Help Young Athletes Gear Up for Fall Sports

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At Texas Foot Specialists we know that there playing sports has many advantages for children and teens, including:

  • Helps build interpersonal communication and leadership skills

  • Fosters positive self-esteem

  • Encourages discipline

  • Provides physical activity necessary for good health

  • Aids in maintaining a healthy weight

This fall, perhaps more than ever, children and their families are looking forward to getting back into the game. However, many young people have been sedentary over the last 15 months. Help your child avoid foot and ankle injuries by prepping for the fall sports season.

Get a Move On

If your child hasn’t engaged in a good deal of physical activity over the summer, now is the time to get them moving. Muscles that are out of practice are more likely to be injured if they have to go from zero to high gear instantly when practice starts. Many common podiatric problems such as shin splints, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendon issues happen when youth begin working out too intently after a prolonged period of inactivity. Encourage your child to bike, walk, swim, and enjoy other active pursuits with friends and family. They may want to contact their coach to get some conditioning exercises that they can start on their own pre-season.

Focus on Healthy Habits

Young bodies are more likely to function properly when they are fueled by a nutritious diet. Help your child learn about basic nutrition and make the connection that what they eat affects how they play. Be sure also that your child is getting an adequate amount of sleep every night. Sleep allows muscles to recover and grow.

Inspect Equipment

Sports equipment must be in good repair to ensure safe play. This most definitely includes your athletic shoes. Sport-specific shoes are designed to best accommodate the movements required for your child’s sport. Don’t use hand-me-down sports shoes. While tempting from an economic standpoint, they are unlikely to fit your child properly and may also transmit athlete’s foot or toenail fungus. If your child has a chronic foot problem or suffered a podiatric sports injury in the past it’s best to consult with our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum to see if any special accommodations are necessary this season. To make an appointment contact our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600 or Houston (713-664-6677) office.