Protect Your Feet by Varying Your Exercise
Of course, exercise is a good habit. It offers benefits to your cardiovascular system, your muscles and your bones. But making a habit out of just one kind of exercise can pose a risk to your feet and ankles, which are vulnerable to injuries caused by repetitive stress.
Every week, we care for men, women, and children who come in to our office with problems that result from a fitness routine that never changes. Switching up your workout routine occasionally can offer benefits including increased strength, flexibility and balance. It can also reduce your risk of common complaints.
Unlike acute traumatic bone fractures that occur as the result of a fall or an after an accident, stress fractures begin as a small hairline fissure in the bone. The attendant pain begins slowly and non-distinctly and often disappears with rest, but gradually becomes more frequent and intense. Athletes, especially court sport players such as basketball participants and tennis buffs, are particularly likely to develop stress fractures. Avoid playing such start-and-stop games day after day without a break. Enjoy a swim or a bike ride outside if the weather's nice.
If you're a runner or a dancer, you're at risk of sesamoiditis, a painful irritation or fracture of two small bones located on the underside of the foot near the big toe. Sesamoiditis is usually the result of repeated hyperextension of the big toe over time. Do you regularly run or take dance class? Switch up your activity periodically. Try playing ball or going to yoga.
Turf Toe is a sprain of the big toe that typically results from a sudden, excessive upward bending of the joint. It is most prevalent among football and soccer players who play on artificial turf, which is a very unforgiving surface. If you or your child regularly engage in these sports, try to play on real grass when you can and remember to take a day off once in a while. Go for a hike or do some strength training instead.
If you're concerned that repetitive stress has caused an injury, or if you have any other concerns about the health and well-being of your feet, ankles, or lower legs, a visit to the podiatrist is the first step to feeling better.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.