THESE MALLS WERE MADE FOR WALKING
The Exercise Venue That Will Keep You Cool and Fit
If you’re young at heart and looking to stay (or get) in shape this summer, consider taking a trip to the mall. No, not to pick up some hot new exercise product or dietary supplement, but to walk a few laps. Safe and convenient, “mall walking” has become one of the biggest trends in senior fitness. Cool in the Summer, Warm in the Winter This time of year, heatstroke can be a real concern when exercising outside. But that doesn’t mean you have to be a homebody. Because malls are spacious and climate- controlled, they make great year-round walking venues, especially when summer temperatures spike. You don’t even need to put on sunscreen! Rest Stops Abound While the average American shopping center isn’t as scenic as the Appalachian Trail, they are far more convenient. Replete with bathrooms, cool drinking water, and plenty
of benches, the mall lets you focus on exercising and removes all of the “what ifs?” that come with aging. Most malls are also outfitted with EMT kits in the event of a medical emergency. Squeeze in Some Shopping It is still a mall, after all. Why not check a few items off your shopping list or reward yourself with a new pair of sneakers? Getting things done as you exercise makes the experience that much more rewarding. Just remember not to overdo it. Carrying too many shopping bags can place undue stress on your back — and your wallet.
have put together official groups to stride together. Your local mall may already open early to accommodate walkers. So if you’re looking to make friends in an active, fun-loving community, do some research. Chances are there’s a mall-walking club near you!
You Won’t Be Alone Today, malls are the second-most
popular places to walk in America, after neighborhoods. Mall walking has become so big that many communities and senior living centers
Since we learn to walk during the earliest stages of our lives, it’s reasonable to assume that it’s a simple bodily function. However, walking is one of the most complex biomechanical activities we perform on a daily basis. It requires the use of multiple muscle groups, tendons, ligaments, and bones, all working together to get you from one step to the next. At the base of all these components is the plantar fascia, a weblike ligament connecting the heel to the ball of the foot. The condition that occurs when that tissue is inflamed is called plantar fasciitis. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), about 10 percent of all Americans will suffer from plantar fasciitis at some point in their lifetime. While it is most common among those over 40 and extremely active people, it can happen to anyone. When it does, it can cause excruciating heel pain. Plantar fasciitis can also lead to secondary injuries throughout your body. Your heel absorbs stress with every step you take, so if you are not walking naturally, complications can occur all the way up to your neck.
Physical therapy can be extremely helpful in relieving pain stemming from plantar fasciitis. After diagnosing the condition, your therapist will provide you with a personalized exercise program designed to reduce inflammation, increase range of motion, and strengthen both the plantar fascia and surrounding areas. While each treatment program will be different, they usually include a mix of stretching, massage, and strengthening techniques. You will also be taught proper walking mechanics to ensure that you are putting the right amount of pressure on your foot as you walk. Many patients experience the most severe symptoms in the morning, so we provide a number of exercises to complete before you even get out of bed. We may also suggest certain types of shoes or insoles that will provide you with the support you need to walk safely and without risking a repeat injury. If you’re suffering from heel pain or experiencing discomfort while walking, call Four Corners today to find out how we can help get you back on the right track, one step at a time.
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS Put Your Best Foot Forward
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