Warmer Weather Means More Activity and a Greater Risk of Injury!

For many of us, spring is a time of rejuvenation. We’re anxious to get outdoors, to experience the freedom of warmer weather and more activity. And early spring is a good time to train ourselves to protect our feet from possible injuries. Today, Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing some tips to rejuvenate your feet for spring! 

Sports Injuries: Two basic types of sports injuries that affect the feet are those that either result from trauma and those that are a result of repetitive stress. In most cases, getting yourself ready for more activity by stretching, wearing supportive footwear, and moving ahead slowly can help avoid sports injuries.

• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Putting constant stress on any part of the body can cause pain and inflammation and, in some cases, even do permanent damage. Examples of repetitive injuries of the feet are stress fractures, injuries to the heel, shin splints, stress fractures, and sharp pains behind the big toe.  

• Traumatic Injuries: Accidental injuries often occur during sports activities. Even non-contact sports, like bicycling, track, or tennis can result in trips or falls, crashes or improper landings. Even those of us who don’t participate in athletic activities can experience serious traumatic injuries due to moments of inattention or bad luck. Common traumatic injuries include ankle sprains, tendonitis or Achilles tendon ruptures, bone fractures, and plantar fasciitis.

All podiatric sports injuries mend best when treated quickly. In most cases, even very painful conditions can be treated with minimally invasive or noninvasive methods.

Common, Less Serious Conditions: Just because some issues are thought to be less serious, does not mean that they are less troublesome or painful. If you’ve had a bad case of athlete’s foot, you can confirm that as insignificant and easily curable as the condition may be, it can be tortuous.

Other foot issues that commonly cause pain – that if not treated quickly and effectively – can lead to serious infections are calluses, blisters, and ingrown toenails. These minor issues can often be avoided by wearing properly-fitted footwear, keeping your feet as dry as possible, and trimming the toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.

It’s a good idea to inspect your feet for any irregularities so any problems can be treated promptly and effectively. Daily checks are especially crucial for anyone with diabetes to prevent wounds.

As you prepare your spring activities, remember to take care of your feet! If you encounter any problems, contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC today to schedule a consultation. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724.