3 Tips to Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries During Exercise

3 Tips to Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries During Exercise

Exercise and sport are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but carry some risks of injury. Injuries may be part and parcel of any physical activity, but they can easily be avoided. Taking steps to reduce your risk of foot and ankle injuries can help you reap the many health benefits of physical activity for many years to come.

You can minimize your risk of injury while exercising and playing sports with the help of these three tips below:

1. Stretching: A good stretch can help improve flexibility and decrease your risk of injuries. At the same time, stretching can enhance blood flow, enable your muscles to work more effectively, and improve your athletic performance. It is best to incorporate stretching into your fitness regimen. Make sure to warm up before you start stretching. A gentle stretch of the muscles can help relax them.

2. Don't do too much all at once: If you have rapid or excessive fluctuations in training load, you tend to increase the likelihood of injuries. Try to develop a steady exercise routine where you gradually build up intensity, duration, and frequency. This ultimately improves your performance and decreases your risk of injury. Stop exercising if you feel any pain. Have a foot doctor evaluate any pain right away to prevent a more serious problem, like foot fractures, from happening.

3. Dress appropriately during any physical activity: Be sure to have the right gear for your workouts. Choose footwear that is designed for a specific sport or exercise to avoid injuries. For example, you should not wear golf shoes to participate in a basketball game.

If you have suffered any foot or ankle injury during sports or exercise, contact your podiatrist immediately. Call Stuto Foot Specialist Podiatry, LLC, located in Brooklyn, NY, at (718) 624-7537 or (718) 567-1403 to schedule an appointment with our highly experienced board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Joseph Stuto.

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