Protecting Our Youthful Athletes From Themselves And Injuries

Protecting Our Athletes From Injuries It’s a parental thing. No one wants to see their child injured, but if your kids participate in sports at school, or in leisure time sport activities, injuries are going to happen. We pretty much accept that, but still wish full body armor was required. Foot and ankle injuries are among the most common, regardless of the age of the athlete. Having said that, what can be done to minimize the risks, and eliminate those unfortunate circumstances that could have been prevented?

Make sure shoes are correct for the sport.
Make sure shoes fit appropriately. Have someone well familiar with the type of shoe measure and fit the shoe. Shoes cannot be too tight causing corns, calluses, neuromas and other problematic conditions. If they are too loose, blisters and toe injuries can occur because of the friction from the foot sliding in the shoe. If the feet measure out to be two different sizes, go with the bigger size.
Educate your child in the importance of good hygiene and nail grooming. Rinsing feet in the shower is not sufficient. They need to be scrubbed to remove harmful bacteria, and then dried thoroughly. Moist, warm and dark places are where fungus can get a toehold, and you don’t want that.
Socks should be moisture wicking. Buy synthetic socks that have a heel knit in. Tube socks can get damp and bunch up, which eventually cause blisters.
Protect your child’s feet from locker room disasters that are totally unnecessary, such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus. Use anti-fungal creams or sprays, and don’t forget the shower thongs.

Once your little one is ready to go meet his or her teammates, what potential injuries lurk on the playing field? The most common injuries belong to a class called “overuse” injuries. The constant running, jumping, and rapid starts and stops can cause:

Sprains and strains
Knee injuries
Achilles tendonitis
Shin splints
Stress fractures

Make sure adequate time is spent on warm up stretches and exercises, and that proper training and conditioning are being stressed. For example, if your youngster plans on going out for the football team, don’t let him wait until the first scrimmage of the season before he starts conditioning. He should begin conditioning over the summer. If your child is injured, acknowledge that fact and seek medical treatment. Don’t dare to be great. Stop playing immediately or the injury could worsen, and ultimately they will lose more playing time. Use the RICE technique; Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation and call Drs. Joel Brook, Arroyo, and McClurkin from Dallas Podiatry Works at 972.853.7100 or (972) 943-3323. Their expert hands-on care will help your youngster get back in the lineup.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.