Many people here in Nassau County will use the New Year’s holiday as an opportunity to commit to healthy lifestyle resolutions. Of course, one of the most popular is to get more exercise. For some, this is a path to losing weight. Others simply want to be in better condition or experience all the tremendous benefits that come with leading an active life. No matter your motivation, we hope that you are able to stay safe in any new exercise program you pursue.

Physical activity can help you shed pounds, sleep better, improve your resting heartrate, and promote healthy circulation, but it also comes with an inherent risk of injury. Fortunately, we have some easy foot injury prevention techniques will help you stay safe and active.

Following are our top tips for preventing foot and ankle injuries:

  • Be careful when starting a workout program. If you made the resolution to start a fitness program this year, be sure to start out at low levels of intensity and duration and ramp them up gradually.
  • Warm up and stretch before physical activity. Far too often, individuals jump right into intense activity without preparing their body first. This often leads to injury, so cut down the risk by warming up for 5-10 minutes and then using dynamic stretches first.
  • Stretch after physical activity. While dynamic stretches are best prior to an activity, static stretches—the ones where you hold a stretch in place for about 30 seconds—are best done afterwards, when your muscles are warm and flexible.
  • Wear shoes that fit your feet. Your best tool is a pair of footwear that is activity-appropriate and fits correctly. Avoid pairs that are too tight, since they can increase the risk of black toenails, ingrown nails, calluses, and many other issues.
  • Choose supportive, well-constructed footwear. Individuals who are active should wear shoes that have solid arch support, ample cushioning (especially in the heel area), and are durable.

You can certainly decrease the risk of injury, but even the best foot injury prevention practices do not eliminate them completely. When foot or ankle injuries strike, be sure to contact Foot Specialists of Long Island and have us provide the effective treatment you need. Contact our Massapequa, NY foot doctor office by calling (516) 804-9038 or fill out our online form to request your appointment today.

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