Dogs barking in the garden

Approximately 5,000,000 gardeners are expected to experience some sort of foot pain this season as a result of overlooking the necessity to first warm-up and stretch key muscles. "Gardening is an exertive weight-bearing activity and should be considered a sport rather than a passive hobby," maintains podiatrist Paul Kasdan, founder and medical director for OurFootDoctor.com. "As with any sport, one should make sure to properly warm-up and stretch before engaging in gardening. Pain and injury can be prevented with a few minutes of dedication."

In a number of sports and activities, the feet play an important role in supporting weight, balancing stance to reduce falls, propelling change of direction, and acting as shock absorbers. A problem commonly associated with weight-bearing activities is foot and ankle swelling, which is caused by gravity pulling blood and lymph fluids to the lower extremities. Heat and humidity, as well as too much salt, also can play a role. Kasdan suggests frequent cooling breaks and drinking plenty of water.

Toe cramps often occur during gardening as a result of extended periods of kneeling that reduce circulation by constricting blood vessels, causing muscles to become oxygen starved. This can be avoided by getting up frequently and taking a walk around the yard.

Gardeners are encouraged to give their feet attention at the end of the day as well. Look for blisters, sores, and inflamed areas after washing. Also, remove the inner-soles of shoes and let them dry out. With more than 250,000 sweat glands each, feet are among the most perspiring parts of the body. In one day, each foot can produce more than a pint of sweat.

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COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group