How to Avoid Sports & Exercise Injuries

While there are considerable benefits to working out and exercising, all that added stress and pressure increases the chances of getting a foot or ankle injury. Fortunately, by wearing supportive shoes made for the activity, using custom orthotics, and doing some physical therapy exercises for warming up, you can avoid getting injuries in the first place.

These tips will help you avoid sports and exercise injuries:

• Wear properly fitted shoes with orthotic inserts—Always wear appropriately sized and fitted footwear appropriate for the activity. For example, wearing running shoes to play basketball is just asking for trouble. Have your feet checked by your podiatrist for pronation problems and get the proper arch supports and orthotics for optimum foot health.

• Always do a proper warm-up—One of the most important steps to avoiding injury while exercising is to do a proper warm-up beforehand. Doing a variety of warm-up exercises such as stretching your calves and ankles for ten minutes before playing or working out will help prevent pulled muscles and tendon problems, among other issues.

• Start a new exercise program gradually—A common scenario for people who are just starting on an exercise program is to try to do too much, too fast, resulting in a foot or ankle injury. Whenever starting a new sport or exercise program, always start gradually and increase your intensity over time. It will give your body time to adjust and help prevent injuries.

If you are suffering from a sports or exercise injury, be sure to see our foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment protocols. Make an appointment with Valley Stream Podiatry, located in Valley Stream, NY. With access to advanced technologies, Dr. Andrew Shapiro, Dr. Michael Barkin and Dr. Sajni Shah can help you manage all of your foot and ankle conditions, including heel pain, ankle sprains, toe deformities, fungal toenails, and plantar warts. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today.