Walkathons Present Foot Health Challenges for Sedentary Adults

CHICAGO, April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With warmer weather on the way and the push for participation in awareness walks in full-swing, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons reminds adults that, without adequate preparation, long distance walking can result in pain and even injury to the bones and tendons in the foot and ankle. The risk is especially high for individuals who do not engage in regular exercise.

From single-day solidarity walks and multi-day walkathons to fun runs that welcome walkers, participation in these family-friendly events is on the rise. But while these events are accessible and appealing to a wide variety of abilities and fitness levels, they present a special concern for adults who otherwise lead sedentary lifestyles.

There is a common misconception that walking is an easy activity. On the contrary–walking for longer periods of time or far distances is hard on the body's support structures: feet and ankles can swell or become sore over longer distances, and tired walkers can twist an ankle, develop tendonitis and tenosynovitis, or rupture an Achilles tendon.

"Most adults do far less walking and standing for long periods of time, despite what they might think," says Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS, a Boston-based foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. "There is potential for real harm, especially for individuals who may have existing structural foot deformities including bunions or other problems such as diabetes. Hence, it is especially important to prepare for the event by gradually increasing the intensity and duration of activity."

But conditioning programs that help individuals prepare for a distance walk are limited—unlike the numerous training programs aimed at helping non-runners get ready to run even short distances—and most walkers don't recognize that they need to prepare at all. Adults who engage in these activities also must be educated to know when to take a break, and not just "work through the pain," continues Dr. Dinh. "Knowing the signs of minor injury can help prevent a major injury."

With proper training and recovery techniques, these fun social events can remain just that - fun. If you're planning on participating in a long distance walk and want to know how to prepare and how to recover, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' patient education website at FootHealthFacts.org.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is a professional society of over 7,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, the College's mission is to promote research and provide continuing education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle through its patient education website, FootHealthFacts.org.

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SOURCE American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

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