Dr. Brandon Macy
Podiatrist - Clark, NJ
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066
Winter is almost over, and soon springtime weather will be inviting us out to play our favorite sports. Longer days with even more sunshine welcome fun activities for you and your family. Before you jump into a new sport or dust off your shoes from last spring, Dr. Brandon A. Macy and his team at Clark Podiatry Center have a few questions to ask before your big game. These questions focus on the health of your feet, ankles, and shoes; they can also guide you on ways to prevent sports injuries.
For adults, your shoe size may not be the reason for a new pair. Instead, it could be that your foot needs have changed. Your shoes have worn, or you need additional support— like a pair of orthotics. For children, whose feet are quickly growing, we strongly recommend that you have a professional measure their feet for the new season.
If you were recently diagnosed with a medical condition, including one that affects your feet or ankles, consult a medical professional before beginning a new sport. You may need additional time to recover or supports such, as a brace or custom orthotics.
If you have been experiencing foot and ankle pain, you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Never ignore pain. Pushing through pain can cause more harm and potentially worsen your condition.
If you experience an injury to your foot or ankle, we recommend visiting an expert — a podiatrist. Sports injuries are common, so knowing this information will be one less thing to worry about if you are in distress.
Be prepared; spring is on its way. After answering these questions, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brandon A. Macy of Clark Podiatry Center if you need additional guidance. He is a board-certified podiatrist, located at our Clark, New Jersey office. New Jersey’s Children’s Foot Health Institute is a part of the Clark Podiatry Center, too. Call 732-382-3470.
One of the most important pieces of equipment an athlete can have is proper footwear. Whether its baseball, basketball, football or soccer or any other sport, wearing the right footwear is key to performance. Choose something that is not fitted properly or suited for your sport and you will have trouble competing.
No matter what sport you compete in, you will want to visit a specialty sport shoe store. There you will have the best of selections in sizes and types. Don’t be afraid to try different styles and brands as each is different. Also, the best time to buy an athletic shoe is at the end of the day as it is for any shoe because your feet are largest then from all the previous day’s activity.
Specific sports like football, soccer or baseball which will have some type of cleat, short or long, attached or detachable, for traction on natural grass or artificial turf. Each surface will require a different type of cleat and therefore different shoe.
Sports like basketball require a sole that can grip a wooden or concrete surface. Most basketball shoes allow for this. Fit is important here as it is for any footwear. So when visiting the shoe store, always check your size before trying on a shoe. Your toes should have plenty of room to move. Your feet should feel supported, not tight especially with regards to length and width. Also, when fitting your shoe, fit to the largest foot. Oftentimes, it is the left foot that is a little larger than the other, but measure both anyway. When lacing the shoe, lace from the bottom of the foot back, pulling the laces tight as you proceed up the foot. This will make sure your shoe fits snuggly. Also, wear the same type of sock you use when competing.
Need some more help and encouragement in caring for your feet or choosing the right shoes? Schedule an appointment with Clark Podiatry Center to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon A. Macy. He can assess your feet to ensure that there are no issues making sure that you not only choose the right shoes, but also keep your feet healthy. We are a proud to say that the New Jersey’s Children’s Foot Health Institute is a part of the Clark Podiatry Center. Come see us at our Clark, New Jersey office today!
Questions or Comments?
We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066