Any sport which involves walking, running, standing or jumping places higher physical demands on our body than normal day to day activities.
An example of the stress on your body is a runner who, during a 10km run, makes 9500 strikes with a force 3-4 times their body weight.
lt is a good idea to visit your sports podiatry specialist before entering a sports program that involves your feet and legs to make certain your body’s connection with the ground is in proper working order.
Imbalance in our feet and legs that remain unnoticed during our daily activities can give rise to injuries when placed under the repeated strains of our sporting activities.
Your sports podiatrist will examine your feet and identify potential problems.
They will also discuss particular conditions, recommend the best type of footwear, and if needed, prescribe an orthotic device that fits into a sports shoe.
To be successful, orthoses should be constructed for the individual, usually from plaster cast impressions of the feet.
Appropriate Footwear
Appropriate footwear is the most important piece of equipment a sportsperson needs.
Your podiatrist will advise you on the most suitable sports shoe for you.
Aches and Pains of Sport
A common cause of sporting injuries in the lower limb is excessive pronation of the foot.
Normal pronation, which involves the rolling in and down of the foot as weight is transferred from the outer heel to the ball of the foot (during walking or running) is necessary for shock absorption.
However, normal pronation pattern can be affected by problems in foot and leg structure, tightness of various muscle groups and inappropriate footwear.
Orthoses prescribed by your sports podiatry specialist in conjunction with appropriate footwear and stretching programs are the best way to help control excessive pronation.
Some common problems are:
- Anterior knee pain – pain in front of knee
- Achilles tendonitis
- Shin splints
- Plantar fasciitis – heel or arch pain
- Blisters, black toenails
Your Sports Podiatrist can help with these and other foot problems.
Call My Foot Clinic on 9460 1611 now for an appointment or Book Online today.
