Sports Medicine and Your Feet

Dr. Dennis R. FrischBoca Raton Podiatry

30 SE 7th StBoca Raton, FL 33432

Benefits of Exercise

• Cardiovascular Health• Mental Health• Overall Health• Disease Prevention• Management of Diseases

(Diabetes and Obesity

Did you Know?• Every minute of walking adds two minutes to

your life• It is never too early or late to make exercise a

healthy habit in your life• Studies show that older people who continue to

have active lifestyles, experience less health problems as they age.

• According to the U.S. Health and Human Service, physical inactivity contributes to 300,000 preventable deaths each year in the Unites States.

Anatomy of the Foot

Foot structure and function often impacts the ankles, knees, hips and back. Your foot has:

• 26 Bones• 33 Joints• Over 100 Ligaments

The Impact Factors

• Walking = 1 ½ times body weight of force transmitted to the feet

• Running/Jogging = 3-4 times body weight of force

• Impact Sports (Basketball, Tennis, Racquetball) = up to 8 time body weight of force

Prevention of Injuries

• Proper Conditioning– Stretching – Recommendations can be made

by your podiatrist– Warm-up– Physician clearance and monitoring – Before

beginning any new exercise program, please consult your doctor

Prevention of Injuries

• Proper Training– Cross-Training– Graduated Levels of Activity

Prevention of Injuries

• Proper Foot Gear Evaluation– Appropriate and sports-specific shoes– Good socks– Orthotics or insoles – Consult with your

podiatrist to determine the best option

Shoe Selection• Proper Fit

– 1 thumb nail length at the end of the longest toe (approx. ½ to ¾ inch)

– Fit to the larger foot– Fit in the afternoon– Proper last – shape of the shoe should match the shape of the

foot• Proper Style

– Walking/Running/Cross Training/Specialty– Motion control, stability, shock absorption– Material selections (leather, neoprene, nylon)

• With or without Orthotics/Insoles?

Common Sports Related Foot & Ankle Injuries

• Skin Problems– Blisters– Athlete’s Foot– Warts– Excessive moisture/sweating

Common Sports Related Foot & Ankle Injuries

• Soft Tissue Injuries– Ankle sprains– Muscle strains– Tendonitis– Plantar Fasciitis– Nail injuries– Runner’s knee– Shin splints

Common Sports Related Foot & Ankle Injuries

• Bone Injuries– Stress fractures– Traumatic fractures

Common Sports Related Foot & Ankle Injuries

• Treatment of Injuries– Prevention

• Protection• Rest• Ice• Compression• Elevation• See your Podiatric Physician –

Podiatrists treat all acute and chronic injuries