Do you participate in sports on a regular basis? Are you a weekend warrior - enjoying the occasional game of football with friends? Better than any treatment for foot and ankle injuries is the opportunity to prevent injury in the first place. Your feet are the most overlooked body parts when it comes to exercise, yet they can tell you so much about your overall health. As you exercise or participate in sports, pay attention to what your feet are telling you. The American Podiatric Medical Association stresses the importance of foot care in exercising because there is a tremendous amount of pressure placed on your feet while participating in sports and exercising. Improper foot care during exercise is a contributing factor to some of the more than 300 foot ailments. Simple Guidelines When it comes to preventing foot and ankle injuries it is important to do the following: Warm up prior to any sports activity. Lightly stretch or perform a slow hog for two to three minutes to warm up your muscles. Don't force the stretch with a bouncing motion. Condition your muscles for the sport you participate in. The amount of time spent on the activity should be increased gradually over a period of weeks to build both muscle strength and mobility. Cross training by participating in different activities can help build your muscles. Choose athletic shoes specifically for your foot type. People who have feet that pronate or have low arches should choose shoes that provide support in both the front of the shoe and under the arch. Replace athletic shoes when the tread wears out of the heels wear down. People who run regularly should replace their shoes every six months, or more frequently. Avoid running or stepping on uneven surfaces. Try to be careful on rocky terrain or hills with loose gravel. Holes, tree stumps and roots are problematic while running on a trail. Be careful running too many hills. Running uphill is a great workout, but make sure you gradually build this up to avoid injuries. Prevent reoccurring injuries. Athletes who have experienced ankle injuries previously may benefit from using a brace or tape to prevent recurring ankle injuries. Don't ignore your body. If you experience foot and ankle pain during a sport, stop the activity or modify it until your pain subsides. Treatment for Various Foot Injuries Treatment for many foot and ankle injuries varies depending on the severity of the injury and location. Most strains and sprains can be treated conservatively with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Moderate to severe cases, on the other hand, may require some form of immobilization such as a brace or a cast. Other injuries that don't heal within the expected time frame, or those that are more severe, may require surgery. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as the injury occurs in order to prevent more damage. Immediate and appropriate treatment ensures the best recovery possible. Contact your podiatrist in Memphis, TN if you are injured or experiencing painful symptoms of the feet and ankles. Your podiatrist will be able to examine your injury, as well as offer prevention tips for remaining active.
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Foot and ankle injuries are common in sports, especially those that involve running and jumping. You can decrease the risk of injury to your feet and ankles by taking extra precautions. Continue reading to learn more about how you can further prevent injuries from occurring.
Dr. Nathan Lucas of Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis, LLC is a leading foot surgeon, specializing in CoolTouch in Memphis, TN. He is a board certified foot surgeon specializing in reconstructive, revisional and cosmetic foot and ankle surgery. Services include the treatment of bunions, heel pain, and Memphis, TN CoolTouch laser for toenail fungus.
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