Northeast Florida is filled with year-round youth sports programs and several gyms in every community. With sports activities often come foot injuries. Dr. Herbst at Podiatry Associates of Florida, San Jose Boulevard Division, sees athletes young and old who have either injured themselves from a one-time incident or allowed a small problem to become more severe over time because the patient assumed the pain would improve.
Podiatry Associates of Florida understands the severity of sports injuries and also how athletes desire to heal quickly so they can get back out on the court, field, diamond, gym or whatever sports arena they participate in. Dr. Herbst and staff help patients decrease foot pain and improve mobility. But there are things you can do to help prevent sports injuries.
TIP #1
Always warm up your feet before doing any long distance or strenuous exercise. Take a few minutes to stretch the foot and calves. There are a few “go to” exercises that are highly suggested. A simple exercise is to use a wall, lean against it slowly, feel a different stretch by altering the heel position. Another great warm up and pre-exercise routine that can help warm up the muscles in your feet involves rolling a golf ball under the barefoot. Place a golf ball on the ground and lightly roll your foot around the ball. Work around the ball and you may find a spot that needs a little more TLC than others! Also, never underestimate the power of a light jog, this works to get the feet ready for higher intensity as well
TIP #2
Athletes typically buy and try athletic shoes like Goldie Locks and the Three Bears. But even when they find the shoe they feel is “just right”, it might not be! Finding a running shoe store that can properly fit you for the type of activity you participate in and the shape of your foot and arches is imperative. Certain brands and styles can create problems for different shaped feet. Proper footwear will help with support and in return prevent injury. Sometimes orthotics and other custom inserts are necessary. Dr. Herbst provides those services.
TIP #3
Finally, athletes have a tendency to fight through pain or assume it will subside with time. This isn’t always the case. In fact, even minor injuries can become bigger problems because they’re ignored or remedied at home. If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain that is preventing you from participating in sports and after a few days of rest, the pain isn’t improving it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with a Podiatrist. Dr. Herbst sees lots of athletes, young and old. And the goal is always to properly diagnose the problem, develop a plan for pain management and improvement and get you back in the sports you love as soon as possible.
If you’re experiencing sports-related foot pain and can’t seem to find relief, call our office today and make an appointment with Dr. Herbst.