Hello, my name is Cindy. I live in the suburbs of Sydney with my family. Although I would occasionally visit the doctor when I was feeling too good or if one of the children had a cold. However, my whole view on doctors changed when I found a lump on breast last year. I went to my GP in a panic, but he was a real sweetie. He calmed me down and explained he would refer me for a further investigation. Thankfully, they caught my cancer early and after some treatment, I made a full recovery. Since this close call, I have taken a keen interest in everything health related.
If you've stayed out of sports or physical activity for a while, you probably know that you have lost strength, flexibility and skill. You need to be conscious of the potential of suffering injuries as a result. Despite being the most used parts of the body, the feet tend to get less attention. You will find people warming up their arms, hamstrings and upper legs, but never the feet.
Unfortunately, foot problems such as heel pain and infection can make it impossible for you to resume your favourite sport. Therefore, take note of these foot care tips to prevent injury and achieve a smooth transition from rest to physical activity.
Stretch Your Feet
Engaging in foot exercises before running, doing yoga or engaging in other sports help promote flexibility and reduce instances of injury. Simple stretches such as clenching the arch of your foot and toes and holding for several seconds can ward off heel pain. If you leave near the beach or in a sandy area, walking barefoot in the sand is also a great way of strengthening the feet. If you took a break from sports due to foot injury, concentrate your warmups on the injured part to boost its flexibility and strength.
Get Sport-Specific Shoes
One mistake most people make when buying sports shoes is going for any pair on the market. Just because a pair of shoes is great for sports doesn't mean it's suitable for the activity you engage in. Here are some few examples of the best shoes for different sports:
If you're not sure of the best types of shoes for your sport, consult a podiatrist. They can also recommend a suitable brand that has quality and long-lasting footwear.
Ease Into Physical Activity
After taking an extended break from physical activity, it's reasonable to want to come back with a bang. You want to hit the field or gym and put your best work in. However, this may be counterproductive in the long run. Overexerting your feet can expose you to foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, toenail fungus and blisters, among many others.
Ease into the sport so your feet can develop strength and flexibility. Also, observe proper foot hygiene by cleaning your feet and moisturising them to prevent cracked heels.
Follow these tips to prevent foot conditions and injury when returning to sports. Contact a podiatry clinic if you're experiencing any foot problems before resuming sports.
Share11 December 2019
