Listen To Your Feet
When engaged in various athletic activities, one part of the body that is the most likely to suffer injuries is your feet. To avoid this, you will need to learn how to listen to your body in order to determine when you are placing too much strain on your feet.
Examining Your Feet
Look at your feet. Are they swelling? Do you notice a lot of blisters or loose skin? All of this can be an indication that you are spending too much time on your feet and that you may need to spend more time resting. When you spend too much time on your feet, you will find yourself experiencing an overwhelming desire to take a break. Listen to your body rather than trying to force your way through.
Hot Feet
Are your feet very hot? Hot feet can contribute to strain placed on your feet and may force you to stop engaging in athletic activities sooner. Consider soaking your feet in cold water to cool them off so you can return to the field sooner. Cold therapy is effective because it reduces muscle spasms, which can cause damage to your feet. In cases where your feet are very damaged, it can also reduce the risk of cell death.
Don't Ignore Pain
Pay attention to when your feet hurt. Do not try to force your way through the pain. Take a break to see if your feet recover. If you still experience pain even after a period of rest, modify the activity so that you do not experience as much pain. The pain may be caused by improper technique or you may not be wearing the right type of shoes. If you are concerned about getting behind physically because you are not able to practice, look for other ways to train while you are not using your feet. For instance, you may spend more time lifting weights while in a seated position to develop upper body strength.
You may find that even with rest that your feet will not stop hurting. If this is the case, it is recommended that you find a foot and ankle specialist. It is possible that you have suffered a foot injury that cannot be corrected using any method other than an advanced medical treatment. It may be necessary to use support, such as a splint, to avoid putting pressure on your foot to allow it to recover more quickly. For more information, contact a local podiatrist like http://www.elmhurstpodiatry.com.