Stretching can help, to a point

Should I stretch my Achilles’ tendon when it hurts after my run?

Stretching is a fine preventive measure when done regularly.

But when you have a case of tendinitis or some other overuse injury, too much stretching can prolong rather than speed recovery. Instead, schedule a deep-muscle massage in the muscle group immediately above or below the affected area. Rest and elevation will help as well.

Also, consider cross-training (swim, cycle, lift weights, etc.) for a few weeks. This will keep you in good shape while giving your Achilles’ tendon some time to heal.

Should I be wearing sandals in the shower at my gym to prevent athlete’s foot or other diseases?

Contrary to popular belief, athlete’s foot is not highly contagious, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

However, the fungi that causes athlete’s foot can thrive in moist environments, which includes your highly trafficked gym bathroom and showers. To be on the safe side, I’d recommend that you buy a pair of sandals, flip-flops or even post-workout shoes to keep in your gym bag. Wear these in showers, locker rooms, swimming pool areas or even spas.

A few other ways to avoid athlete’s foot:

* Keep the bottoms of your feet and the areas between your toes dry and well ventilated.

* Sprinkle a little powder in your sweaty shoes after you work out to keep them dry.

* Immediately take off your shoes after your workout (to dry them and your feet), and change into your dry post-workout shoes.

* When you get a pedicure, take your own tools, if possible. You don’t want to soak your feet in a dirty tub or use dirty clippers. Alternatively, be sure that your pedicurist disinfects after each person.

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Stephanie Oakes is the fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel and a fitness consultant. Send questions to stephoakes@aol.com. She cannot respond to every query.