At Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, we offer the latest treatments for foot and ankle-related injuries that reduce patients' pain and get them back on their feet. Even so, taking steps to avoid an injury is the preferable solution.
Warm-up
Warming up keeps your joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons loose and flexible. If you don't do a little stretching before an activity, you are more likely to experience an injury that keeps you on the couch.
Pay attention to your shoes
Although your shoes may look as perfect as the day you bought them, they may no longer offer adequate support. The cushioning layer inside the shoe gradually compresses with wear, decreasing shock absorption and support. Without proper support, you're more likely to experience injuries and conditions ranging from plantar fasciitis to sprained ankles. If you're a runner, you may need to replace your shoes as often as every three months.
Know when to stop
Continuing to exercise or play when you're in pain or exhausted is never a good idea and can cause all sorts of injuries, including stress fractures. Stress fractures occur when your muscles can no longer handle the activity and transfer their load to your bones, causing tiny cracks. Unfortunately, the cracks can become breaks if you ignore the pain.
If you do experience a foot and ankle injury, stop exercising and call your Culpeper and Charlottesville, VA, foot and ankle surgeons if your symptoms are severe or don't improve with rest.
Add a little variety to your exercise routine
You're more likely to incur an overuse injury if you do not vary your exercise routine. Alternating workouts is a simple way to avoid painful injuries that affect your mobility and range of motion.
If you do experience a foot and ankle injury, make an appointment with Dr. Disabato or Dr. Rafii at Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Culpeper and Charlottesville, VA.
Charlottesville
(434) 977-8040
Culpeper
(540) 825-1350