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Clark, NJ 07066

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Foot Notes

Posts for tag: right footwear

By Clark Podiatry Center
November 30, 2017
Category: Foot Care
Tags: stretch   stretching   injury   right footwear   fits well  

When the leaves change color and begin to fall, it can really make you feel like fall is here. Seasonal flavors arrive, the scenery changes from green to golden, and the rake that’s been sitting in the garage or shed comes out to play. For some, it’s a chore that sometimes seems never-ending, especially when new leaves fall in the place where you just tidied up. For others, it’s an opportunity to get the family involved, ending in a joy-filled jump into the leaf pile.

Whether you or your teenager has this chore on the list, we have a few safety tips to keep you uninjured while raking leaves:

  • Depending on how big your yard is, raking can become a strenuous activity. Start by warming up your body with stretching, twisting, and bending. It will prevent back injuries, which can often happen in activities involving raking. If your yard is very big, tackle them in sections, resting in between sections.
  • The best way to prevent injury is to keep a good posture. The temptation may be to hunch or bend over while you work so that the rake can move back and forth more quickly. However, this can put a major strain on your neck, back, knees, and ankles.
  • Be sure to keep an eye out for small children. They should not be around when you are raking, since they can get injured in a slippery spot, or from the rake.
  • After you finish piling up the leaves, stretch and cool down. You may be tempted to jump in the pile, or have your children jump in, but there are a few things to consider: small animal or insects that may have joined the pile, as well as the cushioning of the pile of leaves. You don’t want to end up with an animal bite, ticks, or injury from this activity (not to mention, you’ll have to tidy them up again).

Most importantly (from a podiatric standpoint), be sure to wear the right footwear that fits well. If you’re raking after some rainfall, the leaves and grass underneath can be wet, making it slippery. While you’re working, you’ll need a firm holding on the ground to pull the maximum amount of leaves in the direction you want. If you lean forward and slip, you may not be able to catch yourself and end up with an injury. Wear shoes with lots of grip on the outer sole, waterproof material, and good arch and heel support so that your feet do not have to work overtime to support you as you rake.

Have an injury from doing yard work? Need some more support in your shoes? Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy can assess your feet and give them the treatment or orthotic support they need. Come see him at Clark Podiatry Center. Make an appointment to see us today at our Clark, NJ office.

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Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470