Cheerleaders Rank At Top For Foot-Related Injuries

Whether or not you feel that cheerleading is a sport, one thing we can all agree on is that cheerleading can be dangerous.

The National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research reported that 65 percent of all youth sports injuries involve cheerleaders.

One of the biggest injury risks to cheerleaders involves their feet. From injuries ranging from blisters and bruises to sprains and fractures, cheerleaders are not strangers to injuries to the lower leg.

This is why it’s so important for every cheerleader, from recreational to collegiate levels, to practice good foot health to help prevent injuries.

• Warm Up: Before you begin any cheerleading activity, be sure to warm up and get your blood pumping. Properly stretching before practice or performances can help decrease the likelihood of sustaining an injury.
• Buy Proper Shoes: Due to the jumps, twists and quick movements cheerleading involves, having shoes that provide ample ankle support is a must. Orthotics are also highly recommended to add cushioning and arch support while cheering on your team.

• Practice Safety: Jumping and tumbling on soft surfaces in open spaces rather than concrete and tight constraints will help lower the amount of shock and risk of injury to your feet while perfecting your toe-touch.

Sometimes, however, injuries just happen…regardless of the precautions you take. Cheerleaders most commonly suffer from the following injuries:

• Ankle Sprains
• Shin Splints
• Peroneal Tendinitis
• Stress Fractures

In cases where injuries occur, don’t continue practicing before getting the all-clear from a podiatrist. To do so may exacerbate the injury and prolong down time. For more information about keeping your feet healthy or to make an appointment with one of the podiatrists at the Triad Foot Center, 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.