As warmer weather arrives, more and more people will be outside walking.
Most people think that walking is an easy activity, but walking for longer periods of time or far distances can be hard on the feet for people who do not normally walk much.
To learn how to keep safe, keep reading!
(image by WalkingFit.ucr.edu)
From single-day walks to walk-a-thons, walking has become more popular in our health-conscious society. While walking events appeal to people with of various fitness levels, these activities can be a concern for adults who lead sedentary lifestyles.
There is potential for real harm for people who may have existing foot problems such as bunions, or conditions like diabetes. It’s important to prepare for a walking event by slowly increasing the duration of walking activities.
Non-runners and runners alike need to know when to take a break, and not walk through the pain. Knowing the signs of a minor injury can help prevent a major injury. One of the most important things you can do is select the right shoe for walking.
When you go to buy shoes for walking activities, try to remember these helpful tips:
- Your shoes should leave enough room so your feet can expand while walking. Your walking shoes should be a size to a size and a half larger than your dress shoe.
- Good walking shoes are flexible. Your foot flexes as you roll through a step from heel to toe. If your shoe doesn’t flex with it, you can’t get a good walking motion and your feet fight your shoes with each step. See if your shoe bends in the ball of the foot and if you can twist it from side to side. If it is stiff as a board, you need different shoes.
- Walking shoes should be flat, with little difference in height between the heel and the ball of the foot. This is one of the biggest difference between a good walking shoe and some running shoe designs. Look for designs that are flatter rather than having a built-up heel.
If you have foot pain that is persistent and won’t go away, do not let it go untreated or it could very well get worse. Get your foot looked at today so that tomorrow is pain-free.
Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak make an appointment with Dr. Alireza Khosroabadi about your foot and/or ankle needs.
