Undoubtedly, it’s the time of year when we look to spring clean, detox, get fit and try to work off all the extra lbs put on over the festive period. I find it’s a time to personally reflect on 2018 and look to what you want to change or achieve for 2019. For the health and fitness industry this is one of the busiest times of the year, as we set new year resolutions and goals on how we want to look and feel. And if your legs and feet are not in tip top condition this really can stop you from achieving your goals.
There is a cycle I see daily in the clinic when treating my clients. They have been a couch potato for a while, want to lose weight, get fit and really take control of their health conditions either in a curative or preventative capacity. BUT, their foot pain, or foot deformity, is adversely affecting the level of physical activity they are able to undertake. They are therefore unfortunately unable to reach their health and fitness goals and take control of their body, and as a result their overall health deteriorates.
Foot pain and deformity truly can become a disability and really affect your physical ability and emotional state. One scenario I see time and time again, is that of clients unable to attend ramblers, golf, tennis, rugby, running club etc. because of their leg and foot pain. Most people attend these social sporting events because not only do they love to do it, but above all they love the social interaction and meeting up with friends; while for others it’s all about competing. Imagine not being able to do this? For me, if I could not dog walk and do my yoga (it’s my protected “me” time!), I would be devastated and honestly, depressed. Therefore, I feel it’s an absolute must to be passionate about preventing leg and foot pain.
Here is some general advice on preventing leg and foot pain:
1. Make sure you are in the correct size and style of shoe for the activity you are doing, and ensure they are comfy with plenty of room in the toe box. There is no such thing as wearing in shoes!
2. Condition your body with appropriate warm up and cool down stretching exercises
3. Foot and ankle strength exercises are fun, easy and very effective in prevention of pain
4. Do not suffer with leg or foot pain, see a podiatrist ASAP
5. Stay hydrated
6. Maintain a healthy weight
If you have been suffering with any form of leg or foot pain for more than two weeks please seek a consultation with us. We will be able to advise you on what it is, what’s causing it and more importantly, what can be done to kick your foot pain to the curb and for you to reach your news year’s resolutions and goals!
Until next time,
Margaret
