Whether you’re an individual who loves social sport, a professional athlete, or somewhere in between – taking your game to the next level means securing a great team around you.
And we’re not talking fellow team players (though they’re important too!) but rather your healthcare team, to support you on the sidelines and help you achieve your best performance possible!
Further, they’re there to assist you with getting back on your feet more quickly should a dreaded injury occur.
So, who are we talking about here? Let’s jump right in…
Sports Podiatry
Your feet are quite literally your foundation as an athlete, so it’s crucial to keep them in tip top condition – and a podiatrist with a special interest in sports is the person to help you do just that.
Podiatrists diagnose, treat and manage problems with the feet and lower limbs, and may even help treat postural or neurological issues (1) associated with leg problems.
Sports podiatry is a great addition to your training regimen, to help you prevent these injuries from happening in the first place (2): through gait analysis to diagnose any issues with your biomechanics, appropriate footwear and orthotic support, if required, as well as specific exercises to build strength.
Common Sports Injuries
Some of the injuries that commonly arise from high-impact activities such as netball, football, marathon running or hiking (and which sports podiatry can assist with), include:
- Sprained ankles (3)
- Non-specific foot pain (4)
- Foot fractures
- Hamstring strains
- Painful toenails
- Shin splints
- Plantar fasciitis or heel pain (5)
- Performance enhancement (6)
Our head podiatrist Trevor Lane has a special interest in sports podiatry, and additional training in techniques like Foot Mobilisation Therapy and Prolotherapy for foot pain to help get you back to your game as soon as possible!
In addition to a podiatrist, your local support team could also include:
Your Personal Trainer: A personal trainer is more than just a workout guide; they’re a crucial part of an athlete’s journey towards excellence. A great PT will design you a customised training program that focuses on strength, flexibility, agility, and injury prevention.
They will be able to identify your weak points and develop targeted exercises for you to address them. With the right guidance, not only will you be pushing your physical limits but also developing the muscle groups required for your specific sport.
Your Nutritionist: A balanced and tailored diet is fundamental for fuelling any athlete’s performance. Having a sports nutritionist in your corner means you’ll be assigned meal plans that provide just the right mix of nutrients for optimum performance.
They’ll factor in your specific needs, taking into account your sport, training, regimen, and individual physiology. A well-nourished body is much better equipped to handle the demands of rigorous training, promoting faster recovery and sustained energy levels!
Your Sports Psychologist: Sports can be as much a mental battle as a physical one. That’s where a sports psychologist can assist, with helping you gain the mental strength to perform under pressure, stay focussed, and recover from setbacks.
Techniques like visualisation, mindfulness, and goal setting are powerful tools for an athlete striving for peak performance. Additionally, a sports psychologist is able to assist with managing stress and anxiety, common challenges faced by athletes of all levels.
To truly excel in your chosen sport, it pays to have a dedicated team of professionals behind you. Remember, true greatness isn’t achieved alone, but through the collective efforts of a dedicated team.
If you’re based in or near the Redlands, and looking to boost your support team with sports podiatry – we invite you to call us on (07) 3207 4736 or book an appointment online.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18357582/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-198502020-00006
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23980032/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25729088/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8702280/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10356621/