Foot And Ankle Care Tips To Prevent Injury
Injury to your feet and ankles can occur if you are simply walking on the sidewalk or if you are exercising or playing a sport. Injuries can occur due to a number of reasons, including wearing the wrong footwear, a fall due to imbalance, or because your joints and muscles are not flexible. In order to prevent injury, there are a number of things you can do. Read on for a few helpful tips regarding foot and ankle care.
Wear The Proper Shoes
You should always wear shoes that fit properly and that suit whatever it is you are doing. If you are walking, you should be wearing walking shoes. If you are working out, be sure you wear shoes that give you the support you need. Your shoes should also fit your foot, as in they shouldn't be too large or too small, as they can result in injury to your foot if you aren't careful. Your shoes should fit your feet and should be appropriate for your activity. If you aren't sure of what type of shoes to wear for your particular need, you can talk to your podiatrist about what type of footwear you should be wearing.
Stretch Daily
You should be stretching your feet and ankles daily to stay flexible and prevent injury. Stretch your feet and ankles before you perform a sport or before you exercise to strengthen your muscles and to improve your balance. Some stretches you can do include rotating your ankles clockwise and counterclockwise, pointing your toes upward and downward, and picking up items with your toes to strengthen your foot muscles.
Avoid Unsafe Conditions
Don't run or walk in unsafe conditions, such as on uneven pavement or on stairs that aren't in good shape. You should also avoid areas that appear unsteady when walking or running to prevent injuring yourself. This may not always be preventable, but when you notice these things, avoid them as best as you can to prevent a fall. Fall could result in an ankle sprain or break.
Use the information above to help you prevent injury to your feet and ankles. Talk to your podiatrist about other things you should do to avoid injury. If you have been injured before, discuss preventative tips, as well as strengthening tips for your feet and ankles with your podiatrist.
For more information about foot and ankle care, contact a local professional.