PODIATRY SPORTS MEDICINE

FOOT CARE FOR SPORT

BY ALISON BARLOW, MSC(MED)

INTRODUCTION Every sportsperson knows how important their feet are to them, especially when they give problems, but do they really know how looking after their feet can prevent those problems in the first place? Podiatrists (chiropodists) are autonomous healthcare professionals who aim to improve the mobility, independence and quality of life for their patients. They assess, diagnose and treat people with problems of the feet, ankles and lower limbs. All podiatrists now have to be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). The training consists of 3 years of study, leading to an honours degree covering all aspects of podiatry. Although some students will do a piece of work in a specialist area at undergraduate level, specialisation usually occurs at postgraduate level, as with all medical subjects.

FOOTWEAR The foot is a complex structure that adapts to stress and strain admirably. It is only when these pressures become abnormal that structures such as skin, muscle or tendon react. The type of injury varies depending on the sport. A major factor in injury prevention is to ensure that the correct footwear is worn at all times. Sports shoes

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Podiatrists are healthcare professions specialising in the problems of the foot and lower limb. This article looks at the important part a podiatrist can play in the assessment of the foot and lower limb, the prevention and management of foot and lower-limb problems, and how podiatrists can help to keep sportspeople in top condition.

will protect, be durable and have the correct amount of flexibility. This varies according to the use. Flexibility increases in running shoes and decreases in cross-trainers to provide support for sideways movement. I have seen injured players who always wear the correct footwear for training and competition but who forget to do so when going for a quick run or a game of football in the park – with disastrous results.

Footwear worn by athletes is often occlusive. This prevention of air circulation can give rise to skin conditions such as peeling and tender skin. Sometimes the type of glue used to bond the shoe surfaces together can cause a similar reaction. Often a simple solution is a change of footwear.

IS TO ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT FOOTWEAR IS WORN AT ALL TIMES

A MAJOR FACTOR IN INJURY PREVENTION

PRESEASON ADVICE Preseason assessment can be particularly valuable, as it can pick up any existing or potential problems and give an opportunity to offer advice. It can also create opportunities for case profiles, which may in future provide evidence for management of similar cases and information for audit. Prevention advice and action can be very effective, provided it is supported by facts and the athlete feels and is fully involved. In its simplest form, such advice stresses the importance of hygiene, thereby helping to prevent fungal infection, and cutting the nails little and often, thereby preventing problems from the sides and corners of the nails rather than cutting the nails too short. Advising on the different types of sock material can prevent rashes; wearing socks inside-out if the seams are too thick can make the feet more comfortable. Wearing flip-flops in shower rooms can help to prevent the spread of fungal and viral infections, while the use of paper towels avoids the re-infection associated with shared towels.

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