Improve Your Performance with a Team Podiatrist

19 Jan Improve Your Performance with a Team Podiatrist

Enhance Team Performance with a Podiatrist

Contrary to what you might think, a team doctor is not something only professional sports teams need. Most athletes suffer injuries to their legs, ankles, and feet at some time. Whether your team is amateur or professional, it can get a boost in performance and safety by working closely with a podiatrist.

A Podiatrist Is a Qualified Medical Professional

A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

Podiatrists spend four years of study and training in podiatric medical school. This study is followed by three years of residency in a hospital or clinic. All podiatrists must be certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and meet strict state licensing requirements.

Podiatrists are highly trained and qualified medical professionals who can diagnose, treat, prescribe, and perform minor surgeries. They guide sports teams who need pointers on safety, footwear selection, corrective orthotics, and more.

Podiatrists Specialize in Sports-Related Injuries

Because they focus on the foot and lower body, podiatrists are the leading experts in injuries that affect athletes. They keep up on the latest and most effective treatment protocols for common sports injuries like:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Ankle sprains
• Turf toe
• Heel spurs
• ACL ( anterior cruciate ligament) tears
• Knee injuries
• Hamstring strains
• Dislocations

Besides offering advanced treatments, a podiatrist can prescribe a focused rehabilitation program to help athletes return to the field quickly and safely.

A Podiatrist Can Improve Your Team’s Performance

A podiatrist is the best source of treatments that can help athletes recover from injuries. But did you know that a podiatrist can analyze performance and suggest ways to improve it?

Suppose an athlete is struggling with one aspect of performance, for instance, they’re a fast runner but frequently trip. A podiatrist can help get to the root of the problem. Is it a gait issue, overpronation, flat feet, or improperly fitting footwear? If one member of your dance team is out of step, could their foot alignment be the reason?

A podiatrist can offer expert analysis and recommend solutions, for instance, by adding braces, taping, or orthotic liners. A qualified podiatrist can create custom-fitted orthotics right in their office.

Get the Performance and Protection You Need

At Shuman Podiatry & Sports Medicine, we help sports teams, dance teams, cheer teams, and other Loudoun County teams reach peak performance. If you’d like to learn more about the winning edge a podiatrist can give you, contact our office.