Foot pain can be caused by worn insoles, improper footwear, and unprepared foot muscles. However, by adding fitness to your lifestyle and following your podiatrist’s professional guidance, you can keep your feet and body healthy. Before you get started, take a look at what you are doing to make sure you are not doing anything that might create or aggravate foot discomfort.
Know your foot before taking up a sport
It is essential to pick a sport that suits you, not just in terms of enjoyment, but also in terms of the motions it involves. Is the selected activity an impact sport that necessitates the use of specific footwear?
We generally think of back or knee discomfort when we talk about sports and the health concerns to address. We often overlook the importance of the feet. It is undeniable that the urge to outperform oneself might lead to the consideration of sports that push us beyond our comfort zones. However, attempting to climb or run while suffering from foot pain necessitates thorough planning. Posture, general muscular work, and balance issues can all be exacerbated by foot difficulties. Getting assistance from sports trainers is the greatest method to prepare your feet for a workout.
It is also worth thinking about your footwear options. Ill-fitting sports shoes can cause friction injuries to the skin of the foot, and heels that are not adequately compensated to absorb shocks or bottoms that are excessively inflexible can also damage your leisure activities. Knowing your foot’s characteristics will not only help you select the proper sport for you, but it will also provide you with a solid foundation for contacting a podiatrist if necessary.
Activities that are safe for your feet
There are several activities that are completely safe for your feet. Of course, a warm-up is usually a good idea to loosen up your muscles, especially your foot muscles.
Walking and hiking are two great ways to stay healthy and active. The benefit of these workouts, aside from their accessibility, is that you may choose how intense they are. Remember to pick your walking shoes wisely; they will make or break your performance.
Yoga and Pilates are two other interesting possibilities to consider for mild deep-muscle movements. These sports have the benefit to include stretching and warm-ups in their regimens, which considerably reduces the chance of injury.
If you want to attempt a more dynamic activity but are restricted by symptoms, you may always use orthotics to improve your comfort and foot stability. Following a podiatric evaluation, the specialist will create custom-made orthotics that are simple to insert into your shoes. These will not only help you avoid injuries by keeping your foot in a correct posture, but they will also help you perform better by protecting your joints.
Should I forgo certain activities in order to protect my feet?
Do you have a good understanding of your feet? You take the time to assess the appearance of prospective problems by taking care of your foot hygiene. Are there any sensitive regions on your foot? Do you have pain in your muscles or on your skin? Have you spotted any issues that concern you?
Plantar fasciitis, for example, can produce discomfort beneath the foot while walking or feeling; an ingrown toenail can cause pain when you put on your shoes, and chronic itching between the toes can suggest an athlete’s foot. Spending some time on your feet can assist you in making the best conclusions regarding your exercise choices. Your podiatrist can help you with all of these issues and suggest activities that are appropriate for you. Some sports may not be recommended for a specific length of time, but an equivalent will always be available.
Start with a podiatric assessment
Whether you have foot or leg pain, your podiatrist can do a podiatric evaluation to help you pick a sport that is safe for you. Please do not hesitate to contact our network of experts for additional information.