Prepare Your Feet for Fall Sports Activities

Fall is here, and with the slightly cooler temperatures, many people are gearing up for fall sports activities. Included in this group are children, but so are many of their weekend warrior parents. Today Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County, and Fairfield County share information regarding how to get your feet ready for fall sports activities at any age.

As you get outdoors to enjoy yourself, keep in mind rushing into new activities with a little too much enthusiasm and not enough proper safeguards for your safety can elevate your risk of heel pain and ankle or foot injuries.

Consider the following advice as you prepare your feet for your favorite fall activities:

Schedule a physical. A physical exam may not be needed if you’re just playing tennis on the weekend, but it is strongly recommended if you’re beginning a competitive season on a youth or adult team. Even if you’re feeling fine, a medical checkup can detect any potential risks.

Choose the right pair of shoes. There are legitimate reasons manufacturers produce different shoes for different sports. If you regularly participate in one or more sports or are participating in a competitive team sport, you should have a pair of shoes specific to that sport.

Start your training sooner rather than later. Your body needs time to adjust to the increased activity levels, along with different types of exercises and movements. It’s better to work your way up to new activities slowly, beginning at a steady and sustainable pace and workload.

Warm-up and cool down. Warming up will help prepare your body for more vigorous activity and increase your heart rate gradually under controlled conditions. Taking the time to cool down after an activity helps bring your heart rate down gradually and helps clear toxins from your body while reducing the risk of post-exercise pain and/or cramping.

If you have questions regarding your fall activities and how you can protect your feet, contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County today to schedule a consultation. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown office at (203) 270-6724.