Exercise Offers Benefits to Feet and Ankles

Suppose you sat down with a pen and a piece of paper and made a list titled, “Reasons to Start (or Keep!) Exercising.” You’d probably include items like, “it’s good for my heart,” or “the dog needs to go out anyway,” but do you know about the benefits that regular activity offers feet and ankles? Here are five things that Middlesex County podiatrists Dr. Jason Grossman and Dr. Paul A. Osemene want you to know:

1. Exercise lowers your risk of diabetes. You’re probably used to thinking of diabetes as a whole-body illness, but it poses particular risks to foot health including, infection and even amputation.

2. Exercise promotes effective circulation. It lowers your risk of Peripheral Arterial Disease, which hampers the blood flow to the extremities. It even reduces the likelihood that you will experience a dangerous deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  This blood clot often develops in the calves.

3. When you exercise, you carry your entire body weight on your own. It helps stave off osteoporosis, a dangerous weakening of bones that can contribute to foot and ankle injuries, including fractures. Combining activity with a healthy diet rich in produce (especially leafy green vegetables), lean protein, and low-fat dairy foods will boost this benefit.

4. Soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons are stretched with exercise. It can help improve discomfort related to certain injuries and conditions, including plantar fasciitis.

5. Flexibility and balance are improved with exercise, lowering the likelihood of a fall.

Keep feet and ankles in great shape and ready to exercise with regular visits to your foot doctor. A podiatrist like Jason Grossman, DPM, and Paul A. Osemene, DPM is a medical specialist with years of education and experience, and is the best-qualified doctor to examine, diagnose, and treat this part of your body. Call the friendly Advanced Feet and Ankle Care staff at (732) 679-4330 or click here to schedule an appointment in our Old Bridge and Sayreville offices today.