Pickleball is on the rise as many people of all ages are loving this fast paced sport. It combines the greatness of tennis, badminton, and ping pong making you quick on your feet. Since vertical, lateral, and all-around movements are necessary, it is imperative to maintain healthy feet.
Tips to Maintain Healthy Feet
Stretching your feet and wearing proper footgear and socks are easy ways to help prevent plantar fasciitis, according to Scottsdale podiatrist Dr. Mark Forman, DPM, M.B.A., F.A.P.W.C.A.
Dr. Forman explains that stretching your feet like any other body part is necessary to warm up the area so less injuries occur. Additionally proper footgear is critical because it supports the whole foot including the ankle, midsection, and toes allowing for quick movements to occur without injury.
Finally, proper socks are a must too! Socks also support your feet and help prevent further problems such as plantar warts, blisters, and toenail injuries.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the tissue that supports the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed. Many people experience this when there is an abundance of stress placed on this tissue.
Dr. Forman says it is a regular occurrence with athletes in all sports, like Pickleball. Other factors that play a role are tighter calf muscles, extra body weight, and beginning new physical activities.
For these reasons, Dr. Forman and his Scottsdale team at Put Your Feet First strongly suggest proper stretching of your feet and legs. There are excellent exercises in which his team is happy to show you to help you maintain healthy feet.
Is it Too Late?
Has plantar fasciitis crept up on you? Don’t worry! We, at Put Your Feet First, have remedies to help you get back on the court as soon as possible. Dr. Forman and his team offer in-office treatments that include custom-made orthotics, Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) injections, MLS Laser treatment, and surgery.
Orthotics
We offer custom-made orthotics that provide support throughout your entire foot. At Put Your Feet First, Dr. Mark Forman and his team use state-of-the-art technology to scan every minute detail of your feet to create a 3D image. This allows every crevice and angle to receive maximized support.
Once you wear these orthotics, you’ll never want to remove them! Best yet, they improve your balance, stance, and pressure allowing you to stand upright, move quickly, and swing your racket appropriately.
PRP
PRP is a method that has been proven to be highly effective. Dr. Forman draws your blood and screens/spins it to collect all your rich platelets. These platelets are then injected into the injured area. Once injected the inflammation decreases quickly causing new healthy cells and tissues to form allowing for a full recovery.
MLS Laser Treatment
MLS Laser treatments is an FDA-Cleared treatment shown to help patients with pain relief. It does not require any downtime or pre or post care. MLS Laser utilizes a light that penetrates deep beneath the skin to the cellular level. It deadens the injured cells and tissue allowing for new healthy cells and tissue to form.
Most patients need several sessions, each session lasting no more than ten minutes. Dr. Forman finds his patients benefit the most with six-ten treatments.
Surgery
Surgery is the last consideration, as Dr. Forman and the staff at Put Your Feet First want to help you heal with the least invasive methods. If it is necessary, then Dr. Forman and his superb team will meet with you to discuss the process and the care needed for pre and post treatment.
Contact Us!
We, at Put Your Feet First, do not just put your feet first, we put YOU first! Please schedule a consultation with us today to discuss the best approach to help you heal from plantar fasciitis so you can get back on the court and play your best!
Reach us through our website or by phone at 480.423.8400. We look forward to helping you get back on the court quickly!