The holidays are here again. That means tasty food and wholesome fun with friends and family, but it can also mean a lot of stress, especially on your feet. Many people will be running around shopping for gifts, waiting in long lines, and traveling up escalators and stairways. That’s a lot of wear and tear on your feet. Follow these tips to make sure your feet stay healthy and safe this holiday.
- Avoid letting your feet sit in sweaty socks and shoes. Since it’s cold outside people are wearing heavy wool socks and fur-lined boots. These are great to keep your feet warm, but they can also make your feet sweaty! Besides making your feet smelly, a moist environment can be the perfect breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections and can cause athlete’s foot. The best way to prevent this is to change your socks any time you feel them becoming damp. A foot or anti-fungal powder each morning can help as well.
- Limit time in heels. High heels can certainly look stylish, but they also put a lot of stress on your feet. If you do wear heels try to do so for brief periods of time.
- Try custom orthotics. Comfortable shoes are necessary but sometimes your feet will still ache. You may want to try custom orthotics. These are inserts that go into your shoes. They are specially designed to fit the specific shape of your foot to give support and comfort exactly where it’s needed most. Talk to your podiatrist about this option.
- Take frequent rests. It’s best not to wait until your feet are hurting. Instead of trying to get all your shopping done at once try to space out errands to give your feet a much-needed rest.
For more tips, or if you are experiencing any foot issues, see your foot doctor for proper treatment and help to prevent complications. At Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists, Dr. Melissa Robitaille and Dr. Todd Newsom treat all types of foot and ankle disorders including, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and heel pain. Equipped with leading-edge technologies such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and laser surgery for toenail fungus, we provide specialized, compassionate service for patients in the Pooler, Georgia area of Chatham County. For any pain and discomfort you are experiencing with your feet and ankles, contact us today at (912) 988-3323.