Tips for Preventing Foot and Ankle Injuries When Playing Football

Football is a fast-paced sport that requires bursts of speed and frequent direction changes, so it is not surprising that ankle and foot injuries are quite common with football players. Luckily, there are several things that can be done to protect the feet and ankles during football games and practices. If you play football competitively or recreationally, use the following tips to help prevent foot and ankle injuries:

Choose Your Cleats Carefully

One of the biggest keys to preventing foot and ankle injuries while playing football is wearing the right cleats. Make sure that you purchase high-quality cleats that provide ample support. It is also imperative to wear cleats that are the right size; cleats that are too small can keep the feet from moving properly, while cleats that are too big can allow the feet to slide around inside the shoes, which can lead to injury. It is also important to replace your cleats as needed. Old, worn out cleats will not be able to provide the support that your feet and ankles need.

Keep Ankles Wrapped

In addition to wearing high-quality cleats designed for football, it is also a good idea to keep your ankles wrapped during football practices and games. Wrapping the ankles with medical tape adds extra support and can help prevent common ankle injuries, such as sprained ankles. The extra support from the tape also makes it easier to perform common football moves and quick directional changes without putting too much stress on the feet or ankles. 

Don't Play Through Pain

As a football player, it is important to listen to your body and pay attention if you have any issues with your feet or ankles. While playing football, it is possible to sustain very minor foot and ankle injuries; however, if you ignore minor injuries and continue to play, you can cause severe issues with your feet and ankles. It is important to know when to rest and let minor issues heal in order to prevent major problems that can make you miss multiple games or even require surgery to repair.

See a Podiatrist

When you're a football player, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist, like those represented at http://www.elmhurstpodiatry.com, for a foot and ankle exam prior to the beginning of the season and shortly after a season ends. This is especially important if you have suffered from any foot or ankle injuries in the past. A podiatrist who specializes in sports medicine will be able to help you keep your feet and ankles healthy throughout all of your football games.