Hammertoe occurs when the second, third, or fourth toe bends at the middle joint, often as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes. Genetics, arthritis, and muscle imbalance can also cause hammertoe. The affected toe resembles a hammer, which is where the deformity it gets its name. With hammertoe, the toe bends downward, rather than pointing […]
Patient Education Term Category: Sports, Exercise and Your Feet
Walking
Walking is an excellent form of exercise enjoyed by many people of all ages, both indoors on a treadmill and outdoors in just about any setting or season. Its benefits include weight loss, stress relief, cardiovascular fitness, improved circulation, and lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Walking is also a gentle enough form of […]
Tennis
Tennis requires a lot of sudden stops and starts, as well as repetitive side-to-side movements and jumps. These actions can be stressful on the feet and ankles for any tennis player, from the beginner to the pro. In light of this, common tennis injuries include ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and, of course, tennis […]
Running & Jogging
Running and jogging are popular forms of cardiovascular exercise. Conveniently, running and jogging can be done alone or in groups, indoors or outside, any time of day, and during any season. However, proper conditioning, stretching, exercise, and footwear are important to avoid foot injuries during running or jogging due to the high impact on the […]
Golf
While playing on a typical 18-hole golf course, a golfer walks up to five miles, which adds up to about three to five hours of standing and walking. In addition to spending many hours on your feet, the biomechanics of a powerful, successful swing also rely on properly-positioned feet. Golf shoes should therefore be comfortable, […]
General Information About Foot & Ankle Fitness
Despite the wealth of knowledge feet provide about overall health and undetected health problems, they are one of the most ignored parts of the body. Even when foot or ankle pain is experienced during running, walking, or other forms of exercise, people tend to overlook it and chalk it up to a normal occurrence during […]
Cycling
Cycling is a popular form of exercise, enjoyment, and even economical, environmentally-friendly commuting to school or work. It provides cardiovascular benefits and conditioning for most of the body; however, cycling takes its toll on the feet, ankles, and lower legs, as they are in constant motion while pedaling to keep the bicycle moving. To reduce […]
Basketball
Basketball requires a lot of sprinting up and down the court, as well as sudden jumping, side-to-side movement, twisting, and turning. It is also played on a hardwood surface. In light of this, basketball is one of the toughest sports on the feet and ankles. Basketball players of all ages and ability levels, from local […]
Baseball
From Major League Baseball to Little League, baseball is a favorite sport of many Americans. Regardless of age or intensity level, all baseball players need to consistently maintain a healthy body in good physical condition; it is also important to have the proper gear and equipment for safety and optimal performance. When it comes to […]
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic activity is a popular form of exercise for many people due to the positive health benefits it imparts. For example, aerobic exercise can improve heart, lung, and circulatory health; alleviate stress; encourage weight loss; improve stamina; and strengthen and tone muscles. Despite the benefits of aerobic activities, the constant and repetitive impact of jumping, […]