National Foot Health Awareness Month in April
March 30, 2017
With the advent of spring and summer weather, it’s a great time to take advantage by going out for a walk. In honor of National Foot Health Awareness Month in April, the faculty and students of the Midwestern University Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine want to help you make these walks easy on your feet.
“Walking is great exercise and one of the most reliable forms of transportation,” says Donald Curtis, D.P.M., FACFAS, Assistant Professor, Podiatry, at the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic. “But if your feet aren’t in the best shape or you don’t have the right shoes, too much walking can cause foot problems.”
Shoes made specifically for walking or running can add stability for your feet by providing more support. “The ideal walking shoe should be stable from side to side and well-cushioned,” Dr. Curtis says, “and it should enable you to walk smoothly.”
Warming up exercises to help alleviate any muscle stiffness or pulled muscles are also advised before walking. Loosening up the Achilles tendon and calf and thigh muscles before a walk is especially effective. “If you’re not accustomed to long walks, start slowly and rest if your feet start hurting,” says Dr. Curtis. “And above all, have fun!”
The Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic offers complete foot and ankle care along with other specialty areas including Clinical Psychology, Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Pharmacy, and Speech-Language Pathology services. To make an appointment at the Multispecialty Clinic, call 623-537-6000.
