The warmer weather and increased opportunities for outdoor activity create an ideal environment for strengthening, rehabilitating, and simply enjoying healthy feet and ankles. In this article, we at Your Next Step will reveal how to take advantage of the coming months for optimal foot and ankle health.

Waving Winter Foot Problems Goodbye

Winter can bring out the worst in foot conditions. Raynaud’s, Chilblains, peripheral artery disease and other conditions caused by the freezing conditions can now officially quiet down due to the warming weather. And that ice on the ground? It’s no longer here to slip you up. The elderly and those prone to falling have a decreased chance of fractures and related injuries. From a skin standpoint, dry, cracked heels and psoriasis flare-ups, for many mild cases, are left in the dust. Springtime allows for better moisture, and letting the feet breathe is a great way to stave off fungal infections. The warmer temperatures also allow for greater flexibility and range of motion. Cold weather can stiffen joints and muscles and worsen arthritis. However, springtime encourages movement and promotes circulation.

Now that we’re in daylight savings mode, the longer days also motivate people to spend more time outdoors, which naturally increases physical activity. Walking, hiking, and gardening are all common in spring and provide excellent low-impact exercise for strengthening feet and ankles. Not to mention, the transition from heavy-duty winter footwear to lighter sneakers allows your feet to breathe and move more freely. This reduced constriction can alleviate pressure points and reduce the risk of vamp disease, blisters, corns, calluses, and injuries.

Taking Advantage of Spring for Healthier Feet and Ankles

Here are some ways to capitalize on the springtime to enhance your foot and ankle health:

• Embrace Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the pleasant weather by engaging in regular walks, hikes, or bike rides. These activities strengthen muscles and improve ankle stability.
• Barefoot Exercise: When safe and appropriate, spend time walking barefoot on grass or sand. This strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the feet and improves balance. There is also research to suggest that “grounding” has numerous health benefits that exceed circulation.
• Spring Stretching Routine: Incorporate daily stretching exercises into your routine. Focus on calf muscles, Achilles tendons, and plantar fascia to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries.
• Gardening and Yard Work: Gardening and yard work provide excellent opportunities for low-impact exercise. Engage in tasks that require bending, squatting, and walking, which strengthen feet and ankles.
• Spring Sports and Activities: Participate in spring sports like tennis, golf, or jogging. These activities provide a fun and engaging way to improve foot and ankle health.
• Sunlight and Vitamin D: Enjoy the sunshine! Vitamin D is essential for bone health (just remember to apply sunscreen to your feet during prolonged sun exposure).

Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache are happy to solve your foot and ankle problems. Book your appointment and contact us today!