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Optimizing Performance while Reducing Injuries
All athletes use their feet. Some are running races or trying to beat their opponent down the field or court. Others are walking to the next tee and lining up to swing. Still others are kicking in the water. Athletes are constantly in motion and our motion and balance starts with our feet.
What do podiatrists do?
Podiatrists provide medical diagnosis and treatment for foot and ankle problems. The thing is, pain isn’t always limited to your foot or ankle with these problems. Often pain in your back and knees is related to issues in your feet. A podiatrist will examine you, provide a diagnosis and outline a treatment plan. This could involve medication, surgery, rehabilitation exercises, and other things.
Preventative care for athletes
A podiatrist can provide a full assessment of your gait, foot biomechanics (how your entire foot fits together including muscles and joints), range of motion, muscle strength, foot posture, and more. Then custom shoe orthotics or shoes with modifications that are perfect for your foot can be recommended. This will help your feet always be at the best stance for your body which will improve your physical performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Address skin and nail conditions
Many athletes struggle with skin conditions like Athlete’s foot, corns, calluses, plantar’s warts, ingrown toenails, and other conditions. Podiatrists are well versed in these conditions and can provide a quick treatment plan often in a single visit so that you can be more comfortable on your feet. It’s important to get these conditions addressed promptly so that you don’t alter your gait due to avoid pain or discomfort.
Recover from injury
Your podiatrist can put together a recovery plan to help you get back to your optimal performance after an injury. For some patients, there might be rehabilitation exercises that are needed prior to returning to normal practices. Once certain milestones have been achieved, your podiatrist can provide a plan that works hand-in-hand with your training schedule. Following this plan will help you reach and maintain your athletic goals.
What athletes benefit from podiatric care?
Young athletes to mature adults can all benefit from podiatric care. By starting young, you will be putting better habits in place for a lifetime of success. You will have established care in the event of an injury.
Everyone from athletic adults to professional athletes can benefit as well. If you like to get in a few miles before work each morning, you should seek podiatric care to ensure you have the best support for your feet. Staying in front of this will help prevent back problems. Many professional athletes seek this medical care to improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury. About ⅓ of NFL teams have a podiatrist on staff and nearly 40% of Division I athletes seek this medical care.
If you are wanting to find the value in podiatric care, Healthstar Physicians Premier Medical has a podiatrist on staff. Dr. Vinogradov sees patients in the Newport office or a few times a month in Jefferson City. He is a qualified foot and ankle surgeon who carefully evaluates each patient and puts together customized treatment plans to help them achieve their goals. Dr. Vinogradov and the rest of the team are accepting new patients and take most forms of insurance. To make an appointment in Newport or Jefferson City, please call either of our Newport offices. Contact us to find out more.
