huge difference in keeping your feet and ankles healthy and strong. Even the perfect shoe will wear out with time, so it's also important to be timely in replacing them when they can no longer offer you the support and stability you need. Fortunately, shoe technology has advanced to allow for variances in foot characteristics that require stability cushioning specific to different physical activities. Tips for Finding the Best Shoes for Your Feet: • Have your feet measured to ensure the best fit
• Shop for shoes in the middle of the day when your feet are largest
• Wear the sock you normally wear when exercising or playing your sport
• If you have bunions or hammertoes, find a shoe with a wide toe box
• Ask your podiatrist for recommendations While recurring foot pain may seem normal, it could be a sign of a more serious injury. When conservative treatments, like rest and ice, don't ease your symptoms and pain persists, visit your podiatrist in Spring Hill for an evaluation of your condition and recommendations for treatment. Not only can a podiatrist help treat your current foot or ankle pain, but provide you with helpful tips to prevent sports injuries in the future.
Dr. Charles Chapel of Chapel Podiatry is a leading podiatrist in Spring Hill and Brooksville. Offering an array of podiatric treatments, including diabetic foot care, wound care and heel pain in Brooksville and Spring Hill, Dr. Chapel is qualified to handle foot care needs for patients of every age.
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