By Center for Podiatric Medicine
April 12, 2016
Category: Foot Health
Tags: Injuries
With plenty of peanuts, Cracker Jacks and hot dogs to go around, players and fans alike are ramping up for baseball season. However, all of the excitement of the upcoming Opening Day might prevent players from worrying about the health of their feet this baseball season. Protecting your feet this season could be the difference between the starting lineup and the injury list. Learn more about avoiding baseball injuries with help from your Schaumburg, IL podiatrist.
Keep Your Feet Healthy This Season
With all of the running, jerking and sliding required to play America’s favorite past time, every player is bound to injure their foot at some point. However, by following some simple guidelines, you may be able to avoid injury altogether.
Shoes: The easiest way to avoid injury this season is to wear shoes and cleats which fit correctly. Choose the right style of cleat and replace them each season. Additionally, make sure the cleats are the right size. Have your feet measured and wear the cleats for short periods of time before your season begins to check for signs of irritation or blisters.
Sliding: This important part of baseball may seem pretty straightforward, but can lead to many injuries if not performed correctly, especially by children. Practice sliding correctly to avoid injuries like sprains, fractures and bruises. Additionally, always slide with your spikes down to avoid injuring another player.
Stretching: Going into practice or a game cold is asking for injuries. Be sure to warm up and stretch before any activity. Also be sure to check that the field is clear of any debris and the bases are secure in their positions.
Know When to Say When
Most overuse injuries start small and build over time. Catching and treating these problems early will allow you to stay on the field all season. If you are experiencing foot pain, your Schaumburg podiatrist is your best chance to prevent further injury. Do not “tough it out” and wait until the pain becomes severe or you see swelling or bruising to schedule your appointment. Additionally, seeing your podiatrist for a check up before the season starts might be beneficial in preventing existing conditions from becoming worse with the use of custom orthotics or braces.
For more information on keeping your feet healthy this baseball season, please contact your podiatrist at The Center For Podiatric Medicine in Schaumburg, IL. Call (312) 923-1100 to schedule your appointment today!
