FOOT HEALTH What You Need to Know

One of the most abused and underappreciated parts of the human body is our feet. We use our feet every day without giving them a second thought. It’s not until we develop some type of pain or injury causing immobility that we begin to realize what an integral role our feet play in our daily lives. In fact, good foot health is directly linked to our quality of life. This is why prevention of injury or disease is crucial. Once injury occurs, it can be a long road to recovery impacting one’s mental health and overall quality of life with loss of independence or employment.

Leading an active lifestyle is key to optimizing foot health. Inactivity can lead to bone mineral loss or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which one’s bones are porous and fragile, resulting in their ability to easily fracture. Weight-bearing exercises enhance bone strength and prevent bone loss. Having stronger bones will protect you from developing fractures, specifically stress fractures that are a very common overuse injury. Weight training, aerobic exercises, and stretching will also strengthen your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Overtime, our muscles and tendons are prone to atrophy and shortening, preventing full motion and functionality. When our muscles and tendons don’t function optimally this increases your risk of developing common foot and ankle injuries like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis.

Now that we know some of the risks of inactivity; we can take simple and easy steps to living a more active lifestyle. For example, taking daily walks outside, incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises at home or joining a local gym are all great ways to increase the amount of physical activity in our lives. Remember to start out slow and build the amount of training or exercise you do gradually to prevent possible injury.

To learn more about what you can do to improve your foot health and prevent injury contact a local foot and ankle specialist near you.

239-430-3668 | www.NaplesPodiatrist.com

9510 Corkscrew Palms Cir #3, ESTERO
6846 International Center Blvd., Suite B, FORT MYERS
1645 Colonial Blvd., FORT MYERS
530 SE 16th Pl., Cape Coral