Summer is right around the corner and that means many people are jumping back into their favourite outdoor sports. Whether you love to golf, hike, run, or play soccer, it is important that you take a few precautions so you can enjoy your favourite activities safely and without injury.
Village Media spoke with Meghan Knox, Canadian Certified Pedorthist and clinic manager of BioPed in Guelph to find out how we can all avoid a springtime injury as we get back to the sports we love.
Avoid Overuse Injuries
According to Meghan, overuse injuries are common in the spring. “We’ve been more sedentary in the cooler seasonal months and then when summer weather gets nice, we slip on our shoes, and go run 10 km without preparation,” she says.
“It is important to not overtrain and not over do it. Ease into it! Remember that you won’t be in the same condition as you were in the fall, especially if you haven’t kept up your physical activity over the winter. Take it slow and give your body a chance to get used to the sport again.”
Pushing yourself too much at the beginning of the season can cause injuries that can affect the rest of the season. It is worth the effort to take it slow in the beginning, so a springtime injury doesn’t ruin your whole summer.
Treating an Injury
If an injury does occur, it is always a good idea to consult with a certified pedorthist so you can recover as safely and as quickly as possible. There are a number of tools that may be beneficial, depending on your injury.
“Part of the circle of care that we offer includes not only helping you to prevent injury, but also helping you to recover. Oftentimes, a sleek, light brace can help with ligament injuries as well as knee and ankle issues,” says Meghan.
Improve Performance with Advice from a Trained Professional
Spring is also a good time to get some professional advice when it comes to performance. Pedorthists like Meghan and her team are trained in kinesiology, so they understand how your body works when you’re participating in your favourite summer sports.
“We can look at how your body moves through a gait assessment, if you have flat feet, pronation, weak ankles, etc. and then suggest proper footwear and/or orthotics that can help to increase your performance in your specific sport. This can help you to improve your endurance and maybe even lengthen your golf drive,” she says.
Meghan’s team creates custom orthotics that take into account your individual gait along with the type of sport that you’re participating in.
Meghan explains, “For instance, with running or sports that use sport-specific footwear like cleats, we can make sport-specific orthotics. We always make sure that we're educating you based on your unique needs.”
You can also improve your performance with the right type of footwear. “Shoes degrade over time even if you haven’t worn them much. If you have old sports-specific shoes, you might be surprised how much a new pair will increase your endurance,” says Meghan.
And if you do replace your old, gently worn shoes, be sure to drop them off at BioPed. The team is always taking donations for the Soles for Souls charity that provides opportunities for people around the world.
For more information about injury prevention or to book an assessment, visit BioPed in Guelph online or in person at 102 Wyndham Street North.