There are many great aspects to living in Long Island, NY, including all the options we have for holiday-related activities. Whether you are interested in the 5th Annual Gingerbread Competition, free Christmas concerts, holiday light shows, or brunch with Santa, you can find an event that will please everyone. With all the options and obligations in the holiday season, it can be a stressful time of year. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, be sure to take a little time for yourself to relax and recharge. This is also fantastic advice as we look at the ways to prevent stress fractures.
Unlike other bone fractures, stress fractures are tiny cracks that develop in the surface of bone tissue in response to repetitive force. This is a common overuse injury experienced by those who are physically active on a regular basis. Muscles assist in handling the tremendous force loads that come with running and jumping. When muscles are fatigued from excessive use, your bones absorb the trauma instead and can be damaged.
In order to head off stress fractures, use the following guidelines:
- Wear proper footwear. Always choose shoes that are appropriate for the physical activities you do and make sure they fit properly.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Strong bones require calcium and other nutrients, so base your diet around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products for optimal bone strength.
- Make fitness changes slowly. Use a gradual progression when you start a new workout routine or running program.
- Cross-train. You can avoid repetitive stress on the bones in your feet, ankles, and legs by incorporating low-impact exercises into your workout plan.
As with any condition that might cause pain or keep you away from your favorite activities, we hope that you are able to prevent stress fractures from happening. When you experience the symptoms of a fracture, though, be sure to come to Foot Specialists of Long Island. We can evaluate your situation and diagnose the condition in order to provide an effective treatment plan.
Our Long Island, NY podiatry practice is committed to providing specialized care for every one of our patients who comes to see us. We take pride in helping you overcome foot and ankle pain, so schedule your appointment today at our Massapequa office online or call us at (516) 804-9038 for more information.
