If you probably engage in physical sports frequently or at least break some sweat with your regular workout, walking, or jogging regimen, then we must call you an active person. Good habits indeed. As prevention is better than cure, it is always wise to stay active to fight off the hazards of a sedentary lifestyle. But you can not ignore that most physical games and outdoor sports also come with the risk of injuries.
This is where the sports podiatrist comes into the scene. We’ve done the hard work of interviewing expert professionals in the podiatry stream so that you get the gist of it easily. And here you go.
Keep reading until the end to learn how to prevent common foot injuries with easy-to-follow tips and tips.
Who’s a sports podiatrist anyway?
As the name suggests, Latin podia stands for “foot,” and a podiatrist is the man who takes care of your weary feet.
Now sports podiatry is a clinical specialty of Pain medicine and rehabilitation, aka sports medicine, that deals with treating and diagnosing various diseases in feet and lower limbs, including musculoskeletal and neural structures.
A Sports podiatrist is a professional doctor trained extensively in managing sports injuries in the lower extremities.
They can also help a regular person suffering from chronic pain for years.
10 tips and tricks to prevent common foot injuries
1. Good shoes, good feet
While running or playing, It’s okay even if you wear a torn shirt or old tattered shorts, but don’t forget to put on shiny heavy-duty shoes. Invest in some good athletic footwear to keep your ankle and feet healthy. And always remember to replace your old favorite shoe with a new one when it gets old and torn because shoes are for protection. And as far as protection is concerned, a broken wall is as good as no wall. And this is true for the common man as well.
2. Stretch more
Momentum is life. So warm your muscles up before you hit the tracks or kick the ball. They need some conditioning before getting into the mood. Slowly and gradually, build momentum with simple movements and stretching exercises. Stretching also helps to heal old muscle pains and injuries. Jump a little, jog a little, twist some, and stretch a lot – when you’re match fit.
3. Hone skill
You can’t compete in formula one without knowing how to drive. That example sounds stupid and ridiculous, and think once before you laugh, isn’t that exactly what most of us do every day? Don’t start running marathons or go long jumping; neither do you expect to send the ball across the field with a single strong kick – before you learn the basics. Forcing your way up will only cause pain and irreparable damage. First, learn, then practice and flex later.
4. The leaner, the better
For runners, athletes, and common men alike, the leg muscles are one of the most important muscle groups of the entire body. So make them leaner, stronger, and more flexible. Work out regularly, use treadmills, or just jog daily to build calf and thigh muscles.
5. Get fed, get boosted.
The human body is like a machine. No machine runs smoothly if you forget to put oil into it. Iron, Phosphorus, Calcium, protein, and vitamins (especially Vit D) are some of the building blocks of the musculoskeletal system and the energy producers. Eat properly and adequately to stay in shape and balance all the essential nutrients. Ensure electrolyte balance as well.
6. Mash-up
Your muscles also get bored, as you feel after a long day of the same monotonous work in the office. Don’t make your muscles bored with the same old exercises every day. Change your schedule, and mix it with one or more different daily regimes. It’ll be fun.
7. Listen to what your body says.
After all, it’s all about your body. So listen carefully when it says, “Please stop; I can’t do it anymore.” Don’t overburden your joints and muscles, don’t overwork your heart. In the long run, that kind of thing never holds up for good. Stay in control and maintain consistency. That is the key to success.
8. Watch before you step.
Uneven surfaces are the silliest of all reasons that lead to an ankle or foot injury. So watch out before you step onto it.
9. Drink up
Stay hydrated because your muscles work better when you supply water. Water maintains electrolyte balance and enhances the overall metabolism. Drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water on a regular day. Always drink adequately and as much as you need after a strenuous exercise regimen.
10. Sleep like a baby
Staying up all night might sound cool in pop culture, but read interviews of any fit and healthy celeb, be it actors or sports persons – you’d find all of them maintain a healthy lifestyle that abides by the age-old adage – ‘ early to bed, early to rise.’ Fall asleep before midnight, sleep well for at least 6-8 hours, and wake up when dawn breaks. Start your day with a glass of water and mild exercise.
That’s the mantra for fitness.
That’s all for now. Keep this simple thing in mind and live a healthy, fit life where no injuries can stop you from achieving your dreams and goals.
