Prevent Injuries Like an Olympian
Have you seen Nathan Chen on the ice? He’s an American figure skater, and he’s breaking world records during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Whether you are following along or new to the world of figure skating, can we take a moment to appreciate the sport? Landing on the ice with perfection is applause-worthy. The technical skills required to accomplish this repeatedly took years to develop.
Can you think of a concern for this beautiful sport? Ankle sprains and other forms of overuse injuries. The jumps, lifts, and landings can be a lot for our joints. Even the most talented and experienced athletes are at risk for injury. Training well and learning how to reduce the risk of injury are the best ways to improve skills without a trip to the doctor.
If you’re not an Olympic figure skater, that’s OK. Did you know that similar training practices can apply to your workout? Here are three ways to stay in line. The University of Rochester Medical Center provides guidance, and PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has a team of doctors ready to help with your everyday routine.
1. Start with the right shoes
Whether we’re talking skates or running shoes, the size and fit matter. We all need support. It’s important to note that every sport is different, so make sure you only choose shoes specific to the sport. Figure skaters need their skates to fit exactly right. A lot of time goes into achieving the right fit.
2. No wins without warm-ups
It is not worth the risk to hit the ground running without a warm-up. Even the most experienced athletes set aside a warm-up time before they begin. Warming up is one of the best ways to protect your body from injuries. Take care of your body. It’s worth your time.
3. Pause at the start of pain
Untreated ankle sprains are a problem. Without treatment, weak ankles could be in your future. This means you have an increased risk of injuring your ankle again. Arthritis is also a concern. Whether the pain is new or sporadic, we want to know about it. Contact us today.
Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.