Its official – the 2014 football season is well underway and in full swing! In the mire of foam fingers, painted faces, and nacho platters that are now sure to flood your weekend festivities, it is truly a joyous time for celebration (if your team wins that is!). Despite all the celebration and weekend festivities associated with game day rituals, Players such as Chargers’ Manti Te’o or (Toe-O as we’re referring to him) are already losing game time due to injuries to their feet. Whether you’re playing professionally, academically, or just in the backyard the long-term mental capacity damage from repetitive concussions is deeply concerning.
However, in the light of the recent scandals regarding concussions to the head, people often forget the extremely debilitating injuries that occur on the other side of the body – the feet! Foot and ankle injuries are extremely common in high-impact sports such as football, and can lead to a number of long-term problems. In addition to the number of sprains, fractures, and tendon injuries that may occur, football players are also prone to a number of other injuries such as turf toe, Sesamoiditis, Plantar fasciitis, and even Achilles tendonitis or rupture. Oftentimes, many of these injuries take much longer to heal than the participant will accept, and this can lead to additional injuries and a worse overall prognosis.
Team sports are excellent for developing personal skills, personal fitness and for just overall fun! However, parents of students playing football in the Annapolis and Crofton areas should take extra caution to be sure their teens are training and playing properly to avoid injury. Below are my pro-tips for reducing injury during any physical activity. As always, if an injury is suspected and is beyond self-care it is important that you seek proper medical care immediately to prevent long-term damage!
The Crofton Podiatry tips for reducing football injury to the lower extremity:
· Be sure to properly warm up prior to any sports activity
· Condition your muscles for the sport in the off season
· Choose athletic shoes specifically for your foot type
· Replace athletic shoes when the tread wears out or the heels wear down
· Prevent recurrent injury by listening to your body!
· Listen to your body
By Brad Toll.