Podiatrist and Better Sports Performance

Podiatrists specialize in treating conditions affecting the feet and ankles. Seeing a foot doctor periodically can be beneficial to anyone, especially athletes. Not only do podiatrists help you maintain healthier feet, but they can also help prevent sports injuries which can lead to better athletic performance. Dr. Jason Wilks, the experienced podiatrist at Wilks Advanced Foot Care in Roseburg, OR, treats sports injuries and also helps prevent them.

Common Sports Injuries and Conditions 

Participating in sports can increase the risk of developing certain types of foot and ankle conditions or injuries. Some common sports injuries and conditions treated by the skilled podiatrist at our office in Roseburg, OR, include:

• Ankle sprains — Injury associated with pain and swelling in the ankle that occurs when the ankle twists in a different direction as the foot.
• Stress fractures — A small, but painful hairline crack in the bone, often due to repeated force on the bone when muscle tissue is unable to absorb the impact. 
• Plantar fasciitis — A condition associated with pain at the bottom of the heel caused by inflammation or damage to the shock-absorbing plantar facia tissues running along the bottom of the feet.
• Achilles tendinitis — A condition associated with pain at the back of the heel often caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon that extends from the mid-calf area to the heel. 
• Ankle fractures — An injury characterized by a break or crack in one of the bones making up the ankle joint. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, tenderness, and bruising. 
• Heel spurs — Bony protrusions on the bottom of the heel bone that are formed by a buildup of calcium. Athletes with either high arches or flat feet tend to be more prone to developing heel spurs. 
• Turf toe — Occurs when the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is the main joint of the big toe, becomes sprained as a result of being forcibly bent upwards. 

Preventing Sports Injuries

One of the ways a podiatrist can help athletes perform better is by helping them take steps to prevent injuries. Some simple tips for preventing injuries while participating in sports include:

• Warm up completely and follow with dynamic stretching before working out, practicing, or competing in sports.
• Include cross-training as part of your workout routines to prevent muscle overuse. 
• Add low-impact activities, such as swimming or yoga, to your training program to prevent overuse and reduce the risk of injuries. 
• Slowly ease into new workout programs and gradually build up to more intense or advanced workouts to prevent muscle overuse. 
• Wear well-fitting shoes with plenty of support and cushioning. A podiatrist is able to recommend the right types of athletic shoes designed for your particular foot structure and gait. 
• Insert custom orthotics into footwear to correct an irregular walking pattern, as well as reduce pain and discomfort. 

Seeing a podiatrist regularly can help athletes maintain healthier feet and ankles, which can lead to better sports performance. Schedule a foot exam with Dr. Wilks, the amazing podiatrist at Wilks Advanced Foot Care in Roseburg, OR, by calling (541) 673-0742.