A variety of foot conditions are directly caused by excessive or repetitive stress on a particular area of the foot and ankle. Too much activity and exertion can lead to conditions like shin splints, tendonitis or plantar fasciitis. Limiting stress on the area, at least in the short-term, is typically advised as part of a larger treatment plan, but nobody wants to be stuck on the couch for weeks as they work to recover after an injury. So how can you stay active while also being cognizant not to strain an area that’s working to recover from an overstress injury? We share some tips in today’s blog.
Tips For Staying Active While Overcoming A Repetitive Stress Injury
You want to be protective of a certain area as you work to recover from an overstress injury, but your body craves activity, and movement can actually help speed up the recovery process. So let’s take a look at some of the ways you can stay active while attempting to overcome a stress-related injury like tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.
Swim – Water-based activities can be a great way to avoid gravity’s effect on a specific part of your body. Water’s natural buoyancy and resistant properties make it the perfect environment for anyone who is struggling to move on the ground. A lot of athletes rehab in special water-based facilities so that they can start moving without subjecting their body to as much stress during specific movement patterns. Go for a swim or do a water yoga routine while you recover.
Cycle – You can also jump on your bike or a stationary cycle at the gym and spin those wheels for a while. You’re not going to be putting nearly as much stress on your legs, feet and ankles as you would during a high impact exercise like running. Instead of lacing up your running shoes, hit the trail for a bike ride.
Yoga – Yoga and other stretching-based workouts can get your heart rate up and expand your comfortable range of motion, all without greatly amplifying the amount of stress you put on your lower body.
Don’t Neglect Other Aspects of Treatment – Be sure that you are following your doctor’s advice in regards to other aspects of your recovery. Take anti-inflammatories, pursue hot/cold therapy, stretch, get quality sleep, improve your diet and partake in physical therapy. Rest alone is rarely a stand alone treatment, so even though you’re trying to be protective with your activity levels, make sure you are pursuing other recommended forms of treatment for best results.
Simply put, avoid high impact activities for a short while and be sure that you are pursuing other helpful forms of treatment in combination with protecting your feet from stress, and we’re confident that you can remain active while working to recover from an overstress injury. But as a reminder, all injuries are unique, and your best advice for overcoming an injury will come from your treating physician.
For more information about treating some common stress-related injuries like shin splints or plantar faciitis, check out those blogs!