Hiking can exert significant stress on the feet, leading to various issues if precautions are not taken. Prolonged walking on uneven terrain can cause blisters, calluses, corns, and conditions like plantar fasciitis or stress fractures. To help mitigate these risks, hikers should wear appropriate well-fitting footwear with good arch support and break in new shoes before embarking on long hikes. Additionally, using moisture-wicking socks that are regularly changed may help prevent blisters. A chiropodist can offer valuable assistance in several ways. They can provide personalized advice on footwear selection and fitting, prescribe custom-made orthotic inserts to provide additional support and cushioning and assess and treat any foot problems that arise during or after hiking. If you participate in hiking and you are concerned about your feet or have sustained an injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance on foot care techniques, in addition to exercises that can strengthen the feet and prevent future injuries.
Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries Among Athletes:
Achilles tendon injuries
Ankle strains or sprains
Plantar fasciitis
Fractures
Turf toe
Joint dislocations
Sever’s disease
Morton’s neuroma
Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle.
Diagnosis
Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses.
Treatment
Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
