CrossFit is intense. It’s why so many athletes and fitness enthusiasts gravitate toward it! But because of its intensity, taking care of your body before and after training and competitions is crucial. Keep reading for some expert tips on foot recovery after a CrossFit open!
What Makes CrossFit Unique—And Sometimes Dangerous!
One of the draws of CrossFit is all of the athletic interests it combines. It blends together gymnastics, running, rowing, high-intensity movement, and Olympic-style weightlifting. While the most common CrossFit injuries occur in the shoulders, knees, and the lower back, it’s not uncommon for people to experience foot injuries.
This is especially true due to the fact that CrossFit involves so many different movements and exercises! It’s important to take proper precautions before and after a CrossFit open.
Common CrossFit Foot Injuries
Injuries are all but inevitable when it comes to exercise. But they can be prevented, and most can be treated without long-term side effects! Keep reading for a list of common foot injuries.
Fractures
Because CrossFit involves a lot of weight, fractures can happen. You could drop a dumbbell on your foot, or hit your foot trying to perform a box jump. Make sure you wear proper footwear, and that you’re always aware of weights nearby.
Plantar Fasciitis
Did you know that plantar fasciitis is the most common type of heel and arch pain in athletes? CrossFitters are especially vulnerable to this problem because of their flexible footwear and lack of arch support. Watch out for a bruised feeling in your heel or cramping in the arches of your feet.
Foot Recovery After a CrossFit Open
If you’re experiencing any kind of pain after your CrossFit open, or you sustained an obvious injury during your competition, it’s important to seek professional medical help as soon as you can. The longer you go without diagnosis or treatment, the more likely you are to further injure yourself.
Most CrossFit coaches will recommend training through your recovery so you don’t lose your training momentum! Athletes should reduce the weight they’re training with, as well as accommodate lower-body injuries (like foot injuries) by focusing on their upper body.
Take Care of Your Feet So You Can Keep Training
Don’t let an injury keep you from the things you enjoy! Make sure you’re training correctly, not pushing yourself too far, and that you speak with a medical professional if something feels off. Is something feeling off right now? Maybe you’ve been feeling an ache in one of your heels, your arches are bothering you, or maybe you just have a nasty ingrown toenail that’s making training uncomfortable!
Make an appointment with Foot Specialists of Birmingham today and get back to doing what you love—pain-free!
