It’s the 3rd period, you’re lining up for the final shot, ready to make the game winning play…BUT you have foot pain that’s been bothering you all day! Don’t let it distract you from the game or keep you from excelling at the sports you love. It doesn’t matter what type of sport/activity you participate in; injuries can occur at any point. Knowing how to limit your risk of injury is key in keeping you upright and moving forward towards the goal. Today, we’ll go over what you can do and what we can do to help you finish on top of the podium without a foot pain distraction.
Moderation in training
It is very easy to get caught up in the excitement of sport. The snow melts away, you slip your running shoes on and hit the track running 7 days a week. But overdoing it can cause huge issues in the long-term. Overtraining is one of the biggest risk factors when it comes to injuries in sport. Making sure you take it slow and train smart. This is always a great approach as it gives our bodies time to get used to the demands of sport. Even if you are a seasoned pro, practice quality over quantity and know your limits.
Gait assessment
Getting your gait assessed and knowing how your body moves is very important as it can help to show what you may be more at risk of injuring. For example, flat feet and overpronation often leads to more arch discomfort, whereas ankle instability can cause frequent sprains, etc. There are so many factors at play when it comes to your gait. At BioPed, we perform a full gait analysis and show you exactly how your body moves and what we can do if help is needed.
Proper footwear
Shoes are the foundation to your body and in sport nothing changes. Similar to footwear for outside and inside, the most important thing is fit. Finding a skate, ski boot or running shoe that fits both length and width is crucial to foot health. No one likes blisters, callouses and corns, and with improperly fitted shoes the small hotspots you feel by half time can lead to major issues throughout the season.
Orthotics
Some people are just naturally more prone to injury and our body’s biomechanics can be a big contributing factor. Orthotics can be a fantastic solution to help prevent injury as they help to control for abnormal movement in the feet and give the lower limbs more stability. The best part is, we can make them fit into anything!
Bracing
Last, but not least, bracing! Whether you are recovering from an injury or at a higher risk for sprains, braces can provide additional stability and reduce the likelihood of further injuries, while also boosting confidence on the field. With a variety of options available, you can find a brace tailored to your specific needs and injured area.
Come see us
If you’re looking to elevate your game or there’s pain that is making it tough to continue playing, please book an appointment today! At BioPed Footcare, whether its bracing, shoes, orthotics or footwear we are here for you. With our on-site lab there is nothing we can’t do! Meet with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how you can keep your feet and legs healthy!
