Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

224 Fitness: Exercise and Health
of physical exercise that would strengthen the
muscles and ligaments.
Many adults who have flat feet have no discomfort
or other symptoms and do not need treatment.
Flat feet become problematic only when
they cause abnormal pronation (side to side
movement of the foot with impact), which can
alter the alignment of the leg and thus affect the
ankles, knees, and hips. For flat feet that cause
discomfort, treatment is a combination of properly
designed and fitted shoes along with shoe
orthotics that support the inner surface of the arch
area and the heel, stabilizing the foot during
movement. Foot care experts typically further recommend
a structured approach of planned, progressive
physical activity to strengthen the
structures of the foot as a component of an overall
WEIGHT LOSS AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT strategy.
Rarely, flat feet may require surgery to tighten ligaments
and realign the bones.
See also CONDITIONING; LIGAMENT; MUSCLE; OBESITY
AND HEALTH; STRENGTH; SURGERY BENEFIT AND RISK
ASSESSMENT; TALIPEDES.
flexibility The ease with which MUSCLE groups
and joints allow movement. Flexibility is an integral
though often undervalued component of
overall physical fitness.
Fitness experts advocate stretching and WARMUP
before and after physical activity, even that which
is work related, to prepare the body for activity
and reduce the risk for injury. Lack of use, injury,
surgery, and health conditions such as
OSTEOARTHRITIS may limit range of motion (the ability
of a JOINT to move through the full scope of its
capability). Exercises that improve range of
motion include stretches and movements that prepare
the joints for physical activity. YOGA, TAI CHI,
and qigong also improve flexibility. Flexibility
extends the ability of the body to participate in
and benefit from strengthening and AEROBIC EXER-
CISE. Cycling and swimming combine the benefits
of flexibility, strengh, and aerobic workouts.
See also AGING, CHANGES IN PHYSICAL ABILITY AND
FITNESS NEEDS THAT OCCUR WITH; AEROBIC CAPACITY;
ATHLETIC INJURIES; CONDITIONING; ENDURANCE; FITNESS
LEVEL; STRENGTH; TRAINING; WEEKEND WARRIOR.