Importance of Shin Guards

Have you ever been kicked directly in the shin before? It is by no means fun, which is why athletes in high-impact sports are required to wear shin guards. Soccer and football players wear special padding on their shins to protect themselves from scrapes, breaks, and tears. We at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates believe in safety over anything else when it comes to playing a sport. Of course, winning a game is important, but it doesn’t do your team any good if you need to be taken out of the game due to an injury!

Shin guards are especially important in youth sports. Since the kids are still learning the ropes of their favorite sport, accidents can happen. It’s better to be prepared for a player to miss the soccer ball and kick an opposing player in the shin. With protected shins, it’s not really something a kid has to worry about or feel guilty for if they accidentally kicked someone. In truth, shin guards take away that fear of possibly hurting another player, or getting hurt themselves, so that the kids can focus on playing the game they love.

Your Lorain Podiatrist can help if you have suffered a shin injury while playing a sport. By assessing the severity and starting you on an effective treatment plan, Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates can get you back on the road to recovery. We always recommend preventing these injuries from happening by using the proper safety equipment. 

Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd, #B, in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.

 

Stress Fractures

Are you a soccer or basketball player? Did you know that stress fractures are common in sports with constant running? The repetitive activity can cause a small crack or bruise on the bone. Stress fractures can also occur when someone changes their activity, such as running on a treadmill to running outdoors. We at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates realize that things happen, no matter how much you prepare your body for physical activity. We are dedicated to treating your sports injury as quickly as we can, so that you can get back on the court. 

The sudden increase or change in physical activity are causes of stress fractures and include poor conditioning, improper technique, change in surface, and using improper equipment. Certain medications and pre-existing conditions can make individuals more susceptible to stress fractures, such as the bone insufficiency that comes with osteoporosis. Stress fractures are also more common during the winter, since the body is deprived of the sun’s vitamin D. 

Prevention is key. You can help prevent the development of stress fractures by:

- Cross-training in different types of exercise

- Adding strength training to your workout routine

- Gradually increasing the time and intensity of a new activity

- Using the proper equipment

- Stopping all activity if a recently healed injury flares up

- Eating a balanced and healthy diet

Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates is located on 1740 Cooper Foster Park Rd, #B, in Lorain, OH 44053. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, visit integrityfootandankle.com or call 440-282-1221.