Over time, studies have proven that injury is inevitable in sports and other physical activities. In some sports activities, it can occur upwards of 80% of the time. And since many sports activities generally involve the use of legs and feet, most injuries affect the foot and ankle. Podiatry is a branch of sports medicine devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, and care of foot and ankle related injuries. The feet are the foundation of stability and balance in the lower part of the body and it’s most important that they are always in good condition.
Protective Gear
In sports, facing injury is more of a certainty rather than a probability. It is therefore pertinent that one takes preventive measures to protect themselves and care for their injuries. When an athlete or sportsperson is side-lined with an injury, a podiatrist steps in with his/her many tools of trade to get them back on their feet. But even before participating in sport’s activities, it’s advisable to wear protective gear and accessories suitable for that particular sport, for instance, protective shin guards in soccer. Additionally, one should ensure they wear comfortable shoes which are light but strong enough to withstand collision.
Pre-Sports Assessment
Healthy feet are very much a part of healthy living. Always warm-up before starting a sports activity since the body needs to ease into the routine. It’s advisable that one undergoes foot and ankle risk assessment before starting a new sport or activity. Here, any underlying problems, sensations, and structural/circulatory issues will be discovered. A foot injury not treated in time may worsen or even cause permanent walking disability in extreme cases. Denial of an injury is the biggest enemy because injuries never go away on their own. If the do-it-yourself methods don’t work, seek professional help. A great podiatrist in upper east side Manhattan can help.
Footwear
It’s important to be knowledgeable about the right type of footwear to don. One should have a good idea of their foot type, and demands of the sport that they’re in. The most common mistake that leads to foot problems is wearing shoes that are too tight. Use the three-point shoe test to evaluate the stability of the shoe and assess if it fits. One needs room for movement and it’s always easier to make a shoe smaller than bigger. Guidelines on when to replace shoes as well as top covers and other paraphernalia should be followed. If one is recovering from injury, they should wear footwear that offers support to the feet, otherwise, lose footwear like slippers can prolong the healing and recovery time.
Experienced Podiatrist
A persistent foot pain that fails to resolve within a few weeks needs to be checked by a podiatrist. A podiatric physician has had specific and extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of all manner of foot injuries. They understand all the intricate systems and structures of the lower leg and foot. His/her knowledge includes neurological, skin, circulatory, and musculoskeletal system like joints and ligaments. A great podiatrist will understand the demands of the patient’s sport and will design a suitable treatment program that aligns with the patient’s activity, without risking further injury. Anyone experiencing foot and ankle pain should immediately book an appointment with an experienced podiatrist in upper east side Manhattan. Regular visits to the podiatrist may be the best bet to enjoying a longer, more productive, and healthy life.