Displaying items by tag: Sports

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we know that our Los Angeles County patients have suffered through the pandemic shutdowns. One of the most affected are our young patients. As restrictions ease, children are overjoyed to be able to get back to sports, but parents need to be vigilant about potential foot problems. After an especially long period of inactivity, young feet are more likely to experience foot pain and are vulnerable to some common podiatric disorders. Here’s how parents can help:

Update Sports Shoe

The single biggest factor in podiatric health, even in young children, is shoe choice. With fast-growing feet, chances are your child will need new athletic shoes for the sport they plan to participate in. Shop for shoes that are designed specifically to accommodate their chosen sport. Basketball sneakers, for example, offer extra ankle support while running shoes have more cushioning to absorb the stress of repetitive pounding. Fit is just as important as style. Be sure to:

• Have both of your children’s feet professionally measured
• Shop for shoes at the end of the day after children have been active—that’s when their feet will be at their largest
• Bring or have your child wear the socks he or she will use with their athletic shoes to ensure a more accurate fit
• Try on both shoes and have your child walk around the store long enough to determine they are comfortable

Look for Signs of Foot Pain

In many instances, young children are not able to articulate foot pain. However, parents may notice unusual behaviors that can signal hurting feet. These include:

• Lack of interest in sports or fitness activities they previously enjoyed
• Lagging behind peers in casual backyard play
• Complaints that feet feel “tired”
• Limping, walking on tip toe or other strange gaits

If your child exhibits any of the above symptoms or complains of foot pain, make an appointment at our Long Beach office at (562) 420-9800. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, will examine your child’s feet and get to the source of foot pain so that they can be properly treated and back in the game in no time.

How To Protect Your Feet While Playing Sports

Anyone who has played sports knows just how strenuous it can be on your feet. Think of all the skilled movements you make as an athlete: the swift twists and turns in basketball, the rigorous sprints taken in a football or baseball game, and the hard landings made after a volleyball spike. Regardless of how fit you are, the physical demands of your sport will still leave you stepping off the court or field with sore, tired feet.

Considering the wear and impact a sport can take on your feet, there is always the likelihood of damage or injury. In order to keep yourself in top condition to compete, proper foot care is essential.

Proper Footwear

Footwear appropriately designed for the sport is essential to prevent injury. A common bad habit among pickup players is wearing running shoes or skate shoes, even in a high-impact sport like basketball or volleyball.

Skate shoes are a horrible choice for any non-skating sport: they have extremely flat soles, designed to grip a board as tightly as possible. But for any other sport, you will not have the proper arch support or cushioning required for your movements.

While running shoes are perfectly appropriate for a casual game of football or soccer at the park, they are a poor choice for a sport like basketball. They may have the proper cushioning needed for running down the court, but they do not have a sole designed to grip the court surface when playing defense, increasing the likelihood of slipping. Moreover, they have neither the cushioning nor the ankle support to allow for a safe landing in basketball or indoor volleyball. Even popular low-top basketball shoes like the Kobe series will support your ankles better than a pair of running shoes.

Using either of these shoes improperly will put you at risk for conditions like plantar fasciitis or a serious ankle injury. It may not be possible or practical to have the perfect shoe for every activity, but make sure to choose the safest option available. For example, a basketball shoe would also be appropriate for court or concrete volleyball, since both sports involve quick movements, jumping, and hard landings.

Protecting Against Specific Injuries

If you have had an injury before, you know exactly which parts of your body are weaker and more prone to injury. Consider purchasing a brace or other type of support to protect your vulnerabilities.

General Precautions

• Take time off from your sport to recover, at least one day a week.
• Wear the proper equipment, such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, and shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, shoes, and/or eyewear. It’s worth mentioning that these will not guarantee safety, but they help immensely.
• Do strength and conditioning before playing. Fatigue is one of the top ten causes of injury.
• Increase your flexibility by stretching daily, and before and after games as well.
• Utilize the proper form and technique, for everything from throwing, shooting, kicking, blocking, and footwork.
• Take breaks in the middle of your game or practice session. This will reduce the chance of injury due to fatigue, as well as heat-induced illness.
• Play safe. Penalties and regulations in sports exist for a good reason.
• Do not try to be tough: stop playing if you notice pain.
• Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after physical activity. Dehydration can lead to cramping (especially in the legs and feet), severe headaches, and heat injury.
• Wear light clothing.
• Wear breathable shoes to prevent foot conditions like toenail fungus.

The Trusted Podiatrist of Athletes

Whether you are a serious competitor on a sports team, or a casual player who loves to play pickup games on the weekend, a dedicated podiatrist who prioritizes your foot health is essential.

If your hobbies have been hard on your feet, schedule a consultation today with esteemed podiatrist Dr. Vikki. Dr. Vikki has a reputation as the trusted choice of Special Olympic athletes, and an outstanding record of patient satisfaction.

For this and all your related foot care concerns, contact the specialists at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center today.