If you're a skier, podiatrists say you should think of your feet as your steering wheel.
"External forces of gravity, inertia and centrifugal force all act on a skier in motion," said Dr. Ben Pearl, a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and a part-time ski instructor. "A skier needs a good sense of balance, particularly in the feet. You must be able to feel the contact between the bottom of your whole foot and the boot."
And that's where many people fall short. Most skiers' feet are not perfectly suited to ski boots and need some adjustments in their boots or a proper orthotic to be able to stand and move efficiently.
While most people think of orthotics as a way of making the feet more comfortable, Pearl says a ski orthotic can help balance the whole body.
For instance, an orthotic can be molded so it repositions an inward-turning ankle outward, preventing soreness on the side portion of the knee.
"If your foot is slipping around in your boot, you can't transfer as much force to the boot and reach the edge of the ski as quickly," Pearl said.
A podiatrist can also place a lift in an orthotic to compensate for one leg being shorter than the other.
Here are some more tips from the APMA:
* Make sure your boots fit properly. If they're too loose, your toes will get irritated in the toe box. If they're too tight, the pressure will lead to blisters and abrasions. Tight ski boots may also inhibit circulation in the lower extremities and can cause cold feet.
* Choose the boot that works for you. Ski boots are available in forward, rear and middle-entry styles. Modern boot systems make it possible to alter boots to a perfect fit.
* If you are not sure whether your ski boots fit properly, take them to a podiatrist to evaluate the fit and make recommendations to improve both comfort and performance on the slopes.
For more winter foot care tips, visit the American Podiatric Medical Association's Web site, www.apma.org. -NU |
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