Tips To Keep Your Feet & Ankles Healthy

Did you know the foot is broken up into three parts: forefoot, mid-foot and rear-foot. They consist of multiple joints, muscles, fat pads, and ligaments. Having healthy feet should be the top priority.

Our feet are the most overused yet misunderstood parts of the body. It takes a few injuries to realize the respect our feet need. When experiencing foot and ankle pains, it can also lead you to have knee, hip, and even back pains.

  • To activate the intrinsic foot musculatures, try to run or walk on the sand once a week.
  • Take one of your couch cushions or a Bosu Balance, and balance on each leg for 60 seconds each. This is a great way to strengthen your ankles and to improve your balance.
  • Another way to improve your ankle strength is by doing some ankle hops. This takes advantage of pointing the feet and pulling your toes towards your shins.

Having feet and ankle pain is never something anyone wants to experience, some people are on their feet for more than 10+ hours a day! It’s also important to make sure you have the proper footwear to support your feet and ankles. Not having the proper footwear could potentially cause long-term injuries.

Foot & Ankle pain is different between both men and women. Women can pick between what type of shoes they want to wear on a daily basis. From pumps, high heels, flats, sandals, wedges, and regular shoes. It all depends on what you’re able to walk in, don’t force your body to do something it ‘s not use too. Not being use to walking in heels can cause tension in your ankles they can make your feet hurt.

Men, alternatively, have the option to wear work boots, sandals or regular shoes. Work boots are intended to protect your feet, if you are a construction worker, some men need high top boots to protect their ankles, so when they are lifting and moving things they have that support. Not having the correct support you can potentially break an ankle.

Every person is different, but the most important thing is to ensure you have the proper foot care and if you start to have problems with your feet and ankles contact Foot & Ankle Specialists of Illinois to set up an appointment!

 

Written by Ali Hyderi