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Want to know about Stretching? WeTreatFeet provides an overview…

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WeTreatFeet Podiatry: The Importance of Stretching Before and After Exercise Activities

As we all know, exercise is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, but it can also put stress on the body. Stretching before and after exercise can help reduce the risk of injury, sprain and strains,  and increase flexibility, making it an essential component of any workout routine.

In this article, WeTreatFeet will discuss the importance of stretching before and after exercise activities, which muscles to stretch for different exercises, potential injuries from these exercises, and rehabilitation from those injuries. However, please note that this information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Why Stretching is Important Before Exercise

Stretching before exercise can help prepare the body for physical activity, reducing the risk of injury. By stretching, you increase blood flow to your muscles, warming them up and increasing their flexibility. This increased flexibility can improve your range of motion, making it easier to perform exercises correctly and safely.

Which Muscles to Stretch for Different Exercises

Different exercises require different muscles to be stretched to prepare for the workout properly. Here are some common exercises and the corresponding muscles that should be stretched:

Potential Injuries from Exercises

Despite the benefits of exercise, injuries can still occur. Here are some potential injuries that can result from different exercises:

  • Running: Shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis can occur due to overuse or poor form.
  • Weightlifting: Muscle strains, sprains, and tears can occur due to improper form or overexertion.
  • Yoga: Back pain, hamstring strains, and wrist injuries can occur due to poor alignment or overexertion.

Rehabilitation from Injuries

If you experience an injury from exercise, rehabilitation is essential to help you recover and get back to your fitness routine. Rest and ice are the first steps to take when dealing with an injury, but physical therapy and stretching can also be helpful in the recovery process.

Physical therapy can help you regain strength and mobility in the injured area, while stretching can improve flexibility and prevent further injuries. Make sure to work with a qualified healthcare professional to develop a rehabilitation plan that suits your specific needs and goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stretching before and after exercise activities is essential for injury prevention and improved flexibility. Understanding which muscles to stretch for different exercises and potential injuries from those exercises can help you prepare your body properly and reduce the risk of injury. If you experience an injury, rehabilitation is crucial to help you recover and get back to your fitness routine safely.

Remember, this information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any exercise program or if you experience any pain or discomfort during exercise.

Thank you for reading our article on the importance of stretching before and after exercise activities. At WeTreatFeet Podiatry, we are committed to providing you with the information you need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

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How Podiatry and Diabetic Shoes Go Hand in Hand

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When it comes to managing diabetes, taking care of your feet is one of many important tasks,  such as monitoring your blood sugar levels. That’s where podiatry and diabetic shoes come in.

Firstly, what is podiatry? Podiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to the feet and lower limbs. This includes everything from ingrown toenails to diabetic foot ulcers. For those with diabetes, regular visits to a podiatrist are essential for maintaining good foot health, and often can be the difference between life and limb.

One of the most important aspects of diabetic foot care is wearing the right shoes. Diabetic shoes are designed specifically for those with diabetes, with features that help prevent foot injuries and promote overall foot health. Some common features of diabetic shoes include:

– Extra depth: Diabetic shoes are deeper than regular shoes, providing more room for custom orthotics or inserts.
– Non-slip soles: The soles of diabetic shoes are designed to provide better traction and prevent slips and falls.
– Seamless interior: Diabetic shoes have a seamless interior to reduce the risk of rubbing or irritation that can lead to blisters or sores.
– Adjustable closures: Diabetic shoes often have adjustable closures, such as velcro straps, to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

Another important aspect of diabetic shoes is that they are often covered by insurance. Medicare and many private insurance plans cover the cost of one pair of diabetic shoes per year for those with diabetes. This means that there’s no excuse for not being in a good pair of diabetic shoes if you have diabetes.

In addition to wearing diabetic shoes, there are other steps you can take to care for your feet if you have diabetes. These include:

– Checking your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or other injuries
– Washing your feet daily with mild soap and warm water
– Drying your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes
– Applying lotion to your feet to keep them moisturized
– Avoiding walking barefoot, even at home

If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is essential for preventing foot injuries and complications. Regular visits to a our WeTreatFeet doctors, and investing in a good pair of diabetic shoes are two important steps you can take to maintain good foot health. So why wait? Make an appointment with WeTreatFeet  today and invest in your feet by getting a pair of diabetic shoes to keep your feet healthy and happy.


Learn about Diabetes and your Feet

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Fashionable Footwear – Good for Style, Bad for Foot Health

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More than half of Americans suffer from foot problems, and often those problems are directly related to shoes.

But no matter how cute a shoe looks, Orly Avitzur, medical adviser at Consumer Reports, said that having fashionable footwear isn’t worth the health risks.

“Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to lifelong deformities that require surgery to fix,” she said.

According to a new study from the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, uncomfortable and ill-fitting shoes are a serious problem. Shoes that force feet into narrow or pointy toes can cause bunions or hammertoes, where the toes curl unnaturally downward.

But that doesn’t stop women like Trisha Calvo and Jennifer Frost from wearing name brand heels.

“I feel fabulous in them,” Frost said. “You feel fabulous in your shoes…not physically
fabulous in them.”

Studies show that high heels can shorten your Achilles tendon and can trigger planter fasciitis, an inflammation in the soles of the feet. Avitzur recommends foregoing high heels for something more comfortable.

“Opt for a lower heel to take some of the pressure off the ball of your foot,” she said. “Make sure that there is enough room in the toe, and avoid thin-soled shoes that have little or no support.”

But even flat shoes can hurt feet if they lack proper support and cushioning, especially if they’re the wrong size.

One recent study revealed that up to a third of people wear the wrong shoe size, sometimes by up to one-and-a-half sizes. To combat that problem, Consumer Reports recommends measuring your feet each time you buy, especially for people over 40. After that, feet can grow up to half a shoe size every 10 years.

Source:
WRAL