5 Foot and Ankle Wellness Trends Worth Trying
The world of wellness is constantly evolving, and with social media, people are more willing to experiment with their health. But amidst all the noise, some of these movements are more beneficial for our feet and ankles than others. In this article, we’ll walk through a few things we at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists think our patients should try ASAP.
Walking
While walking more isn’t exactly a brand new trend, the global sentiment toward it certainly is. Getting your steps in is now the craze, and “sitting is the new smoking” has become a well-known catchphrase of the active elite.
But we think it’s less about hitting a specific step count and more about incorporating mindful movement into your day. Think leisurely strolls in nature, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or even just pacing while you’re on a phone call. This gentle, consistent movement improves circulation to your feet and ankles, strengthens supporting muscles, and keeps joints lubricated – all huge for taming arthritis, preventing diabetes, and staving off osteoporosis.
Self Care
Between Ashton Hall, get ready with me routines, and the glamour of personal development on social media, skin care routines and the likes of self-care have become romanticized beyond belief.
But how can we include the feet in this? It could be as simple as a nightly foot massage with your favorite lotion, taking a relaxing Epsom salt soak, or wearing custom orthotics. These small rituals not only feel good but also improve circulation and help you become more attuned to any subtle changes in your feet.
Yoga
More and more people are turning to yoga for its mental and physical benefits, but it’s also fantastic for your feet. Yoga poses emphasize balance, stability, and flexibility, and are a great way to strengthen the muscles of the feet and ankles.
It also helps to improve stability, which is great for seniors, athletes, and anyone else who’d like to reduce the risk of ankle sprains and falls.
Athletic Shoes
The chunky dad shoe may have quieted down a bit, but the athletic sneaker still reigns supreme. Between Asics, New Balances, and the onslaught of Y2K models, ultra cushion and padding fit for marathon runners has become the norm for everyday walking.
We hope this trend never leaves us.
Stair Climbers
Because of the 12:3:30 movement and the general rise of stair climbers, gentler movement and stronger calves have become synonymous with fat loss and a healthier lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a great, low-impact workout that specifically benefits your feet and ankles, using a stair climber at the gym is a fantastic option. Unlike jogging, taking the stairs to break a sweat is a great, lower-risk way to exercise.
No high-impact forces to cause stress fractures or overextend your Achilles. Sign us up!
If you’re experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or changes in how you walk, come see the expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!
