Fall and back to school mean back to action for many athletes. Sports such as soccer, lacrosse and football are notorious for causing foot and ankle injuries. Prevention and proper treatment can mean the difference between a good season and one that is spent on the bench due to injuries. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends proper conditioning, equipment and technique to help fight off injury this fall season.

One of the most common complaints athletes have is pain associated with overuse of the lower extremity. Before taking the field in any sport, it is wise to be examined by a podiatric physician who can recommend sport specific exercises to strengthen and improve the flexibility of the foot and ankle. An analysis of the proper shoe for your sport is a great help in injury prevention.

The proper shoe for each sport is very important as well as fit and timely replacement of worn or damaged shoes. A podiatrist may recommend a prescription for orthoses (customized shoe insert) that can correct biomechanics by redistributing the body's weight.

The proper stretching and warm-up before and after any workout, practice, and games can go far in preventing overuse injuries. For a basic stretching routine see Stretches for Joggers, Runners and Walkers by Leslie Hope, CMT, LMT in the March 2000 issue of NB News.

The other type of injury seen most commonly with the contact type sports is that of trauma. This type of injury results from high impact collisions, kicks, or torsional twists of the ankle or foot.

Prevention of this type of injury is difficult but training and proper equipment are the key. A perfect example are shin guards in soccer or ankle bracing for any of the fall sports. Proper technique in kicking or running (i.e. cutting in football) can limit the number of injuries. Strengthening is of much greater benefit than taping an ankle or foot in injury prevention and is very helpful in the treatment of a previously injured extremity.

Once the traumatic injury occurs, proper treatment as fast as possible is crucial to a speedy and less eventful recovery. As most people know, you start with RICE — rest, ice, compression and elevation. A comprehensive exam and testing (i.e. x-ray or soft tissue exam) is the next step and the correct, timely treatment will help get you back in action as soon as it is safe for you to compete. Don't rush to play; it only causes setbacks and delays your full participation on the field. Enjoy your sport but recover wisely and come back to play another day at your full potential.

Dr. Ravick is past president of the DC Podiatric Medical Association, a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, in private practice at Capital Podiatry Associates since 1980 and often quoted in national and local media.

Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association is the nation’s leading professional society for foot and ankle specialists, with membership of over 10,000 doctors of podiatric medicine. For more information on athletic footwear you can visit the APMA website or call 1-800-FOOTCARE to request a free brochure.