Thanksgiving is finally here! It’s a time to take pause and consider all the many things we have to be thankful for in our lives. Today Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing some reasons why you might want to include your feet on your gratitude list.
The hardest working part of your body is your feet! These amazing and complex structures keep us standing, stepping, exercising, and walking over a lifetime, yet they are often under-appreciated.
Thank Your Feet with Proper Foot Care
Here are some practical ideas to thank your feet for a job well done.
- Examine your feet daily, particularly if you have diabetes. Keep an eye out for anything unusual like a cut, scrape, bruise or blister and any signs of nail fungus or ingrown toenails.
- Just as you wash your face each day, be sure to cleanse your feet with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly, paying extra attention to the area between the toes.
- Apply moisturizing lotion every day to keep skin hydrated, but don’t put any moisturizing creams or lotions between the toes.
- Trim toenails regularly being sure to cut them straight across, not rounded at the corners, to avoid ingrown toenails.
Always try to wear cushioned, comfortable shoes that have sufficient arch support. The toe box should be wide enough to allow movement. Keep high heels and narrow shoes for special occasions to avoid corns and calluses.
- If your footwear is damp, allow it to dry thoroughly before wearing them again.
- To maintain proper blood flow to your feet, put them up when at rest. Move your toes and rotate ankles frequently and avoid sitting with your legs crossed for extended periods of time.
If you are diabetic, work together with your health care team to keep your blood sugar at proper levels.
And most importantly, be aware of any persistent ankle or foot pain or skin condition.
Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Hubert Lee and his team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists! As always, if you are experiencing any issues with your feet or ankles, call our office today at (425) 455-0936 to book your visit or schedule an appointment online.
