Opening day for Major League Baseball has arrived! Baseball is one of America's favorite pasttimes, whether it's kids playing in a youth league or adults in a pickup game with friends. Just like with any sport, the season can be cut short by injury. Keep the following tips in mind while playing, so you can enjoy baseball all summer long.
It takes time to adjust to cleats or spikes. Make sure the spikes fit well, without causing irritation or blistering. Baseball is a game with quick starts, stops and pivots. The ankle is at risk of twisting ot spraining with these motions. Be careful when making that game winning slide into home, this is another opportuinity to sprain the ankle or even fracture a bone. Always stretch before and after a game, muscles and tendons such as the Achilles tendon can be tight and cause a flare up of pain. Overuse injuries are also quite common for both pitchers and catchers. For example, catchers are at risk of arch pain or plantar fasciitis because of repeated squatting. Try altering your stance and shifting weight to decrease these symptoms. Sooner or later the ball gets away from even the best athlete and may strike your foot or leg causing a contusion. Apply ice to the area to decrease swelling and ease pain.
If you happen to sustain one of these injuries we at Wood bury Foot Care Centre will work to get you feeling better and back on the field soon.
Dr. Wisniewski