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| Monday, 6 February 2012 |
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Playing Basketball with Flat Feet
Fast Facts
It is possible for people with flat feet to play basketball without any problems.
Flat feet or collapsed arches can increase the chances of developing foot pain, shin splints, knee pain and even back pain, especially when involved in sport.
Having flat feet or collapsed arches can make it more difficult to run and jump.
Shoe inserts (orthotics) and shoes with good arch support can prevent or manage the pain by correcting foot mechanics.
A podiatrist or physiotherapist is the best healthcare professional to advise you on your foot issues.
Many people with flat feet go through life without any problems. Some play recreational sports with the occasional sore feet after the game, while others develop chronic foot, shin, knee and even back problems.
People with flat feet have low or absent inner arches. People with pronated feet have an arch, but the whole foot rolls inwards causing the arch to collapse. In both these conditions, the body weight and ground forces are concentrated along the inner side of the knee, leg and feet rather than being evenly distributed. The feet are floppy and it makes running and jumping more difficult as there is less push-off or spring.
Over time with increased participation in sport, chronic overuse problems develop because of the cumulative effect of forces on vulnerable areas and tissues. Bunions, sore feet, heel pain, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, knee pain, and back pain can result from the altered mechanics of the legs. This is due to the excess friction, tissue tension and altered joint alignment that occurs because the weight is not centered through the limb. There is generally more strain on the body and muscles have to work harder.
Podiatrists are health professionals who specialize in conditions of the feet. They evaluate foot structure and mechanics during standing, walking and running and address inefficiencies in movement that lead to injury.
Depending on the degree of flat footedness and involvement in sport, they will prescribe shoe inserts (orthotics) made of suitable material and/or the right kind of shoes. The orthotics are worn in the shoes and can be used for different pairs of shoes. They not only keep the foot in a neutral position to improve efficiency of movement but also allow better weight distribution.
Physiotherapists work closely with podiatrists in improving body mechanics during sport so as to resolve injuries and improve sports performance.
Written by Trina Lee, Physionique
www.physionique.com
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