ABU DHABI // Health experts agree that mall walking is beneficial to health but have warned participants to take precautions.
Dr Maan Taba, a foot and ankle specialist at Medcare Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital in Dubai, said: “I encourage people to go to the mall because that way you can exercise in all kinds of weather. But don’t run or jog there because the floor is slippery.”
He said choice of footwear was important when exercising on hard surfaces.
“When walking on a hard surface, get a pair of shoes with slightly high heels and make sure they are not too flexible. I recommend a slightly hard sole.
“Also, I think people should walk on alternate days rather than daily. Walking every day might cause people discomfort and muscle and joint pain.
“I see people who are too enthusiastic and aggravate a problem. Many patients complain of joint and knee pain and pain in the spine because they are overdoing it.”
Dr Shivananda Shetty K, an orthopaedic surgery specialist at NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi, is a believer in outdoor exercise.
“Outdoor walking is better than indoors, especially because vitamin D deficiency is common in the UAE.
“Walking on a hard surface is OK for your knees but running would cause stress on the joints and back. If you have arthritis or joint pain, limit your walking. If you have pain or swelling in the joints, see a doctor,” he said.
arizvi2@thenational.ae
