Disorders of the feet and ankles are common conditions in the United States. About 75 percent of Americans experience foot pain at some time during their lives, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Poorly fitting shoes, trauma...
A treadmill is an excellent option for a cardiovascular workout. However, many people experience ankle pain during and after a treadmill workout because they exercise too much too soon or have sustained an injury. Some individuals may experience...
Shoes wear down after about 300 hours of aerobic activity. Additionally, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, the wrong kinds of shoes for your specific sport and improperly fitted shoes can cause ankle and foot...
Small changes in the structure of your foot can lead to problems down the road. The bones of your feet are arranged in a highly specific manner; changes in that arrangement often affect multiple parts of the foot. According to Mayo Clinic, a...
Many types of disorders can cause ankle swelling, including injuries, inflammatory conditions, blood vessel abnormalities and systemic diseases. Some types of ankle swelling are accompanied by discomfort and limited use of the ankle. Other types...
Ankle weights are tools athletes use in training to help themselves get faster, quicker and stronger. They are regularly worn in a sleeve that attaches around your ankle and is strapped into place with Velcro. Though the idea is that wearing ankle...
Ankle weights are a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts wanting to increase the intensity of their workouts, but they aren't right for everyone. While useful for rehabilitation, they aren't always the best choice for cardiovascular fitness...
It would seem enough that you have to deal with the impact of three to four times your body weight with each foot strike when you run, but when you add the issue of ankle pronation, you've got real problems. If you are a runner whose foot and...
The squat is a versatile, time-efficient exercise that engages muscles throughout your legs, thighs, and rear. The National Strength & Conditioning Association describes the squat as a "staple" of fitness, which explains why athletes...
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), about 75 percent of Americans will experience foot pain at some point. UMMC notes that foot pain primarily is caused by shoes that don't fit properly or that force the foot to conform...
Running can be hard on the feet, and it is important to address any problems with the foot or gait to avoid serious injury. Pronation occurs when the foot turns outward while walking, causing more pressure on the inner part of the foot; the...
A cane is a useful tool for anyone who has one leg that is significantly more injured than another. It can be useful for people who have hip, knee or ankle problems, anyone who has had a surgical operation on their lower body, and for people with...
Your ankles may not be the largest joints in your body, but they are constantly in use as you progress through your everyday routine. Ankle injuries are common, but the cause of your pain might not always be clear. Asking yourself questions about...
Comfortable aerobic shoes can be used for activities such as racquetball, fitness classes and weightlifting. When looking for the perfect shoe, consider the activities you plan to participate in, and the type of insole and comfort you desire. You...
Stretching your toes along with other parts of your feet can alleviate and avoid symptoms of some foot and ankle problems, such as plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the tendons and connective tissues in the bottom of your feet. This...
You rely on your ankle to propel you forward through a jogging motion. The area where your foot and leg connect, the ankle absorbs shock as you jog and move the foot. Because it is responsible for much of the motion, you may experience ankle pain...
A 5K run is an exciting athletic challenge for a child. The distance is great enough to have to train well in order to compete but not so far as to be impossible for most kids. Parents need to be prepared to help a child who expresses interest in...
Weak ankles and lower legs are not always the cause of painful ankle injuries. A long forgotten sprained ankle, inversion injuries, obesity or even repeated abuse to the ankle joint can set you up for future ankle problems such as chronic pain and...
Ankle weights come in different weights and can increase the benefits of a number of exercises. More definition, increased resistance, better stamina, higher caloric burn — all of this can be achieved by adding light ankle weights to your...
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that, when performed correctly, can provide aerobic benefits that lead to weight loss, according to U.S. Masters Swimming. Swimming is particularly effective for the obese who may suffer from a host of medical...
A basketballer's constant jumping, turning and running puts great pressure on his ankles. Twist at the wrong angle or land badly and you could stretch the ligaments in your ankle. Sometimes, these takes weeks to heal properly. Once weakened, a...
The ankle joint, where the leg and foot meet, is vulnerable to a variety of problems that can lead to pain. That pain may be on the inside or the outside of the foot. Sometimes the pain resolves on its own with home treatment. Severe ankle pain...
Hurting your ankle can be a scary experience, especially if you are unsure of the severity of the injury. According to FamilyDoctor.org, an information website produced by the American Academy of Family Physicians, if your ankle is swollen with...
Leg weights make your workout more challenging, especially if you are doing floor exercises, like side leg lifts. Start light and build up slowly when you exercise with ankle weights, recommend "Stepping On" authors Lindy Clemson and Megan Swann....
Elliptical machines offer a quality low-impact aerobic workout. Individuals who have had knee, back, hip and ankle problems may find that elliptical machines offer much safer and more comfortable workouts than running or biking. Elliptical...
It is important to exercise all the major muscle groups in your body. If you have a history of leg problems you will want to choose an exercise that won't cause those problems again. The elliptical machine allows you to exercise using the same...
Low-impact exercise places minimal shock or strain upon joints and encourages a healthy recuperation. Exercises that condition and prevent ankle problems can also be used as rehabilitative maneuvers to strengthen and stretch your ankle area when...
Leg and ankle swelling can be classified into two groups: swelling due to fluid buildup, and swelling due to inflammation. Leg and ankle swelling are a result of a variety of causes, from a broken ankle to problems with the heart. Other signs and...
Repetitive motion exercises, such as running, bicycling, swimming and weightlifting, are commonly used in fitness routines to help build strength, endurance and speed. These types of aerobic exercises are beneficial to the development of muscular...
Leg and ankle injuries are common problems when training for a triathlon. Learn how to reduce or prevent leg and ankle injuries in this triathalon video.
Stabilizing crunches are great for medicine ball training. Learn medicine ball exercises for strength training and conditioning in this free fitness video.
Bed sores, or pressure ulcers, are lesions caused by prolonged pressure to a part or side of the body. Learn about bed sores, including treatments and symptoms, in this video.