Athletes are constantly reaching new heights in their professional careers. With each passing year, new records are shattered as the human body is pushed to its limits. Competitors train rigorously and take their diets to a new level every day. Yet despite the conscientious care and precautions that athletes follow, most experience injuries at one time or another.
Whether you are a professional athlete or play sports just for fun, they demands placed on your feet and lower limbs can lead to a range of injuries. These include sprained ankles, torn ligaments, shin splints (leg pain), knee pain, low back pain and other joint or muscle problems. It is also common to experience a skin condition such as blisters, corns, calluses and Athlete's foot. Your running style, poor footwear and even minor limb length differences can also contribute to injury. We tend to the needs of the athlete, where special attention is given to the spine, joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves affecting the leg, ankle, and foot.
Here are some tips for athletic foot care:
- Wash your feet every day, and dry thoroughly.
- Wear only good-quality, well-fitting cotton socks.
- Always use the correct shoe for each sport and surface.
- Get in shape. Being overweight or out of shape places added stress on the feet. Condition yourself gradually with stretching exercises for 15-20 minutes before starting and after any activity ("warm-up" and "cool-down").
- Footwear should be given the same consideration as any other piece of sporting equipment. Sports shoes should protect as much as possible, be durable, and should be right for the sport and surface. If running, the shoe should have adequate cushioning in the mid-sole and a flared heel for stability. Orthotics can decrease pain and increase endurance.
Athletes recognize tremendous value in our care because they realize that it helps them maintain and maximize performance. Call us today to learn more about how we treat sports injuries!