Strengthening Exercises & Foot Ulcers
Doctors used to recommend that people with foot ulcers stay off their feet. Now, studies have shown that exercise actually can help decrease the occurrence of foot ulcers.
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Significance
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People suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy can develop foot ulcers and lesions that can, in rare instances, lead to necessary amputation. A University of Missouri study showed that walking and strengthening exercises had a positive effect on foot ulcers.
Walking
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Walking is an excellent exercise to strengthen your legs and cardio-respiratory system. Walking is good for your health and will help prevent cardiovascular diseases. A study by Joseph LeMaster at the University of Missouri showed that walking decreased the number of foot ulcers in participants after a year compared to the control group.
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Achilles Lengthening Surgery
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Surgery to lengthen the Achilles a tendon has been shown to reduce the number of ulcers occurring in diabetics. However, the procedure can weaken the calf muscles. Strengthening exercises for the calves can improve the condition of those muscles.
Calf Gastrocnemius Exercises
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Calf raises are one exercise for calf strengthening. Standing calf raises work the gastrocnemius muscle of the calf. Stand up using a wall or chair for balance and lift yourself onto the balls of your feet. For a more difficult exercise, you can hold a pair of dumbbells loosely at your sides or put a barbell across your shoulders.
Soleus Exercises
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Another calf exercise is seated calf raises, which will strengthen your soleus calf muscles. Sit in a chair with your ankles directly below your knees. Lift your heels, keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. You also can put a dumbbell on your legs above your knees for a greater challenge.
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