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Preventing Sports-Related Injuries


 

 By Center for Podiatric Medicine
 September 13, 2017
 Category: Podiatry
 Tags: Sports Injuries  
Keep your feet and ankles healthy while still enjoying the heat of the game.

We know that as an athlete you are excited and pumped to head out on the field and play the game. Of course, before you start, there are some safety measures you have to take to protect your body from injury. Particularly if you play contact sports, you may be prone to foot and ankle injuries. In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, about 25 percent of athletic injuries are actually foot and ankle injuries. Our Schaumburg, IL, podiatrists are here to tell you how to prevent these injuries from happening to you.

We believe in preventing injuries and diseases first and foremost. Here are some things you can do to protect your feet and ankles during a game:

Warming up and Stretching

Do not underestimate the importance of warming up before the game. Just as you wouldn’t take an exam unprepared, you shouldn’t go out on the field with a body that is cold and not fully ready to engage in physical activity.

Take anywhere from about 10 to 15 minutes to perform dynamic stretches or to jog in place prior to the game. Getting the blood pumping to all muscles and tissues before a game is a great way to prevent injuries.

Consider Orthotics

Sometimes even the best of footwear can’t offer the full protection and shock absorption your feet and ankles need. When this occurs it might be a good idea to talk to us about custom-made orthotics. Don’t be fooled! Over-the-counter orthotics aren’t the same thing. This one-size-fits-most approach could end up making issues worse. Fortunately, we can tailor make these shoe inserts to provide the support you need to keep feet and ankles happy and healthy.

Choose the Right Footwear

It’s important that you are wearing the right shoes for the job. As you probably already know, not all sneakers are created equally. You’ll want to find shoes that offer the support, stabilization and cushioning that you need depending on the sport you are playing. Soccer players will need different shoes than someone who plays hockey or football. If you are in doubt, talk to us or head to a sporting goods store to get the advice you need on how to choose the right athletic footwear to meet your needs.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury it’s important that you get the problem checked out right away. Whether it’s foot pain and swelling or you can’t put weight on your ankle, these are all problems that should be looked at by our foot specialist. Call Center for Podiatric Medicine in Schaumburg, Elmhurst, and River North, IL and Highland, IN today!

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