Amateur athletes need proper shoes just as much as the professionals do, maybe even more. This is one of the steps a sport enthusiast can take to make sure he doesn’t get laid up with a preventable injury. Those shoes advertised by well-known sports figures may or may not be the best for any particular individual because, no matter what the Constitution says, all feet are not created equal, even healthy feet. Some people have a naturally high arch; others may have flat feet or low arches. Some feet are less flexible than others. What’s a sports nut to do?
Dr. Michael Terry, who heads the medical team for the Blackhawks and works for Northwestern Memorial Hospital as an orthopedic surgeon, recommends that even weekend warriors pay extra for the features that make a shoe both comfortable to wear and protective for the feet. Arch and heel support, he says, are vital to protecting the feet and ankles and preventing injuries.
Terry further states that shoes with a rigid sole are more efficient than flexible shoes at transferring force from the foot to the shoe. This reduces the stress on both feet and joints that is inevitable in any sport. Overuse and repetitive use injuries are greatly reduced when sports lovers invest in proper footwear.
The doctor is so concerned about the health of players’ feet that all Bulls players wear energy-absorbing orthotic devices in their shoes. The orthotics also help to correct any problems with proper alignment, since no foot is perfect.
According to the University of California Medical Center, consumers also need to consider their particular foot type when buying shoes. People who have low arches or pronation (tendency for foot to roll inward) will need shoes that compensate by providing support in both the front of the shoe and the arch. If the wearer has high arches or a stiffer foot, he will need more cushioning and a softer insole.
Selecting shoes for a particular activity is another aspect of the purchase. Running shoes, walking shoes and tennis shoes are all different because of the particular demands these activities place on the human body. Cross-training shoes are good for general use, but those who will participate in intensive activity need shoes that are adapted to their particular sport.
Replacing shoes when they begin to show wear is another aspect of staying properly shod for maximum protection. When the tread or heels wear down, it is time to get a new pair of shoes. Active runners need to replace their shoes at least every six months, sometimes more often.
Getting the right shoe for any pair of feet requires fitting by an experienced and well-trained professional. No shoe will provide good support and protection if it does not fit properly. Once the sportsman acquires a new pair of shoes, he also needs to break it in well before participating in an intense sporting event. Without this step, even the best shoes can rub feet the wrong way.
Getting a good pair of athletic shoes is not so simple as grabbing the advertised pair, no matter how well-known and admired the spokesman may be. Every foot is individual and needs a shoe that meets specific needs. It’s important to take the time to consider all aspects of the process before making the purchase.
Getting Professional Treatment
The Podiatrist is a specialist in s foot, ankle, knee or lower leg problems. The time to see a podiatrist is when you suspect something may be wrong or when pain will not subside.
It is always our express intent to recommend that you take no chances with foot, ankle or knee pain, or injuries. Professional treatment to relieve the pain is available from doctors such as Delray Beach’s Dr. Ian Goldbaum of Delray Beach Podiatry, who has provided us with this blog. If the pain continues, a podiatrist with Dr. Goldbaum’s experience should be consulted. You must get proper treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Our Staff writers are freelance writers with higher education related to, or experience researching and writing for, medical blogs; with education or experience equal to under graduate and graduate degrees in the fields of medicine.
photo credit: Mr. T in DC via photo pin cc
Related articles
No responses yet