Plan to Succeed with Your Fitness Resolutions

At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we applaud our Nature Coast patients for resolutions to get in better shape in the New Year. Unfortunately, however, we often see patients in our Spring Hill (352 683-5799) and Hudson (727-868-2128) offices soon after with foot and ankle pain and injuries. You can head off fitness-related foot problems by taking a few precautions.

• Start with a podiatric checkup. It’s always advisable to get your physician’s approval before beginning a new exercise program. This goes for your podiatrist too. Chronic foot problems such as bunions or heel spurs need to be carefully monitored and certain accommodations in activity or footwear may be necessary to enable you to work out safely. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, will examine your feet and ankles and make recommendations as needed for your particular situation.

• Choose a good fitness regimen. Sound exercise programs operate on the “slow and steady” principle. Doing too much too soon is a surefire way to get a foot injury. The fitness plan you choose should also include warm-ups and appropriate stretching of your lower extremities to help prevent muscle and tendon strain. Days off between workouts to rest are also recommended.

• Get the right shoes. Exercise shoes are designed to support your feet in the movement required by a specific sport or fitness activity. Visit a shoe store that specializes in fitness footwear. Be sure to tell the salesperson about any pronation or other ongoing foot problems you have. Get your feet professionally measured and make sure the shoes you buy are comfortable from the time you walk out of the store.

• Listen to your feet. While a little soreness or fatigue is normal when starting a new exercise program, pain is not. If your feet or ankles hurt during or after exercise, stop and contact us to find out what is causing the pain.