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Bearing the weight of the entire body, the human foot is under tremendous stress, and in many sports, can absorb forces reaching more than 20 times the athlete's body weight. It's no wonder over 10 million sports injuries occur each year due to traumatic injury or overuse of the muscles and joints. Without rest and treatment, a minor foot injury can turn into a painful problem quickly, landing you a spot on the sidelines. Fortunately, many sports-related foot and ankle injuries can be avoided with proper training and supportive footwear. Your podiatrist in London specializes in injuries or disorders of the feet and can work with you to keep your feet strong and healthy for optimal performance on and off the field. Sports Podiatry from Your London Podiatrist Foot and ankle specialists, known as podiatrists, play an important role in evaluating and treating lower leg, foot and ankle problems caused by sport-related injuries. Taking into consideration a patient's structural variations, foot biomechanics, muscle imbalances and other factors, such as shoes and training programs, a podiatrist can make a diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment. Depending on the patient's injury, treatment can range from physical therapy and orthotics to shoe modifications or even surgery. Sports podiatry involves more than just treating the injury, however. It involves analyzing the cause of the injury and making recommendations for orthotics and exercises designed to treat the problem, get you back in the game and improve your overall performance. Out with Old Shoes and in with the New A majority of foot problems that arise from sporting activities can be prevented by wearing the most supportive and activity-appropriate shoes. Regardless of the sport, your footwear is one of the most important pieces of equipment. From tennis and running to football and soccer, choosing the best athletic shoes for your foot biomechanics can go a long way to keep your feet healthy and strong. Even the most perfectly designed shoes will wear out over time. With that being said, it's important to replace old shoes when they no longer offer you the support and stability you need to perform and train safely and comfortably. These days, advanced shoe technology allows for variances in foot characteristics that require stability cushioning specific to different sports. Finding the Best Fitting Shoe for Your Feet:
• Have your feet measured to ensure the most accurate fit
• Shop for shoes in the middle of the day when your feet are the most swollen
• When trying on shoes, wear socks you would normally wear while exercising or playing your sport
• If you suffer from hammertoes or bunions, find a shoe with a wide toe box
• Talk to your London podiatrist for shoe recommendations Foot and ankle pain is never normal and may be a sign of a serious injury or condition. When conservative treatments, like rest and ice, aren't sufficient for easing symptoms or your pain persists, visit your podiatrist in London for an evaluation. Your podiatrist can help treat your foot and ankle pain and provide helpful tips for preventing sports injuries in the future.
Dr. Paul Krestik and Nurse Practitioner Daniel Albertson are founding partners of Bluegrass Regional Foot & Ankle Associates. Dr. Krestik is a leading podiatrist in Nicholasville and London, offering years of experience and extensive treatment for various foot ailments and conditions, including heel pain, ankle pain, ingrown toenails and toenail fungus in London and Nicholasville.
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