World Cup Soccer

Hopefully everyone had a great holiday weekend and took time to appreciate Independence Day! The end of the holiday weekend also brought around the final matches of soccer's World Cup. If you've been keeping tabs on the games, then you know that Spain and Netherlands will be facing off in the final match on Sunday. After an hour of running and fancy foot work, Spain's first world cup final came about, with sixteen minutes left, by Carles Puyol utilizing his head to score the winning goal. You don't have to be a diehard soccer fan to appreciate the athleticism displayed in these matches and the huge demands these players ask of their feet.

These demands are met only by utilizing the proper foot wear and extensive practice. For the ‘weekend warrior' who likes to play soccer, neither of these requirements may be adequately addressed. Soccer is one of very few sports that require minimal equipment. Anyone who plays needs to make sure that good shoes, in addition to the ball, are part of that equipment. Soccer cleats may not always be designed with the best internal support and this is the part most important for your feet. Utilizing the proper insert or a custom designed orthotic can make any off the shelf pair of cleats into the best gear you can use to prevent injuries.

For the any early teenagers or younger, there are added challenges to avoiding injury during soccer. Many bones in a teenager are not fully hardened yet. In the case of the "heel bone", there in an area of cartilage that can become problematic for young children; especially when the shoes offer inadequate padding. Remember, pain is never normal.....not even ‘growing pains'. Implement the RICE principle and make a visit to see Dr. Thomajan if pain ever becomes a problem. Until next time, stay happy and healthy Austin!