STAYING ACTIVE AND AVOIDING WEIGHT GAIN MEANS HEALTHIER FEET

When you think about health and fitness, your feet may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But, the condition of your feet and ankles has a big impact on mobility and wellness. Except for the hand, no other part of the body has as many moving parts as the foot, which has 28 bones (including the two small sesamoids), 33 joints, and over 100 ligaments. However, unlike the hands, the feet take a constant beating.

 

Dr. John Sigle

 

John Sigle, DPM founded the Foot and Ankle Center of Illinois in 2011. Dr. Sigle says seniors are prone to foot injuries, and weight gain is often a contributing factor. Injuries are largely due to wear and tear over years of walking, running, and constant pressure on the feet. Every step exerts four times your body weight of pressure on your ankle. The more extra weight you carry, the harder it is on your feet and ankles. Shoes are also an issue. Sigle emphasizes that people who stay active as they age are less prone to foot and ankle problems. 

 

Source: Karen Ackerman Witter, ReGeneration [Fall 2021]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News