Useful Tips For Preventing Foot & Ankle Injuries

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association the average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. This means that by the age of 50 most individuals in relatively good health will have walked approximately 75,000 miles. With this amount of activity and stress, it’s hardly surprising that most people at one time or another in their lives will experience an annoying or painful foot problem. At the office of J. Turner Vosseller, MD, we help patients of all ages protect the health of their feet to enjoy optimal comfort and function throughout all daily activities.

To help protect your feet from activity-related injury that can limit your mobility or set off a chain of consequences that may cause problems elsewhere in the body, our office recommends you follow these useful tips:

• Warm up and stretch your muscles before exercising or competing in a sport.
• Condition the muscles in your feet and ankles over time to build up strength, increase flexibility, improve balance, provide stability to the joints, and extend your range of motion.
• Choose the right footwear and replace athletic shoes when the heel or tread has worn down. It’s best to wear shoes designed for a particular activity as well as your foot type. Make sure the shoe fits, is supportive, and is supportive as well as comfortable.
• Be careful of uneven terrain as well as surfaces with loose rocks, gravel, obstructions or debris that can increase your risk of injury. Also exercise caution when running up or down hills. Whether going in one direction or another, it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges and risks of foot and ankle injuries when running on inclines.
• Be mindful of what your body is telling you. If you experience foot or ankle pain, it’s important to modify your activities and see a podiatrist for care. Also, after an injury make certain you have the all clear following treatment and rehabilitation to resume a sport or athletic activity.

Remember, taking a proactive approach to the health of your feet is far simpler than dealing with a preventable injury. Maintaining your feet for the long run depends on how well you treat and care for them today.

At the office of J. Turner Vosseller, MD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, give us a call today.

By J. Turner Vosseller

October 22, 2020