Three Types of Bunions
Did you know there’s more than one type of bunions? These bony growths aren’t just a painless lump. They can cause discomfort and make you feel self-conscious about your feet. Learn more about bunions and how we treat them.
Here’s How You Can Avoid a Sprain
Around 25,000 Americans sprain their ankles every day, with many ending up in urgent care and emergency rooms. Though sprains are often sports injuries, you can also turn your ankle on uneven sidewalks or while walking down stairs.
Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of sprains. Our experienced podiatrist Eric Blanson, DPM, here at PMC Foot and Ankle Clinic in Spring, Texas, is a lifelong athlete as well as a physician. He knows a few things about protecting your body from injuries like sprains.
Strengthen your core
If you participate in any sport or physical activity, you should know about the importance of core strength. Your core muscles help you stay aligned while you run or jump and allow you to change directions quickly. Without sufficient core strength, your upper body could lean too far forward or in another direction, which could upset your center of balance and increase your risk of falling or twisting an ankle.
Build ankle strength
This should be obvious, but if you participate in a sport that puts stress on your ankles, you should practice exercises to keep your ankles strong. Any type of leg exercise, such as lunges, squats, or resistance band walks, can increase your ankle strength.
Improve flexibility
Your ankles, and the rest of your body, also need to be flexible to reduce your risk of sprains. Your ligaments and other soft tissue need to be able to withstand some degree of unexpected motion. Taking time to practice stretches while warming up and cooling down can go a long way toward improving your overall flexibility and reducing your risk of sprains and other injuries.
Train progressively
When you start a new training regimen, whether you have a new goal or are starting a new sport, it’s critical to allow yourself time to build new strength and skills. Obviously, you should push yourself to a certain degree to be competitive, but if you’ve only ever run sprints, you can’t just go out and crush a marathon. Make sure to train smart and progressively, so you get stronger gradually.
Wear a brace
If you have a history of sprains or ankle weakness, you can wear athletic braces or tape to increase support to your ankle. We can provide exams and advice to identify the best supportive devices to reduce your risk of injury without interfering with your performance.
Rest
Rest is essential for preventing sprains and other injuries. Your muscles, ligaments, and other tissue need time to repair themselves between training sessions. Rest is also critical if you have a mild injury. Taking a little time and applying ice, heat, and elevation can help you get stronger and avoid more serious injuries later.
If you’re concerned about an ankle sprain, call our office, or book an appointment online for expert diagnosis and treatment. We offer expert diagnosis and treatment as well as advice on how to train smarter and avoid injuries like sprains in the first place.
You Might Also Enjoy...
4 Helpful Treatment Options for Joint Pain
Is your joint pain interrupting your daily routine or affecting your quality of life? Cutting-edge, advanced treatments can give you the relief you’re looking for. Keep reading to learn more.
Complications of an Ingrown Toenail
Most people have had an ingrown toenail at some point in their lives. Even though it’s a common problem, ingrown toenails can have complications that require medical care. Here’s what you need to know.
What You Should Know About Foot Care If You Have Diabetes
When you have diabetes, you have to watch your blood glucose levels. But you should also pay careful attention to your feet, because high blood sugar can cause serious foot problems. The following tips keep your feet healthy.
Does an Ingrown Toenail Require Medical Assistance?
If you have a painful ingrown toenail, you may wonder if it’s really doctor-worthy. Most ingrown toenails aren’t serious and resolve on their own. But in some cases, you need to see a podiatrist to avoid serious complications. Here’s how you know.
7 Shoe Mistakes You're Making That Hurt Your Feet
Whether you sport cleats, flip-flops, or stilettos, anything you strap onto your feet can affect their health. If you choose shoes based on their cool factor, you may be harming your hoofers. Here are seven ways your shoes can hurt your feet.