Exercise is Good for Your Feet, Too
You can’t live on this planet without hearing about the benefits of exercise. It’s good for your physical health. It can improve your mood. Going to the gym is a good way to meet people (good news for singles!) The podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland are here to tell you that exercise is good for your feet in so many ways:
- Exercise wards off obesity. We see many patients at our office in whose foot pain is directly influenced by the fact that they’re overweight. Carrying too much weight puts you at risk for
- plantar fasciitis
- flat feet
- diabetes
- Exercise helps keep blood-sugar levels in check. This is especially important for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes. When blood sugar is not controlled, the risk to your feet is greatly increased. Diabetics are prone to neuropathy – loss of feeling in their feet – and peripheral artery disease (PAD) – loss of circulation due to damage to the arteries.
- Exercise keeps joints healthy. Bending and flexing your joints, as well as lifting weights, makes your joints stronger. Even if your joints are inflamed due to osteoarthritis, you will reap the benefits of exercise in the form of diminished pain, stronger muscles to support your weakened joints, and slower progression of your arthritis.
- Exercise reduces your risk of falling. Strong muscles and a strong core can prevent damaging falls, which in turn cause ankle sprains, broken bones, hip fractures, head injuries, and so much more. Falling down is a leading cause of injury for senior citizens – and exercise is one of the leading antidotes.
- Exercise can improve your balance Even a simple exercise such as standing on one leg for 30 seconds at a time (repeat 5 times) will strengthen your core and legs (and reduce your risk of falling – see #4!).
You should always clear any exercise plan with your doctor. Then, make an appointment with Megan L. Oltmann, DPM or Craig B. Frey, DPM to talk about fitness and your feet. We can help you choose the right exercise for you, advise you about the right shoes for that activity, and show you proper stretching technique to help keep your feet and ankles in top shape.
Call us at (440) 903-1041 or make an appointment online to see us at our office in Solon, a beautiful, historic suburb of Cleveland.
