It’s all too easy to neglect and abuse your feet and ankles. However, taking good care of your body is a solid investment that is sure to pay off.

Dr. Premjit (Pete) Deol, of Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center in metro Denver, recently gave tips on preventing foot and ankle pain at an educational seminar.

“It’s not just one thing, it’s a combination of things,” said Dr. Deol.

He advocates that as patients age they follow the recommendations of the National Institutes of Health by consistently doing the following:

    •    Stay active.
    •    Do stretching and balance exercises.
    •    Do strengthening and endurance exercises.
    •    Eat a balanced, healthy diet.

“There are numerous benefits to staying healthy,” Dr. Deol told those in attendance at the seminar. “People who exercise tend to be happier than the people who don’t exercise.”

If a foot or ankle condition makes you nervous about undertaking an exercise program, you may want to discuss special recommendations with your doctor.

“If it’s preventing you from doing the things that you want to do, and the things that you’re doing on your own aren’t making enough of an impact, that’s often times when seeing an orthopedic surgeon can be a benefit,” Dr. Deol said. “They can give you some tips, some exercises to focus on.”

You should also talk to your doctor if at any point exercising becomes painful.

Daily physical activity can help to counter the effects of chronic disease and can even aid in treatment of the disease. It also improves stamina, endurance and mental health.

“The key to doing this is really to find something that you enjoy doing regularly,” Dr. Deol said. “If you stay active, if you’re doing the things we outlined, you’re going to live longer, you’re going to be happier.”