As an athlete, taking care of your feet is very important,because they allow you to perform almost all movements during play. The demands placed on your feet are much greater than the average person, therefore, they need extra care. A foot and ankle doctor or podiatrist can provide foot and ankle services that are individualized to you.
In this article, we discuss foot care for athletes. We will give you tips on how to prevent foot and ankle injuries from sports and discuss how they are treated.
Foot and Ankle Injury Prevention for Athletes
To minimize the risk of foot injuries, here are the methods recommended by doctors:
#1 Wear Proper Footwear
One of the most important aspects of foot care for athletes is choosing the right footwear. There is specific footwear for nearly every sport. The shoes should have good support and give you greater stability, which minimizes the risk of strains and other injuries. If you have low or high arches, your footwear also needs to address it.
Furthermore, athletic shoes tend to wear out faster due to the high demands of sports. Once they become worn out, they should be replaced. Wearing worn out shoes can lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis and blisters.
If you are unsure of the best type of athletic shoes for your sport, consult with a sports medicine specialist.
#2 Avoid Working Out On Uneven Surfaces
Be cautious when running or stepping on uneven surfaces. Pay attention to rocky terrain, loose gravel on hills, and hazards such as tree stumps and roots when trail running. Opt for softer surfaces like dirt roads over asphalt or concrete, based on your foot and leg condition.
#3 Warm Up Before Activities
Before engaging in any sports activity, it’s important to warm up your muscles. Spend two to three minutes doing a light jog or performing dynamic stretches. Avoid bouncing motions while stretching and focus on gradually increasing flexibility.
#4 Stretch Your Legs and Ankles After Activities
Stretching your legs and ankles after a workout or game helps your body transition from high-intensity activity to a state of rest and recovery. It is effective at preventing muscle soreness and tightness and keeps muscles and joints flexible. Stretches also increase blood flow and promote the removal of waste products from the muscles.
#5 Prevent Recurring Injuries
Athletes with a history of ankle injuries may benefit from using ankle braces or ankle guards and taping techniques or to prevent recurrence. Custom orthotics can also address structural issues that lead to an increased susceptibility to foot and ankle injuries in sports. Consult with a sports medicine professional to determine which preventive measures you can use to your advantage.
#6 Allow Time for Recovery
Rest and recovery play a vital role in optimizing an athlete’s sports performance and minimizing the risk of foot and ankle injuries. It is important to incorporate regular breaks during your game to keep your body functioning at its best, and scheduling “off” days throughout the week to allow your muscles to recover and heal.
How Are Foot Injuries in Athletes Treated?
Most foot and ankle injuries can be treated with non-surgical methods. Some of the treatments used for them are:
- Rest: Resting the injured foot is crucial to allow for healing and to prevent further damage.
- Ice: Applying ice to the injury for at least 15 minutes at a time can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Compression: Using compression wraps or bandages can help reduce swelling and provide support to the injured foot.
- Elevation: Elevating the injured foot above heart level can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the area.
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used to manage pain and discomfort.
- Physical therapy: A customized physical therapy program may be prescribed to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the foot and ankle.
- Orthotic devices: Custom orthotics or shoe inserts may be recommended to provide support, stability, and proper alignment during activities.
Surgery may be recommended in patients who do not respond well to non-surgical methods. In the case of ankle sprains, the doctor may use a ligament tightening technique, which tightens the overstretched ligaments. If the ligament is severely damaged, the doctor may use a tendon graft. Arthroscopic surgery can be used to clean up the area and remove scar tissue and bone fragments.
Foot and Ankle Doctor in Naples, FL
If you are looking for superior foot care for athletes in Naples, choose podiatrist Dr. Cody Togher at the Joint Replacement Institute. Dr. Togher is also trained in sports medicine and sees athletes of all ages, as well as recreational athletes, and is dedicated to their recovery.
Our treatments are individualized to you. Find out what Dr. Togher will recommend you by scheduling an appointment with him. You can call our office today at (239) 261-2663 or use our online request form. We look forward to welcoming you to our world-class treatment facility in Naples.
