The term “weekend warrior” applies to most Americans: We work hard during the week so we can relax and indulge in our hobbies on the weekends. If your hobby of choice is any kind of sport or physical activity, you’ll want to keep reading.
Weekend warriors, or people who participate in athletic activities in their spare time, are prone to more prevalent and persistent foot injuries than professional athletes or those who play on a regular basis. Read on for some helpful tips to make sure you keep spending your weekends how you want!
Warming Up Is Key
This one might seem counterintuitive. You’ve been waiting all week to play some basketball with your friends, and you won’t get another opportunity soon thanks to busy schedules. It’s all too tempting to hit the ground running and give it your all—but doing so can be really dangerous.
Luckily, there are a few common-sense things you can do to make sure you can stay active and avoid foot injuries.
- Take stock of your athletic condition. Are you recovering from an injury? Is your left knee bothering you a little? How long has it been since you participated in this activity? Being aware of how you and your body are feeling is a crucial part of avoiding injury.
- Warm up. Take a few minutes to get back in the swing of things. Try some active stretching or do some lower-impact exercises to get your body warmed up.
- Do some prep work in between activities. Figure out what muscles you’re using on a regular basis to participate in your chosen athletic hobby. Next time you’re at the gym or have some time at home, do some simple exercises to strengthen those muscles. This will not only help your performance, but also help prevent injury.
- Wear the right shoes. We’ve talked about the importance of wearing proper footwear many times, and it really can’t be understated. The wrong shoes can result in more than just discomfort. Avoid serious foot injuries by investing in and wearing the right shoes.
Your Shoes Make All the Difference
Speaking of wearing the right shoes, another important step in preventing injury is knowing when to replace your shoes. Did you know that most athletic shoes only last about six months? And that’s not for professional or hyperactive athletes—those people should be replacing their shoes every three to four months.
We know, that sounds really often—and it is. But the important thing here is to pay attention to your shoes. Everyone’s shoes will deteriorate at a different rate based on the intensity and frequency of their activities. Make sure you replace your shoes before the support has worn down or they give out altogether.
Don’t Let Foot Injuries Spoil Your Weekend
Staying on top of your foot health is easy when you have a trusted specialist. If you’re suffering from a foot injury, whether it’s an ingrown toenail or something more serious, Foot Specialists of Birmingham is ready to help. We can help you with everything from orthotics and athlete’s foot to gout and heel pain. Contact our office today to set up an appointment!
