Football season may be over for now, but baseball’s spring training is underway in February, hockey still has a few months in its season, and we haven’t even reached March Madness yet. Players of all kinds and all levels are still hitting the gyms and practicing their drills. Athletes with high arches, however, should be paying extra attention to their lower limbs, whether they’re baseball players just getting into the swing of things or basketball stars in the middle of their season.
High arches are not the most efficient foot structures for absorbing shock. Their stiffer design doesn’t allow the foot to roll enough to properly distribute weight under pressure. As a result, feet with a raised midfoot are more prone to injuries like hammertoes, calluses, corns, metatarsalgia, sesamoiditis, plantar fasciitis, and even ankle and Achilles tendon problems.
To avoid those conditions, athletes with high arches have to be careful. Orthotics and shoe changes can help support and cushion the foot, protecting it. Arch supports brace the midfoot so that it distributes force more evenly. Padding under the ball of the foot helps it absorb shock better. Check with experts like our staff here at Absolute Foot Care Specialists in Las Vegas to see what adjustments could benefit your feet.
High arches aren’t all bad news for players, though. They do have one advantage. More and more experts are noticing that the raised midfoot is excellent for sudden direction changes and acceleration. The stiffer form and force distribution allows the foot to adapt and move more quickly under these kinds of stresses.
If you play sports and are concerned about your arch height, or are already experiencing foot pain, don’t wait for a serious injury or complication to develop to seek help. Contact Absolute Foot Care Specialists to see what we can do to protect your lower limbs and keep you in the game. Visit our online contact page or call us at (702) 839-2010 to make an appointment or request more information.
