|
Your feet are the foundation of everything you do, especially in sports. Whether you play team sports such as soccer or football, or participate in solo sports such as walking, golf or tennis, 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 podiatrist in Ridgeland, MS regarding any problems or pain can only improve your game and keep you off the sidelines with acute or chronic injuries that may require surgery. Prevent Common Foot Injuries in Athletes Whether you participate regularly in sports or just periodically, it is important to be on the lookout for some common foot and ankle problems. One of the most common sports injuries tends to be ankle sprains. Immediate attention from your podiatrist is necessary in order to provide proper treatment. Sometimes a simple sprain can be an ankle fracture that requires more treatment than a sprain. Some common foot injuries include:
• Shin splints
• Achilles tendonitis
• Osgood Schlatters Disease
• Sprained ankle
• Plantar fasciitis
• Turf toe Athletes are also at a high risk for developing Achilles tendon disorders, which involve an inflammation of the tendon that runs down the back of your lower leg. This can progress into a degeneration of your Achilles tendon, which can be caused by repetitive activity. By keeping your Achilles tendon stretched, it can help to eliminate your heel pain. Additionally, athletes may experience heel pain which is often caused by plantar fasciitis - the irritation and swelling of the thick tissue on the bottom of your foot. Faulty foot structure is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis, but it can also result from wearing shoes that are worn out or not designed for the specific sport you are participating in. If your pain continues, a trip to your podiatrist will be in order. Why Sports Podiatry? 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 the evaluation of several factors, including overall postural alignment, flexibility, and strength, a treatment plan can be customized for patients to provide maximum results. Playing any kind of sport can be strenuous on your body, but your feet take the brunt of the stress. Finding a qualified Jackson 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.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Rose Sotolongo, leading podiatrist in Jackson, MS. Dr. Sotolongo has been practicing in Mississippi for 16 years and specializes in custom molded orthotics and braces for your foot and ankle needs. Patients who are looking for quality foot and ankle health care turn to Dr. Sotolongo, podiatrist in Ridgeland, and her team of professionals for all of their needs.
|
