If you are a keen exercise enthusiast, then you’ll know just how annoying it can be when your training plan is thrown off by injury. And when it’s a niggling, returning injury that just doesn’t seem to want to go away, it can be easy to think that you might need to give up your sport. Fortunately, there is someone who may be able to help you. Meet the sports podiatrist!
What Does A Sports Podiatrist Do?
A sports podiatrist is a medical professional who treats foot, ankle, knee and leg injuries and conditions. They use a variety of methods to treat, including orthotic insoles, footwear and exercises.
When Should I Visit A Sports Podiatrist?
It is a good idea to book your appointment if:
- You have an injury. Repeated injuries may be caused by mechanical problems in the body – for example, a gait issue. A sports podiatrist will be able to carry out a biomechanical assessment to determine the cause and put together a treatment plan. Remember that the injury does not necessarily have to be in the feet or lower limbs – many hip and back injuries are also related to gait.
- You wish to enhance your performance. A sports podiatrist will be able to advise how you can avoid injury and maximise your performance.
What Are The Most Common Injuries?
If you have one of these injuries, don’t just put up with it. A sports podiatrist can help to ensure that it doesn’t keep coming back.
- Shin splints – pain (either dull or sharp) along the shin bone.
- Achilles tendinitis – pain along the back of the leg near the heel, caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
- Runner’s knee – pain in the knee when running can be caused by a number of conditions, such as iliotibial band syndrome and chondromalacia patella.
- Plantar fasciitis – pain at the bottom of your foot.
All of these injuries are common in people who enjoy sports, and if the cause is not treated then they are likely to recur.
A sports podiatrist can also help in other ways. For example, if you have had an operation and need support in getting back to your sport, they will be able to assist you. Additionally, if you are considering taking up a sport that you haven’t done before – if you are going to start running, for example – a preemptive visit to a podiatrist will help you to ensure that you can avoid injury. Because many injuries happen in beginners and this could easily put a stop to your new hobby before it’s really started, this is an excellent way of making sure you stay fit and healthy.
Finding A Sports Podiatrist Near Me…
At Northwich Foot Clinic, our skilled podiatrists are able to keep you moving. Easily accessible from Cheshire and the North West, our Clinic in Northwich is friendly, welcoming and we have the knowledge and expertise to help you. You can book online today.
