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Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and can have a positive effect on both the body and mind.
From improving your physical health to reducing stress levels, walking is an activity that should be embraced. This May marks Walking Month, giving everyone the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of walking, and how it can help improve overall health and wellbeing.
At Clwydian Sports Therapy and Injury Clinic, we understand the importance of walking in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As sports therapists and rehabilitators, we are here to provide advice on how walking can benefit our clients.
Whether you’re looking to improve your running performance or reduce stress levels, walking is a great activity to incorporate into your daily routine.
The Benefits of Walking
There are many physical and mental health benefits associated with walking - including:
Physical Health
Walking is a low-impact form of exercise, making it suitable for all ages and abilities. It can improve heart health, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of some diseases, and aid in weight loss.
Walking can help reduce the risk of heart disease, with those who walk 30 minutes a day having a 20% lower risk of heart disease.
Taking a daily walk can also help lower blood pressure, with some studies showing that it can be just as effective as medication.
Walking may be helpful for managing and even preventing type 2 diabetes, as it can improve insulin sensitivity.
Regular walks may even improve brain function and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Mental Health
Walking, even for short periods, may also have a variety of mental health benefits. Here are a few research-backed benefits of walking on your mental health:
Improved mood: Walking can help enhance your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that individuals who walked for just 30 minutes a day, five days a week, reported feeling happier and more relaxed.
Reduced stress: Taking a walk can help alleviate stress and tension in the body. Research has shown that walking promotes the release of endorphins, or "feel-good" chemicals, in the brain, leading to a calming effect on the body.
Boosted self-esteem: Walking can help boost self-esteem and improve confidence. One study found that participants who engaged in regular walking reported feeling more energised and confident, leading to an improvement in their overall quality of life.
Overall, walking is a simple yet powerful tool in promoting positive mental health. So why not take a step towards better mental health and take a walk today?
Injury Prevention
Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help individuals build endurance without putting too much strain on the body.
Regular walking helps to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and build endurance - reducing the risk of injury or strain when playing sports or taking part in other activities.
However, it's important to warm up before walking and to wear proper shoes to avoid foot and ankle injuries.
Avoiding Common Walking Injuries
Despite the many health benefits of walking, it’s important to be aware of common injuries that can result from improper form or overuse.
Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises to stay physically fit and healthy. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential injuries that can be caused due to improper walking techniques or inadequate care.
Here are some of the most common walking injuries that you should know about:
Plantar fasciitis: Improper or worn shoes, overpronation, and high arches can cause plantar fasciitis, leading to pain in the heel and arch of the foot.
Ankle sprains: Twisting, turning, or rolling your ankle while walking can cause a sprain.
Shin splints: Overexertion, overpronation, and flat feet can cause small tears in the muscles around your shinbones, leading to pain and discomfort.
Achilles tendonitis: Achilles tendon pain can occur after long or challenging walks, causing stiffness and pain in the back of the ankle.
Blisters, bunions, corns, and calluses: Ill-fitting or worn-out shoes can cause friction, leading to painful blisters, bunions, corns, and calluses.
It's essential to be cautious while walking and take preventive measures to avoid these common injuries. Proper walking technique, appropriate footwear, and a balanced diet can go a long way in keeping you fit, healthy, and injury-free.
If you're experiencing any walking injuries, consult a healthcare professional for the right diagnosis and treatment. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Footwear and Gait Assessment
Walking is an easy way to stay fit and healthy, however, the right shoes are an essential component of any exercise regimen.
Our team can accurately assess whether you need inserts or orthotics for extra support while walking. We also offer gait assessments to ensure that you're walking correctly and to make sure your body is in proper alignment.
About Clwydian Sports Therapy and Injury Clinic
At Clwydian Sports Therapy and Injury Clinic, we offer a wide range of services to help our clients take control of their health and wellbeing. Our experienced sports therapists and rehabilitators provide expert advice on injury prevention, as well as customised treatments to help reduce pain and stiffness. We specialise in helping our clients identify possible causes of their pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
No matter what your needs are, our team is dedicated to helping you reach your goals. We have helped countless patients recover from various injuries and illnesses. With our expertise and guidance, we strive to ensure each client has the best possible outcome.
Conclusion
Walking is a great way to maintain and improve overall health and wellbeing. With the right knowledge and preventive measures, you can enjoy walking without any risk of injury.
If you're looking for professional help to prevent or treat injuries related to walking, contact Clwydian Sports Therapy and Injury Clinic today. Our team of experts will provide you with the personalised care you need to overcome your pain and start living a healthy life again.
At Clwydian Sports Therapy and Injury Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy life - no matter their age or fitness level. Let us help you reach your goals this May!
Happy Walking Month!