Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and many of us are getting ready for a long weekend filled with food, travel, family, and friends. Whether traveling or hosting at home this time of year can be tiring on your feet. Will you be standing on your feet for hours? Sitting in one position? Or doing lots of extra walking? You don’t want to be nursing foot pain. So today, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy this Thanksgiving season and all through the holiday season.
If you’re traveling, consider your feet when you pack for your trip. For activities such as shopping sprees, or hikes be sure to pack appropriate socks and footwear. Your shoes should be comfortable and provide good shock absorption and arch support, especially if you’ll be wearing them for more than two hours.
The preparation of Thanksgiving dinner can take a long time. Being on your feet all day can lead to pains and aches, and you might not be able to take the time to sit down. But, we strongly recommend that you do, even if just for five minutes each hour. Alternatively, sitting for extended periods of time can cause just as much pain as standing too long. If you can, get up and move around whenever possible and if you're on the road, take advantage of those rest stops.
It may be tempting, but try not to overeat when the Thanksgiving meal is ready. Excessive sugars and carbohydrates can cause your feet to swell, leading to pain. If you have gout, Thanksgiving can be a time to negotiate and balance the food you eat. Even turkey can cause a flare-up, so be sure to reduce portion size and limit alcohol.
Pay attention to your feet – if they are tired, plan rest periods to get off your feet and relax. Ankles and feet can swell from standing or sitting too much in a day. Raise your legs to decrease swelling, and sit or lay with your legs above your heart to rest them. Take some time at the end of the day to massage your feet and apply a moisturizer to help avoid cracked, irritated, and dry skin from the cold winter air.
We can help keep your feet feeling and working great so you can have an enjoyable holiday season. Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, will provide a customized treatment plan catered to you and your specific needs. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at
425-455-0936.
