It’s April, National Foot Health Awareness Month. This is the month when podiatrists across the country try to shed light on common sources of foot pain, deformity, and disease. Today, our podiatrist, Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing important tips to help you keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
12 Tips To Help Take Care Of Your Feet Properly
Even when nothing appears to be wrong, good foot care requires some diligence on your part. Follow these tips to keep your feet happy and healthy.
- Stretch your ankles and feet prior to your workouts to prevent injury.
- Always dry your feet completely after bathing, especially between the toes.
Moisturize your feet daily – particularly the heels – to stop the skin from cracking.
- Don’t walk barefoot when you’re in public places; scratches and cuts can result in infection and it leaves you an easy target for fungal infection, athlete’s foot, and plantar warts.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that provide support to the arch and defend the foot against damage; try to avoid high heels, exceptionally pointy-toe shoes, and flip-flops.
- Replace your athletic shoes every six months or 500 miles.
- Purchase orthotic inserts to help make your shoes a bit more foot-friendly.
- You can also visit your podiatrist for custom orthotic inserts.
- Maintain a healthy weight through exercise and diet. Extra weight puts pressure on the feet and often leads to foot pain and other problems.
- Control your diabetes and have an annual foot exam so your podiatrist can examine your feet for problems such as loss of sensation (neuropathy) and a loss of circulation.
- If your child complains of recurrent foot pain, trips frequently or has trouble keeping up with his or her peers in normal sports or activities, take them to see a podiatrist for a thorough assessment.
- As you age, your feet typically get wider, flatter and longer. Your shoe size can change as this happens, so be sure to have your feet measured regularly.
- If you suffer a foot, ankle or toe injury, get medical attention from a podiatrist, as untreated injuries can cause limited mobility and chronic pain.
If you or your children are experiencing any of these issues, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule a consultation. Call our office today at (425) 455-0936 to book your visit or schedule an appointment online. And celebrate your healthy feet!
