Why You Should See The Podiatrist Before Starting An Exercise Regimen

Making the commitment to improve your physical fitness can be a wonderful thing. You'll be fine-tuning your body and may find that it's much easier for you to do things like go up a flight of stairs or even carry heavy groceries into the house. While it's quite common to have your fitness plans cleared by a family physician, you might not have thought about the importance of seeing another medical professional:  A podiatrist. Podiatrists specialize in everything related to the feet and ankles. Listed below are a few reasons why you should always make a stop at the podiatrist's office before getting your exercise program off the ground:

You Need The Right Shoes

Having the right shoes is absolutely essential when you're thinking about getting serious with an exercise regimen. Without the right shoes, what started out as a good idea can quickly become a nightmare, especially if you end up injuring yourself.

While some people think that shoes are mainly there to keep you from stepping directly onto the ground or for fashion purposes, they are about so much more than that. Good shoes are designed to cradle your feet and soften the shock that occurs each time you step down. Your feet and ankles support your entire frame each day. Just imagine the strain that they will have to sustain if you decide to walk around the block a few times as part of your exercise program. If you don't have the right shoes, the results can be disastrous.

Podiatrists can take a look at your feet and determine if you need shoes with arch support or if the ball of your foot needs the extra cushion. They'll recommend the perfect pair of shoes for you that can add that extra boost of motivation to get you on the right track.

Podiatrists Can Give You A Recommended Course Of Action

After the podiatrist examines your feet, they may determine that you should go with a low impact form of exercise. Your ankles or feet might not be strong enough to withstand rigorous activity, so doing something such as swimming as opposed to running might be the best course of action for you.

Going to the podiatrist opens you up to new information that can be so helpful when you're looking to make a change in the level of your personal fitness. Make that appointment before you begin your exercise journey so you can begin on the right foot.

For more information and assistance, contact a medical office like Laurel Podiatry Associates, LLC.