Volleyball

Volleyball players experience sprains, stress fractures, and tendinitis more often than other sports injuries. Their shoes should be lighter, have less midsole support, and allow for quick starts and stops.

Football or Lacrosse

Some of the most common sports injuries for these athletes include turf toe, Achilles tendinitis, and ankle sprains. Their ideal shoes should offer high ankle support, especially if they make frequent lateral movements. Proper traction on a grassy field, in both wet and dry conditions, is very important. Second-hand shoes aren't a good idea in these sports since ill-fitted cleats increase the likelihood of an ankle injury. 

Baseball or Softball

Sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and tendinitis are typical injuries in these sports. The ideal footwear for students who play baseball or softball offers support that prevents arch pain, especially for pitchers. Inserts may help with arch pain. Any athlete under the age of 13 shouldn’t have metal spikes on their shoes. For students over 13, multi-cleats can help reduce heel pain.

Running

Injured runners most often experience overuse trauma such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, stress fractures, or Morton’s neuroma. Specific types of runner’s shoes provide shock absorption for high-impact forward movement, rather than lateral movement. Movement surface matters here, too, such as pavement, dirt trail, and track, so look into specific options for each. Additionally, we often do a preliminary examination of your child’s foot to determine their arch form and advise you on what shoes to select for the best support. Keep in mind that running shoes should be replaced every 600–800 miles or every six months.

Shopping for Athletic Shoes

It’s ideal to buy shoes for sports footwear from specialty stores whenever possible. The staff is more likely to have the training to answer questions you might have about various activities, and will properly measure your child’s feet, and provide the right recommendations for their needs. 

The best time to try on new shoes is at the end of the day, following a workout or run. This is when your student’s feet are at their largest. During the fitting, have them wear the same socks necessary for their sport. Their toes should move freely inside the shoe, with a finger’s width between the longest toe and the end of the toe box. Make sure your student walks around the store a few times to assess the fit of shoe heels and the feeling of support. 

Canyon Foot + Ankle Treats All Types of Sports Injuries

Clients rely on our Magic Valley podiatrists to treat every member of their family with kindness and quality information. Bethany P. says, “Dr. Devries was so patient with my special needs son. Explained everything that he was doing and made the visit pleasant! 10/10 recommend!” Put your trust in our foot doctors to ensure your child has the best care. 

And if your student athlete gets hurt, don’t encourage them to just walk it off. Apply first aid immediately and contact us if pain and swelling aren’t reduced from rest, ice, compression, and elevation within the first two days. Failing to treat sports injuries can result in long-term issues, such as:

  • Chronic ankle instability and increased risk for future sprains
  • Reduced strength, flexibility, and range of motion in foot muscles
  • Arthritis in the feet and ankles

Our team will design an individualized treatment plan to get them back in the game quickly.

Cory Pilling
Connect with me
Dr. Cory Pilling treats a range of foot and ankle ailments.
Post A Comment