Fighting Off Common Sports Injuries with Preventative Care
Whether you’re hitting the court or pounding the pavement, sports fuel your competitive spirit and keep your feet moving. Yet amidst the adrenaline rushes and endorphin highs, it’s easy to forget a cost that’s common to nearly all athletic endeavors: Foot injuries.
NY Foot Health strives to keep New Yorkers healthy and active, and that entails some outreach and awareness efforts regarding common pitfalls to avoid. By understanding the basics of the injuries listed below, you can keep pushing your limits without getting sidelined. Read on for fitter feet!
Ankle Sprains
Sprains occur when ligaments around the ankle stretch or tear due to sudden twists or rolls. Studies suggest they account for 23 million annual visits to U.S. healthcare providers!
Prevention: Warm up properly before activity, strengthen ankle muscles with exercises, and choose supportive footwear with good traction.
Plantar Fasciitis
Repetitive stress can inflame the plantar fascia, the band of tissue supporting your arch, leading to heel pain. Around 10% of Americans experience this at some point.
Prevention: Stretch the plantar fascia and calves regularly, wear supportive shoes with shock absorption, and avoid sudden increases in training intensity.
Stress Fractures
Tiny cracks in bones can develop from repetitive stress, often in the metatarsals or heels. Runners are particularly vulnerable.
Prevention: Gradually increase training intensity, wear properly fitted shoes that absorb shock, listen to your body, and take rest days when needed.
Turf Toe
Sudden hyperextension of the big toe, often on artificial turf, can cause joint pain and inflammation. This injury exhibits a higher degree of prevalence in football players.
Prevention: Stretch and strengthen the toes and ankles, wear shoes with good flexibility and toe protection, and avoid sharp changes in direction on hard surfaces.
Blisters
Friction from ill-fitting shoes or socks can create fluid-filled bubbles on the skin that can lead to further irritation or even infection when they’re neglected or exacerbated.
Prevention: Choose moisture-wicking socks and properly fitted shoes with ample room for your toes. Wear blister-prevention balm for extra protection.
Prevention is great, but sometimes, intervention is necessary. If you want to find podiatrists in your area, consult our online directory. And to learn more about foot injuries and treatments, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter!