02 Apr How Our Sports Podiatrists Can Help You
Did you just sign up for a running challenge but not quite sure if you can go the distance? Have your kids enrolled in a winter sport for the upcoming season? Are you a long-time athlete who’s been literally stopped in your tracks due to a nagging sports injury? Taking up a sports activity can be exhilarating, offering a myriad of physical and mental health benefits. However, before diving into any sport, it’s crucial to ensure that your feet are ready for action. As you’re aware, your feet are the foundation of your body; any issues with them can significantly impact your health and even lead to injuries. This is where our sports podiatrists can offer vital expertise so that you start your athletic journey on the right foot this April and beyond.
What is Sport Podiatry?
The human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 ligaments, making it a complex structure vital for support, mobility, and balance. Each part plays a vital role in supporting your body weight, maintaining balance and facilitating movement and even minor issues can result in discomfort and pain.
A sports podiatrist specialises in evaluating foot structure, biomechanics, and gait to enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries. At footinjuryclinic, our sports podiatrists Russel Rubin and Trevor Proskovetiz use advanced techniques like gait analysis to identify issues and recommend personalised interventions such as orthotics, exercises, and footwear adjustments. By providing guidance on selecting appropriate athletic shoes and offering tailored treatment plans, they help (would-be) athletes minimise the risk of common injuries and achieve their sporting goals with confidence. Here’s how we can help.
Assessing Foot Structure and Function
Before you lace up your sports shoes, our sports podiatrists will conduct a thorough examination of your feet to assess their structure and biomechanics. This includes evaluating arch height, foot alignment, range of motion, and joint stability. By identifying any anatomical abnormalities or biomechanical inefficiencies, they can recommend appropriate interventions such as orthotics or specific exercises to optimise foot function and prevent injuries.
Analysing Gait and Biomechanics
Your gait (the way you walk or run) is a critical aspect of sports performance. A sports podiatrist utilises advanced gait analysis techniques to assess your movement patterns and detect any abnormalities or asymmetries. Whether it’s overpronation, supination, or gait deviations, understanding how your feet interact with the ground can help tailor treatment strategies and footwear recommendations to enhance efficiency and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
Addressing Footwear Needs
The shoes you wear during sports activities play a pivotal role in providing support, cushioning, and stability. However, not all athletic footwear is created equal, and selecting the right pair can be daunting. Our sports podiatrists will offer expert guidance on choosing correct footwear based on your foot type, biomechanics, and the specific demands of your chosen sport. They can also advise on proper shoe fit, lacing techniques, and when to replace worn-out shoes to minimise the risk of foot-related issues.
Preventing Injuries
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to sports injuries. By undergoing a thorough foot examination and sport podiatry evaluation, you’re proactively addressing potential risk factors and maximising your chances of injury-free participation. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a recreational enthusiast, optimising your foot health can prevent common injuries like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and stress fractures and also improve your overall performance.
Tailoring Treatment Plans
Every individual is unique, and so are their foot-related concerns and goals. Our sports podiatrists take a personalised approach to foot care, considering your specific needs, activity level, and lifestyle factors. Whether it involves custom-made orthotics (crafted in our in-house lab), strength training exercises, footwear modifications, or biomechanical interventions, they’ll develop a tailored treatment plan to address your concerns and optimise your sports performance safely and effectively.
So, before you hit the playing field, court, or track, make sure to prioritise your foot health by scheduling a sport podiatry evaluation. Investing in this proactive measure not only reduces the risk of injuries but also sets the stage for a successful and enjoyable sports experience. Contact our friendly team to book a sports podiatry examination today!