Benefits of Cycling & How to Protect Your Feet!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What are the benefits of cycling?

From the start, when cycling was first invented in the early 1900s, it has been a sport embraced by all ages. More than 100 million Americans enjoy cycling and are reaping the benefits. It doesn’t matter if you are biking to work, running errands or joining a road race, hopping on a bike is good for your body!

As far as burned calories go, cycling at a moderate to fast pace for 30 minutes can help you burn up to 300 calories. Biking is a great cardiovascular exercise that also helps strengthen your muscles. It is also a lower-impact form of exercise, which spares joints some of the stress that other types of exercise can put on your body. 

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT is all about helping her active patients protect their feet. Some of the common cycling injuries she treats are: shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis and foot numbness and pain. Over activity, lack of proper body alignment and poor footwear can each cause injury.

Your feet are transferring energy to the pedals in every push making proper shoes essential, even for a casual stroll through your neighborhood. If you are going to do more serious cycling, your shoes should have a stiff sole and fit snugly around your heel and the bridge of your foot. Look for ventilated uppers and avoid any shoes with loose straps or laces that could be hazardous. Also, bring your socks with you when you go to try on shoes to ensure you get the right fit.

If your feet are in pain at every turn of the pedal, take a break and come in and see Dr. Boucher. She can evaluate the cause of your foot pain and provide the right course of treatment. You can make an appointment at our podiatric office by calling (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Kickboxing and Feet Injuries

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Martial arts have grown in popularity over the years with people all ages as a great way to maintain fitness. Kickboxing is one style of martial that takes a great deal of training, strength, flexibility and balance. While these qualities are good things to develop, injuries do happen due to the nature of the activity and the movements involved.

What injuries can happen in kickboxing?

Feet and ankles suffer about 10% of the injuries that typically occur in martial arts. There is a lot of punching and kicking involved in kickboxing and when moves are done with the wrong technique or poor training, injury can result. Common kickboxing injuries include:

Plantar Fasciitis. This can develop due to the constant pivoting and elevation of the foot that happens when doing kicks. The supporting foot on the ground is often up on the ball of the foot, which can strain the plantar fascia over time.

Achilles tendonitis. In a single training session, a kick boxer can perform up to 500 kicks. The Achilles tendon is essential when performing kicks and can sustain overuse, resulting in tendonitis.

Sesamoiditis. The sesamoid bones are two little pea-sized bones in the ball of your foot. Due to your feet often being elevated during kicking, these bones can become irritated and inflamed.

Hematoma. With feet and legs striking targets or opponents, this is a very common injury in kickboxing. It is when bleeding develops inside your foot or leg.

For many of these injuries, simple steps such as rest, icing and elevation often allow the injury to heal on its own. Dr. Tina Boucher, a foot specialist in Meriden, CT warns that any persistent pain or problem should be seen immediately. The injury may be more serious that you can see and more aggressive treatment may be needed before it gets even worse. Make an appointment by calling our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us online at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Breaking Down Barefoot Running

Friction Blisters on Human foot due to running barefoot. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Among the many fads and fashion statements that cycle through, a fairly controversial one has been that of barefoot running. It is controversial because there are two fighting sides to the issue. There are groups that fully support and encourage barefoot running as the only true way our feet were supposed to run. Others, however strongly oppose this activity for the reasons of foot health and injury.

The bottom line is that foot health is extremely important and needs to be a priority. If you are interested in barefoot running, you need to know the facts being given on both sides and make an educated decision that ultimately will keep feet safe in the long run.

The Pro’s

Some studies have shown that barefoot running can actually prevent injury and improve and enhance a runner’s stride. Supporters suggest that it encourages you to land on your forefoot, which helps strengthen your arch as a shock absorber. Barefoot running may work smaller muscles in your body that help improve balance and also strengthen muscles and ligaments in feet.

The Con’s

The underlying negative is that barefoot running can put foot health at risk. Feet can be exposed to dangerous debris such as glass and sharp rocks. Blisters and calluses can form from running without protective cushioning. Common injuries seen in podiatric offices from barefoot running include plantar fasciitis, Achilles strain and abrasions.

Before your bare feet hit the pavement, listen to trusted experts such as Dr. Tina Boucher, foot and ankle specialist in Meriden, CT. She can provide a thorough foot analysis and help decide if this activity is right for your foot health. To schedule an appointment or find further information, call our office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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