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FITNESS
Rigorous
sports and fitness activities benefit your overall health
and well being but cause wear-and-tear on feet and ankles.
While running for example, pressure on each foot can be three
to four times normal body weight. Even walking takes a toll:
a 150-pound person walking one mile exerts the equivalent
of 63-1/2 tons of pressure — 127,000 pounds — on each foot!
Fortunately, our feet and ankles are well designed to handle
stress and support us for a lifetime. But certain conditions
— if undetected and untreated — can seriously sideline even
the fittest people. When you pursue fitness, don’t neglect
the health and support of your feet and ankles.
Click on one of these links to learn more about fitness on
the APMA website:
General
Fitness
Walking
Running
GOOD SHOES
Shoe
choice should be determined by weight, foot structure and
activity regimen. All shoes have different shapes, and sizes
and widths are not uniform from shoe to shoe. Consider whether
an orthotic device will be worn with your shoe, and whether
your running style is flat-footed or on the balls of the feet.
Shoes should provide cushioning for shock absorption, and
ought to fully bend at the ball of the foot area. Visit the
shoe store in the afternoon, when feet are slightly swollen,
and wear socks that you intend to wear with those specific
shoes when trying shoes on.
- Properly fitted shoes are essential! Shoes that don’t
fit hurt your feet and may cause more serious problems.
- A shoe with a firm sole and soft upper is best for daily
activities.
- For accurate fit, shop for shoes in the afternoon as feet
tend to swell during the day.
- Have your feet measured while you are standing, every
time you purchase. Try shoes on both feet, and fit to your
larger foot.
- Wear athletic shoes intended for your specific sport —
one style does not fit all activities and may not address
your support needs.
- Do not wear any sports shoe beyond its useful life.
- Walking shoes should be well cushioned and stable from
side to side; provide enough room to wiggle toes, yet be
snug in the heel.
Your walking and running shoes should be changed more often
than you probably think. Running shoes should be changed every
350-500 miles —more often if exposed to temperature extremes
and weathering. Walking shoes should be changed every 6 to
9 months if you walk 4 miles daily. Choose sport socks carefully.
Socks that wick moisture away from the foot help prevent athlete’s
foot and blisters. The best moisture-wicking socks are made
primarily of synthetic fibers.
Runner's
Shoe Guide from Runner's World
www.shoesnfeet.com
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