5 Tips for Staying Active with a Foot or Ankle Injury
Sustaining a foot or ankle injury can be a frustrating setback for our patients who enjoy an active lifestyle. However, it’s possible to maintain a fitness routine while also allowing your foot to heal.
Here are five tips to help you stay active when you have a foot or ankle injury:
1-Make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrists.
Before engaging in any exercise regimen, let us assess the severity of your injury. We may propose specific exercises or modifications based on your condition, ensuring you don’t aggravate the injury or delay the healing process.
2-Choose low-impact activities.
As you recover, we may suggest low-impact activities that minimize stress on your injured foot. Swimming, cycling, and using an elliptical machine can be excellent options because they get your heart pumping without placing unnecessary pressure on the foot or ankle.
3-Put lower body exercises on the back burner.
Focus on upper-body and core exercises – for now. Strength training using resistance bands or dumbbells keeps those muscles toned. Don’t forget planks and pushups, too.
4-Modify your workout routine.
Until your injury heals, you must tone down any high-impact activities. For example, running becomes walking. Even that may be too much, so always refer to #1 above, and consult our doctors for the best and safest recommendations.
5-Wear the proper footwear.
Wearing shoes that provide adequate cushioning and arch support can help alleviate pressure and reduce the risk of further injury. We might also prescribe ankle braces, splints, or orthotic inserts for added stability and support during workouts.
Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, Dr. Jim Swienconek, Dr. Rachel Robinson, and Dr. Courtney Yoder, will offer advice specific to your particular injury so you can keep fit – and stay safe – as your foot heals. For expert advice, call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio, at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.