Thinking Of Starting A Walking Regimen? Why You Should See The Podiatrist First

Whether you have a substantial amount of weight to lose, or if you just want to become more active in your daily life, walking is a great way to get in your exercise.  Walking can improve your mood, as well as help you prevent or manage various conditions.  However, although it may seem that walking is an exercise that you can simply get up and and start doing, it may be a better idea for you to see the podiatrist first.  Use this information to learn more about why you should always see a podiatrist before starting a walking regimen.

A Podiatrist Can Recommend The Right Shoes

One of the main reasons why it's so critical for you to meet with a podiatrist prior to beginning a walking program is because they can help you select the right shoes.  Choosing the wrong footwear can have devastating effects and may even put a swift halt to your newfound active lifestyle.

Just like other activities, walking places a certain amount of stress on your feet.  Your feet have to support your total body weight as you walk consistently for an extended period of time.  The issue becomes even more compounded if you're walking on a hard surface such as pavement.  You need shoes that offer the ultimate level of cushion for your particular body specifications.  A podiatrist can examine your feet and ankles to determine just how much support you require.  They can then give recommendations based upon their findings.  You may be pleasantly surprised at just how much better your walk feels when you have the right shoes on.

Podiatrists Can Make Unique Shoe Inserts

Another reason why you should see the podiatrist is because you may need unique shoe inserts.  This is especially true if you have an especially high or low arch in your foot, since this means that your support needs are different than other people's.

Over-the-counter shoe inserts often don't adequately conform to the shape of your foot.  Specially made shoe inserts are designed out of a template of your feet, so they fit like a glove.  Even if you don't have the money to purchase expensive walking shoes, simply adding the inserts to your basic tennis shoes could make a huge difference.

Going to the podiatrist before you get moving could turn out to be a very wise decision.  Don't wait; when you're ready to start walking, make your appointment with a podiatrist like Dr. Lisa M. Schoene right away.