Podiatrist Patient Doing Water AerobicsIf you’re an active person, you may hate the thought of “putting your feet up” while your foot condition heals. However, your regular activities—going for a run, playing golf, or even driving—can all aggravate your pain and cause further damage to your foot, adding weeks to your recovery time. That said, there are some activities that are possible for patients in treatment for foot and ankle injuries.

Alternative Activities for People Struggling With Foot Pain

The first thing to do before attempting any physical activities is to discuss the subject with your podiatrist. Your exercise options will depend on your specific condition, and you don’t want to attempt any activities that could make the problem worse. Whatever you and your podiatrist decide, you should always stop any activity at the first sign of discomfort. Any attempt to “play through the pain” can permanently damage your foot.

Patients with foot pain may be able to perform:

  • Weight lifting. Weight lifting offers a wide range of benefits, doesn’t require the use of the feet, and can be a perfect cross-training option for runners or walkers.
  • Abdominal exercises. Crunches, sit-ups, leg lifts, twists, and other muscle training performed while sitting on an exercise mat can increase strength and flexibility.
  • Rowing. Rowing machines engage your upper body and are non-weight-bearing, but you will need to use your feet and ankles to push off at the beginning of the stroke.
  • Biking. If your injury does not involve the ankle, you may be able to get cardiovascular exercise by riding a bicycle or using a stationary bike.
  • Aquatic exercises. Water exercises take a great deal of weight off of the feet, while still providing resistance that is good for the heart and muscles. Swimming laps or doing water aerobics are great choices for patients who do not have fungal infections, have not recently undergone surgery, and do not have open wounds on their feet.

Whether you have an ongoing condition or need immediate intervention for an injury, the foot and ankle specialists at Greater Washington Advanced Podiatry are here to help. We offer free initial consultations to determine the root cause of the problem, and create a customized treatment plan to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Simply fill out our online contact form or call us at (301) 515-FEET to set up your first visit.

 

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