Step into Spring Safely
Ogden
Clinic Urges Foot and Ankle Safety
Ogden
, Utah
- March 31, 2010 -
Are your feet ready for spring? Spring often means increased outdoor activity including final preparations for a marathon or race. According to the
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, foot pain affects nearly one in five people. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has named April Foot
Health Awareness Month, and Ogden Clinic is increasing awareness of proper foot and ankle care.
According to the APMA approximately 75 percent of Americans will experience some kind of foot or ankle problem in their lifetime. Feet and ankles are
more susceptible than any other part of the body to injury.
"As the community becomes more active in the spring, feet should be properly protected and supported to prevent injury," said Dr. Kelly S. Stagg,
podiatrist at Ogden Clinic. "The correct footwear should be selected, especially if training for or participating in a specific sport. For instance, a
running shoe is built differently than a cross-training shoe. It consists of materials to support more impact. A tennis shoe will give more support for
sudden stops and turns."
A shoe's condition should be given significant consideration. Although shoes may not show wear, their functionality (such as shock absorption)
diminishes over time. Shoes with regular to moderate use should be replaced every four to eight months, or immediately if the shoe has worn unevenly.
The APMA gives helpful recommendations for purchasing shoes:
-
Measure your feet while standing not sitting.
-
Always try on both shoes and walk around the store.
· Always buy for the larger foot. (Feet are seldom the exact same size.)
-
Shop for shoes later in the day when feet tend to swell.
· Don't buy shoes that need a "break-in" period; shoes should be comfortable immediately.
· Be sure that shoes fit well-front, back, and sides-to distribute weight. The widest part of the foot should correspond with the widest part of
the shoe.
· When trying on shoes wear the same type of socks you expect to wear with the shoes.
"If an injury or early signs of pain emerge don't ignore them. An injury can quickly worsen and become a chronic condition that leads to additional
problems," said Stagg.
If foot injury does occur, ice the area immediately. Doing so will contract blood vessels and prevent swelling and pain. (Do not use heat or hot water
as it will cause greater swelling or pain.) Sprains often mean torn or severely overstretched ligaments and should require immediate care. X-ray
examination and a cast or splint may be necessary.
To address foot health, recommendations for the right pair of shoes for all members of the family or to find the right provider visit www.ogdenclinic.com or call 801.475.3000. Ogden Clinic has also developed user-friendly self-help tools on
their Web site (www.ogdenclinic.com) to address foot problems ranging from athlete's foot to warts.
About Ogden Clinic
For more than 60 years, Ogden Clinic has been taking care of families in the local community. The clinic is a physician-owned, multi-specialty group
practice offering urgent and after hours care to ensure the community's healthcare needs are met. They accept all major insurance plans.
Ogden Clinic is comprised of seven clinic locations including Harrison Boulevard Clinic, 4650 Harrison Blvd.; Washington Boulevard Clinic, 4350
Washington Blvd.; Skyline Clinic, 6112 South 1550 East; Canyon View Clinic, 11159 East 12th St.; Grand View Clinic, 3485 West 5200 South in
Roy; Mountain View Clinic, 1100 West 2700 North in Pleasant View; and Ogden Clinic Physical Therapy, 4700 Harrison Blvd. Ogden Clinic has become a
staple in the community with leading experts providing quality care from trusted neighbors.