Preventing foot and ankle injuries

An old joke defines the toe as a device for locating furniture in the dark. People stub their toes, step on sharp objects, or sprain their ankles every day. Because of the importance of your feet to the overall health of your body, even minor injuries can result in problems. Limping, for example, can put undue stress on your spine, causing back spasms. The best way to deal with foot and ankle injuries is to prevent them in the first place. A good place to start is with your shoes. Fortunately, we live in an age where we have a huge variety of footwear to choose from. You can find shoes that are specially designed for running, walking or playing specific sports. Many work boots have steel toes to prevent injuries. There are even shoes designed for nurses or other professionals. Shoes for healthy feet aren't necessarily fashionable. More women than men suffer foot problems, and high heels are often the reason. Pick shoes that fit both your feet and your lifestyle. For more information on preventing foot and ankle injuries, consult a foot specialist.