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Many sports are hard on your feet because of quick repetitive movements, constricting footwear, and/or increased exposure to injury or trauma. In sports, your feet are the foundation of everything you do. Whether you are playing on a team or participate in solo sports, the health of your feet is vital to playing your best game and giving your best performance possible. Podiatrists specialize in injuries or disorders of the feet, and consulting with your Charlotte podiatrist regarding any problems or pain can only improve your game and keep you off the bench with acute or chronic injuries that can potentially require surgery. In order to maximize your performance, you'll want to care for your feet, which involves taking care of all parts of your body, including your ankles, knee, leg and hips. Ankle Sprains Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries and require prompt evaluation and treatment from your physician or podiatrist. What appears to be a sprain could actually be an ankle fracture, which requires a much different treatment than sprains. An injured ankle that doesn't heal properly or a return to activity too quickly is more likely to suffer repeated injury, like sprains and fractures. This can potentially lead to chronic ankle instability and chronic injuries. The RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) procedure should be administered right away for ankle injuries. Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) 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, which makes running long distances extremely difficult and painful. People with flat feet, high arches and "normal arches" can succumb to plantar fasciitis. Prevention is Key Most sport-related injuries are caused by overuse, improper footwear or poor training. In order to help prevent these injuries from occurring: • Stretch. Warm up properly before you exercise, run or begin playing a sport.
• Use caution. Pay attention when walking or running on an uneven surface.
• Support your feet. Wear shoes that offer adequate support for your foot and are designed for your specific sport and foot type.
• Build strength. Maintain good muscle strength and flexibility with proper stretching and exercising
• Don't rush. Start any new exercise program slowly, and progress gradually. Don't exercise too hard or too long.
• Play it safe. If you experience pain, remember to rest. Never ignore symptoms and signs of an injury. Visiting your Podiatrist Can Improve Your Game The bottom line is that modern sports podiatry looks at more than just the injury itself. It also analyzes the causes of the injuries and makes recommendations for orthotics and exercises designed to improve overall performance. By taking an integrated view through evaluation of several factors including overall postural alignment, flexibility, and strength, a treatment plan can be customized for patients for maximum results. Playing any kind of sport can be strenuous on your body, but your feet take the brunt of the stress. Dr. Basinger, a qualified Charlotte podiatrist, can save you precious playing time, improve your game, and give you more time doing what you love to do rather than sitting on the sidelines. Always consult with your physician or podiatrist before beginning any fitness program for a complete physical and foot examination. Don't allow recurrent or chronic pain keep you from enjoying your favorite sport. Visit Dr. Basinger for an evaluation of your foot and ankle structures and find out how you can minimize injuries for your maximum performance.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Scott Basinger of Ankle and Foot Center of Charlotte, a leading podiatrist in Charlotte, NC and Ballantyne. Offering a full array of services, including heel pain, ingrown toenails, foot pain, bunions and orthotics in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Basinger is qualified to treat any disorder of the foot and ankle for patients of all ages.
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