Eau Claire, Wis. – The calendar says it’s spring in Wisconsin, which means acclimating to outdoor activities again comes with a little work, and health experts are offering a few tips.

Dr. Zachariah Seelman, a podiatrist, and foot and ankle surgeon with Prevea says it’s important to ease into outdoor walking and running because conditions are so different from indoor treadmills and ellipticals.

“Transitioning to outdoor conditions can present new challenges such as uneven terrain, especially if running on grass or trails which can lead to foot and ankle sprains and pains,” says Dr. Seelman. “Many injuries occur in the first couple weeks of returning to exercise, so gradually increasing your weekly running sessions is best.”

Dr. Seelman also says it’s important to replace running shoes every six months or 500 miles.

“You can also alternate daily between a couple pair of shoes to lengthen their life,” he says. “Wear running shoes with a low to moderate heel that supports and cushions arches. Properly fitting shoes can help prevent plantar fasciitis, stress fractures and other foot problems.”

Other running season tips from Dr. Seelman include:

• Roll a golf ball or soup can under your heel and foot after exercise to prevent and/or relieve heel pain
• Stretch calf and foot muscles regularly throughout the day
• Keep posture in mind while running, which includes balance, cadence, mid-foot strike and arm swing
• See a provider if foot pain develops, especially if the pain doesn’t ease within a couple of days

Dr. Seelman sees patients at Prevea health centers in Chippewa Falls, Altoona, Ladysmith and Rice Lake. To schedule an appointment, please call 715-717-4775.

Additional running tips and resources are available at: https://www.prevea.com

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About Prevea Health

Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across Northern, Eastern and Western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.