Doctors interviewed by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons suggest the most common problems for those who go from couch potato to high intensity work-outs are sore Achilles tendons, heel pain and pinched nerves.

The doctors suggest ways to help prevent these conditions by:

-- Easing into exercise. Alternating a hard workout one day with an easy workout the next may help avoid Achilles tendonitis -- where the back of the foot becomes tender and painful. If Achilles tendon pain does occur the doctors recommend first using RICE therapy -- rest, ice, compression and elevation.

-- Using athletic shoes designed for the sport that support the arch and cushion the heel may help prevent the most common cause of heel pain -- plantar fasciitis. Performing stretching exercises two to three times a day can also help. Sit on the floor barefoot with the knees straight. Hook a towel around the toes of the foot. Pull back on the towel, count to 10, then relax. Repeat several times.

-- Having feet measured before buying athletic shoes. Many people wear shoes that are a half-size too tight and exercising in tight shoes can cause a pinched nerve that causes pain in the ball of the foot and tingling in the third and fourth toes.