Shoes and Foot Injuries for Gymnasts

Attempting to protect the ankles and the feet can conflict with the gymnastics principle of keeping this area aesthetically pleasing in order to appear lithe and graceful. So if your child wraps a thick padded bandage to cushion her joints against the shock of landing or dismounting, the more ungainly she will look. Another matter to consider will be the loss of traction.

Gymnasts need a lot of traction in the execution of some moves. Other times, like when performing a controlled slide, they don’t use much of it at all.
You also need to be aware that there are different kinds of shoes for different kinds of events. If you are of a mind to purchase all of them, you are one lucky gymnast! However, if you have to make a compromise, here are the kinds of shoes you might consider getting:

- Apparatus shoes are used in events where feet come into contact with surfaces only during dismounts. They are very light and are crafted to look very attractive on the feet. Soles of these shoes are usually made from thin leather or stretch nylon, which provides the gymnast with exceptional traction. Traction is needed during dismounts to prevent sliding, and if sliding does occur, the traction will help the gymnast recover sufficient balance.

- Vault shoes are sole-padded heavy-duty shoes that absorb the shock of landing. Before Port-a-Pits were introduced, many gymnasts used vault shoes. Nowadays, with the advent of Port-a-Pits, vault shoes have been converted into an apparatus shoe with extra reinforced toes to absorb the bursting pressure that occurs during impact. A majority of gymnasts still prefer a pair of soft but strong leather shoes, though.

- Depending on the type of floor exercise the gymnast specializes in, there can be different kinds of shoes to choose from. Each gymnast picks a floor exercise routine which emphasizes her strengths and downplays her weak points. So if the gymnast is the tumbling type, he/she will need a padded shoe to absorb the impact of landing, although it may deter from the aesthetics of form. A gymnast who prefers to incorporate more dance moves into her routine will need a shoe that slides with each movement.

- Balance beam shoes can vary according to a gymnast’s preference. One popular choice is a pair of stretch nylon shoes with rubber soles. Shoes with dry leather soles can be used for maximum traction, or dampened with a wet towel to achieve more slide. A gymnast can also use resin to provide traction.
In conclusion, having wearing protective clothing, making sure he/she has a basic knowledge of the more prevalently occurring injuries, a heightened sensitivity to body movement, and proper coaching will help keep you from injuries. Make sure you know how to put on any protective garments that are required in the sport. If he doesn’t, ask the coach perform a how-to demonstration.

Always seek the coach’s opinion about safety gear, and take note of the ones he recommends. Don’t make your own decisions about safety without proper guidance from a coach. The coach knows what kind of protection you need based on your skills, participated events and level of physical conditioning.
Gymnastics, as with any other sports, sees its share of blisters, skin rips, calluses, sprains, and a variety of other scratches, cuts, injuries and abrasions. The gymnast needs to incorporate safety as part of his/ her day to day life. Make it as essential to training as much as the routines, equipment, physical conditioning and coaching is important in gymnastics.

Finally, at all times, remember – in case of doubt, ask the coach!

Foot Injuries and Foot Pain in Gymnastics

Gymnasts can suffer from a variety of different foot conditions such as heel pain, arch pain, cracked heel and athlete’s foot. Foot injuries can include ligament strains, stress fractures, heel bruises, and swollen growth plates. Because your feet support all of your weight and must absorb a lot of force over and over again, they can be particularly susceptible to injury. Another reason some teens may suffer foot injuries is because of differences in their feet. For example, some people have flat feet or high arches. These differences don't mean that sports should be avoided, but it does mean that precautions, such as a special shoe insert, may be needed.

Recommended Foot Care Products for Gymnasts

Heel Pain or Flat Feet Insoles

Dry Cracked Heels

Itchy dry skin inbetween toes and soles of the feet? It may be athletes foot