Don't Forget Your Feet While Getting in Shape in 2023

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There is an often-overlooked area of the body that deserves your attention too: your feet! Toning your abs, glutes, and triceps are all important, but your feet deserve your attention too.

When it comes to following through on your resolution to get fit, here's what you should know:

Typical Injuries

• Avoid playing through the pain of an ankle sprain. Not only will this cause further damage to the ligaments, which can take longer to heal, but you may also be overlooking a more serious injury.
• When you first notice a stress fracture, you may think it is an ankle sprain, but you will also notice additional warning signs, such as swelling without bruising, and pain when you touch the area or engage in normal activities. A foot and ankle surgeon should be consulted if you notice any of these symptoms.
• When your Achilles tendon hurts or swells after a workout, it could be an indication that you have Achilles tendonitis. If left untreated, a stretched or strained Achilles tendon may worsen, causing stiffness and fatigue in your leg over time. The worst thing about Achilles tendonitis is that it can lead to a ruptured tendon requiring surgery and a long rehabilitation period.
• It may be a sign of plantar fasciitis if you experience heel pain that persists for more than a day or two, or gets worse when you stand up after sitting for a long time. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition caused by inflammation in the tissue extending from your heel to your toes. Your foot and ankle surgeon may recommend at-home conditioning if caught early. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can be hard to treat and may take longer to resolve.

Prevention Tips

You can prevent many injuries by following these five tips from foot and ankle surgeons:

1. Consult a trainer at first to ensure you are practicing good form, and to increase the duration and intensity of your workouts gradually and safely.

2. Stretch before and after exercising. Include mobility and stretching in your fitness regimen.

3. Be footwear aware. You can avoid plantar fasciitis and neuromas by wearing properly-fitting athletic shoes that provide heel cushioning, support the arch of the foot, and are designed for the exercise you are engaged in. Cotton socks or nonslip socks will help prevent blisters that may become infected and cause more serious problems, especially if you have diabetes.

4. Keep your feet clean and dry after exercising. Sweaty shoes, public showers, exercise equipment, and pool decks are breeding grounds for fungi, viruses and bacteria. Wear water shoes in public areas and after exercise.

5. You should schedule an appointment. Foot and ankle pain may be the sign of a problem that needs to be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by a specialist who knows what he or she is doing.

You need to protect your feet and ankles when you begin your new fitness routine, because they help you stand up and absorb shock.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.

📲 949-588-8833

🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637

🏢Irvine Medical Arts Building 113 Waterworks Way, Suite 250 Irvine, CA 92618

🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/

The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.