What You and the 2014 Winter Olympics Have in Common

Skiing, skating, ice hockey and snowboarding are just few of the many extreme sports that took place at the 2014 winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.  “While watching athletes perform intense physical activity may motivate you to get active”, says podiatrist Dr. Sikora of Triad Foot Center, “don’t forget with increased sport activities comes the increased risk of foot and ankle injuries. Just like you, Olympic athletes also suffer from common injuries like plantar fascilitis (arch and heel pain), stress fractures, ankle sprains and heel spurs to name a few.”

“Plantar fascilitis is a very common injury that many athletes suffer from and can occur from having a high arch or even a low arch” says Dr. Sikora. “Most of the time this happens because of improper footwear. This factor alone can contribute to instability and cause an enormous strain on the feet.”

Don’t fret, you can still get up and get moving like your favorite athlete by following a few injury prevention tips:

1. Stretch before AND after any physical activity.
2. The correct shoe is important! Wear shoes that support your feet and your arch. If you aren’t sure about which shoes are right for you, a podiatrist can perform a gait analysis and exam and recommend the perfect type of shoe for you.
3. Listen to your body. If you experience weakness or sharp pain stop and see a podiatrist.

If staying active and getting back on your feet is something you want to do, Triad Foot Center is ready to help! We have three foot centers right here in the Triad: Greensboro, Burlington and Asheboro. Contact us today or click here to request an appointment.

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.