| Take me out to the ballgame | | | | they wear them around in the yard a good deal |
| For over one hundred and fifty years, Americans | | | | before they play their first game so they can get |
| have been devoted to the game of baseball as both | | | | used to the feel of them. |
| fans and participants. With the arrival of each spring, | | | | Cleats should be fitted with the help of an |
| thousands of people across the country search for | | | | experienced footwear technician using the same |
| their gloves and cleats in preparation for the | | | | socks that will be worn on game day. When wearing |
| upcoming baseball and softball season. Spring also | | | | new cleats for the first time, pay close attention for |
| brings an influx of patients to the local emergency | | | | signs of irritation like redness, swelling, blisters or |
| rooms and doctor's offices because of the injuries | | | | discomfort anywhere within the foot and ankle area. |
| associated with our national pastime. Before you ever | | | | If any of these symptoms become apparent, |
| step up to the plate, take the time to ensure that | | | | discontinue use for two or three days. If there are |
| you are actually ready to run the bases. | | | | reoccurring issues, see a podiatrist to diagnose the |
| Coming off the bench (or couch) | | | | problem. |
| Baseball and softball seem pretty safe compared to | | | | Injuries and treatment of the lower extremities |
| other "contact" sports. But far too often, a lack of | | | | * Shin splints occur when the muscle and tendon |
| preparation and self awareness is what leads to a | | | | attached to the shin become inflamed due to stress |
| sports injury. | | | | fractures. Treat with cold compresses immediately |
| As with any physical activity, make sure that you are | | | | after exercising. Proper stretching and strengthening |
| fit to play long before the first game. A person over | | | | exercises help prevent shin splints. |
| 40, smokers, diabetics or anyone who has a physical | | | | * Achilles Tendinitis is the result of tightness in the |
| disability should see a physician before starting any | | | | calf and the subsequent aggravation of the Achilles |
| type of vigorous exercise. Those who have existing | | | | tendon. Stretching the calf muscle properly before |
| foot problems should see a podiatrist who can offer | | | | and after a game will minimize any discomfort. |
| you a gait analysis and advise you on the inherent | | | | * Plantar Fasciitis, commonly referred to as arch and |
| risks associated with your activity. | | | | heel pain, occurs when the fascia that runs along the |
| Before you take the field, did you inspect the field? | | | | bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Heel spurs |
| Always do a walk through of the playing surface | | | | may also be present as a result of an inflamed fascia. |
| before you dive head first after that shallow line | | | | A qualified podiatrist can evaluate your condition and |
| drive. Rocks, broken glass and countless other | | | | will sometimes prescribe custom fitted shoe inserts |
| potential hazards could be waiting for you in the | | | | to correct the situation. Proper stretching techniques |
| grass. Are the bases secured? Are there any dips or | | | | go a long way to alleviate the pain associated with |
| holes in the infield or outfield? These things should be | | | | this ailment. |
| taken into consideration at all times. | | | | Summer fun isn't much fun when your feet hurt, so |
| Shoe essentials | | | | keep these tips in mind when you are out there on |
| The right equipment is essential to the enhanced | | | | the diamond: |
| performance and safety in any sport. Baseball and | | | | * Learn proper stretching techniques and do them |
| softball players rely on the traction of cleats to get | | | | regularly |
| them around the diamond. | | | | * Check to be sure the playing surface is free of |
| Special consideration should be given to children under | | | | hazards |
| the age of 10 before fitting them with cleats. While | | | | * Get accustomed to new cleats before actually |
| bigger kids and adults produce a lot of energy and | | | | playing in them |
| torque while churning the bases, smaller children might | | | | * Consult a podiatrist if your foot and ankle pain |
| not need the extra grip that cleats provide. Regular | | | | cannot be easily remedied |
| sneakers may provide adequate traction while | | | | * Have fun!! |
| reducing the risk of ankle injuries sometimes caused | | | | Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. |
| by a biting cleat. If a child wants cleats, be sure that | | | | |