Keep Your Feet on Their Game
Playing sports is a great way to have fun and stay in shape. However, there’s nothing more upsetting than having to cut the game short due to a foot injury. This spring, Westfield Foot and Ankle wants to help keep you playing the sports you love all season long. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with common foot injuries and conditions associated with sports and how to avoid them.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot may not happen on the court or field, but it can definitely cause you some discomfort. Athlete’s foot is an infection caused by a fungus that thrives in warm damp areas. Keep your feet clean by:
Always wearing shower shoes or flip flops in the locker room
Never reusing sweaty athletic socks
Avoid sharing footwear or other gear that touches feet
Ankle Sprains
Whether your jumping on the basketball court or making quick cuts on the soccer fields, you need to make sure you’re giving your ankles the support they need. Ankle sprains occur when over-strain or tear the ligaments in that area. You can stave off sprains by:
Properly stretching and warming up before exercising
Wear custom orthotics that provide extra support and stability
Adequately rest and strained ankles before resuming heavy activity
Morton’s Neuroma
Extended trauma on the feet from sports can damage the nerves in your feet. If you’ve noticed tingling or a loss of sensation in your toes, you may have developed Morton’s neuroma. Conservative methods are generally successful in treating and preventing this condition and they include:
Increasing support with custom orthotics
Reducing impact by wearing padded socks
Using anti-inflammatories like cortisone
If you’ve injured your feet while playing sports, please don’t hesitate to seek the care you need! Delaying treatment will only keep you out of the game longer. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. David Sullivan, is ready to evaluate your feet today and help keep you playing at the best of your ability. Our office is conveniently located in Westfield, IN, and serves all of Hamilton County. Make an appointment online or call today at (317) 896-6655.