Summer is here, and most of us are trying to get out in the sun as much as possible. Between swimming, hiking, and participating in some fun sports, there are, unfortunately, a lot of opportunities to get injured. Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and ankle sprains leave you in a lot of pain and can force you to spend your summer days inside, resting and icing. Luckily, you can minimize your chances of getting injured with some of our simple and easy tips!

Four Ways to Kick Sports Injuries To The Curb

Hydrate – Keep your body properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drink plenty of healthy fluids before, during, and after playing sports or exercising. Often, the cause of debilitating muscle cramps is due to poor hydration.
Suit Up – Wear properly fitted footwear and custom orthotic inserts. Always choose appropriate footwear for the activity. For instance, wearing running shoes to play a court sport can easily lead to injury and pain. Properly fitted shoes and properly formed and placed orthotic inserts can treat plenty of foot and ankle problems – and prevent new ones.
Stretch – Start your activity with a warm-up and some stretching exercises. After a vigorous workout, cooling down is equally important to help prevent injuries. We have a helpful article on why this is so important and some great exercises for your feet.
Go Slow – Start a new routine slowly. If you are beginning a new sport or exercise routine, take it slowly until your body gets used to the stress and pressure of your activity. Playing too hard right from the start will likely cause serious injury.

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi and his staff treat various conditions and are committed to providing results. To schedule an appointment, contact his Woodland Park, NJ office at 973-256-0002.