Sports podiatrists can assist athletes with improving lower limb function using orthotic insoles. Furthermore, biomechanical assessment and specific testing will determine whether their leg stability and alignment is suitable for their sport or activity of choice.
Every time an athlete’s foot hits the ground, massive forces travel through their bones and tissues – an experienced sports podiatrist can manage these forces efficiently.
Preventative care
Are You an Athlete Needing Podiatric Treatment? For athletes, having healthy feet is integral to participation in their sport of choice. A sports podiatrist Adelaide offers preventative care services designed to safeguard against injuries that could hinder performance.
Just like your primary care doctor, a sports podiatrist will take time to get acquainted with you and understand your medical history. They may ask what sports and exercise activities you participate in regularly as this allows them to provide you with a more thorough analysis of any injury impacting athletic activities.
An injury that often arises in sports is sprain or ligament tear. These types of injuries are generally treatable by podiatrists through orthotics and physical therapy treatments; if these fail, surgery may become necessary as an option.
A podiatrist can perform a biomechanical assessment through the use of a pressure pad, which enables them to see how your foot contacts the ground and how pressure shifts as you move. This assessment is especially important if you’re planning to increase the intensity of your workouts or athletic training; they will be able to determine whether your feet and lower legs can handle increased strain before permitting you to start this training regimen.
Post-injury care
Sports podiatrists’ primary objective is injury prevention; however, many also provide expert care for injured athletes in an array of ways, from pre-game strapping and taping, during-game injury triage and treatment, post-game recovery techniques as well as providing post-game recovery techniques to their clients. Many professionals find their work immensely fulfilling because it helps build strong relationships between clients and teams they support.
Sports podiatrist Adelaide assist their patients in improving their foot mechanics by recommending appropriate warm-up and exercise routines to suit each person’s physical capabilities, showing how to tape their feet properly, and suggesting muscle strengthening exercises. Furthermore, these specialists can perform biomechanical assessments that can identify issues in someone’s lower extremities that could be leading to pain, weakness or imbalance within their bodies.
If someone’s Achilles tendon is tight, this could lead to Achilles tendonitis – which causes pain and stiffness upon awakening or during physical activity – which can be treated using ice, over-the-counter painkillers and medications, strength training as well as proper strengthening techniques. Conversely, if they experience sore heels a podiatrist might recommend using either a heel cup or orthotic device; in more serious cases they might suggest surgery as the only solution.
Treatment
Podiatrists provide a range of treatments, from non-invasive options such as ice, stretching and muscle strengthening exercises to orthotic insoles or footwear prescription. If more serious conditions exist they can also offer cortisone injections or surgery to address issues like hammertoes or broken bones.
Sports injuries often result from overuse of feet and ankles, leading to muscle imbalance that leads to pain and discomfort. A sports podiatrist is well equipped to recognise and address such imbalances, helping athletes prevent future injuries.
Sports podiatrists also offer help with non-injury related problems, including ingrown toenails and heel spurs. Furthermore, they can recommend shoes or accessories to protect the feet during athletic participation to reduce further damage and further injury to them.
Athletes at all levels can benefit from visiting a sports podiatrist Adelaide, not only to prevent injuries but also improve performance and reach their full potential. If an athlete experiences foot or ankle injuries it is vitally important that they seek treatment as soon as possible with a sports podiatrist to ensure proper recovery.