Are you cheering on anyone for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics? American figure skater Nathan Chen is setting records in his sport, and he can make the moves seem effortless. For viewers, watching figure skating can feel intense. One wrong landing could cause a traumatic injury. One wrong turn could be the difference between making it to the podium for an Olympic medal.
As podiatrists, we can’t help but notice the risks of this sport. Like other competitive sports, overuse injuries and traumatic injuries are common. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, they also say these injuries are of concern. Today we’re talking about ankle sprains and ice skates, but we know how they apply to everyday moves, too.
The doctors at the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group can help with prevention. Believe it or not, there are some things we can learn from Olympic athletes. Here are things that they watch for that should matter to your workout, too.
- Are you wearing the right shoes for the sport?
Figure skaters, for example, must be meticulous about the fit of their skates. They need the right amount of support and stiffness to protect their feet and ankles. What about you?
- Are you skipping warm-ups?
We can guarantee you that even Nathan Chen warms up before hitting the ice. There is no exception for your workout. We all need to allow our bodies time to prepare.
- Did you move your podiatry appointment again?
The pain that you are feeling should not be ignored. We always tell patients that pain is worth a pause. That means we want you to stop the activity, rest, and call a medical professional. Ignoring the pain could cause future injury or worsening symptoms.
How can we help?
- If you’re new to a sport or exercise routine, we can guide you on your shoe selection. We may even recommend custom orthotics.
- Depending on your foot health, we can recommend sports that can be gentle and effective.
- We’re experts in the world of feet and ankles. We can assess your situation and create a treatment plan. We can also talk about prevention.
At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.
