Foot and Ankle Injury Prevention for Athletes

Make sure you are doing everything to protect yourself both on and off the field.

Injury prevention is the name of the game when it comes to the longevity of an athlete’s performance. We all know how important it is for every athlete to keep themselves healthy and strong. Foot and ankle injuries are some of the most common sports-related injuries. Our podiatrists Dr. John Sigle and Dr. Grant Gonzalez at Foot and Ankle Center of Illinois, with offices in Springfield, Decatur, Carlinville, Shelbyville, Taylorville and Sullivan, IL want athletes to know how to safeguard against these problems.

Always Warm Up First

While some cars may be able to go from zero to 60 in a few seconds, our bodies weren’t meant for that kind of sudden intensity. You need to give your body time to warm up and prepare for activity. Jumping right into your training could lead to injury.

Before training or a game, make sure that you give yourself ample times to warm-up (about 15 minutes). Get the blood flowing to all areas of your body with simple activities such as light jogging, riding a stationary bike and dynamic stretches.

Wear the Appropriate Shoes

You also need to be wearing the right shoes for your activity. Not all athletic footwear works the same and the type of shoes you need will depend on your sport or even the intensity of your training (low-impact versus high-impact workouts). The ideal shoe will cushion and support the foot, particularly the heels and arches.

You also need to replace shoes once they are worn out to reduce your risk for fractures, sprains and strained muscles. Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts can also provide additional support and stabilization for active feet. Ask our foot doctors if orthotics are right for you.

Gradually Build Up Your Workout

Again, just as you wouldn’t immediately jump right into an activity without first warming up you also shouldn’t suddenly increase the intensity or severity of your activity. You need to give your body time to adjust and strengthen the appropriate muscles, ligaments and tendons for the job first. Putting a lot of unnecessary stress on these unconditioned soft tissues can leave you prone to some serious injuries including fractures.

If you are faced with an injury it’s important that you turn to a doctor who understands the unique needs of athletes and their bodies. You’ll find the care you need at Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois with offices in Springfield, Decatur, Carlinville, Shelbyville, Taylorville and Sullivan, IL. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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