Placing lots of strain and pressure on our feet and ankles can cause them to weaken and even succumb to damage. This can mean developing bunions and hammertoes, or more severe situations, like torn ligaments and strained tendons. Although treatments for these conditions exist and have proven time and time again to be helpful, the best solution for these issues is to avoid them in the first place. Not sure if you’re treating your feet and ankles right? Answer the following questions and evaluate yourself.
What kind of shoes do you wear?
What you put on your feet matters. If your shoes don’t fit right, you might be causing some serious damage. Be certain that you have on supportive and appropriate footwear for your adventures; you certainly want to purchase tennis shoes that offer optimal assistance as you hit the trails to train for a marathon. Shoes that are too snug can cause friction to occur and bunions to arise. Similarly, if you are used to throwing on sky-high heels, you might be putting your ankles in an awkward position and putting yourself at risk for injury. You should also think about how your arches fall when you have on your shoes. Are they forced into an unnatural angle? If so, it’s time to reevaluate your shoe collection or invest in some medical inserts.
How often do you work out?
Fitness is great! It keeps us healthy and happy. But the quick movements that come with high-impact sports and rapid movement can cause injury. Likewise, you need to keep your feet supported and protected as you age because our bodies get weaker with time. And, again, proper footwear matters. Remember that you don’t always have to be on the go, either. Forgetting to have rest days can wreak havoc on your health. Sometimes, the best choice might be throwing on a pair of slippers as you kick up your heels and relax on the couch, giving your ankles and feet a break.
Do you avoid visiting the doctor when you have a problem?
Be honest. If you feel a strange twinge in your ankle or hear an odd popping when you move your foot, do you ignore it and hope for the best or schedule an appointment with a physician? Hopefully, you answered with the latter. When your ankles and feet or giving you trouble, putting off a medical evaluation can do more harm than good. Delayed treatment might lead to a more significant problem than you initially had. Plus, you might just be putting up with a totally treatable issue for no reason.
By taking your foot and ankle health seriously, you can avoid having more problems down the line. If you are experiencing foot or ankle issues, or have questions about your options for treating them, don’t hesitate to reach out and set up a consultation. We’re always happy to help.