Sports training techniques to prevent foot injuries or problems

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You can help prevent foot injuries and problems.

Wear good athletic shoes, such as shoes with cushioned soles (especially heels) and good arch support. Physical therapists, orthopedists, podiatrists, and sports medicine health professionals can advise you.
Buy new shoes every few months, because padding wears out. Also buy new shoes if the tread or heels wear down. The expense is worth preventing ongoing (chronic) foot or ankle problems.
Be reasonable in your training:
- Stretch your foot, ankle, and leg muscles before and after exercise.
- Avoid rapidly increasing the number of miles you run, running or training uphill, and running on hard surfaces, such as concrete.
- Avoid excessive sprinting (short, rapid bursts of running).
- Avoid sudden changes in your training program. Gradually increase the amount of exercise you are doing until you reach your training program goals.

Credits

Author	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Editor	Alison Allen
Editor	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Last Updated	February 8, 2007

Last updated:	February 08, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer

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