The holidays bring many things to look forward to — annual traditions, social gatherings, and time spent with family and friends. However, they can also bring unwanted foot pain.
Fortunately, an ounce of prevention can go a long way in keeping your feet healthy, happy, and feeling good this season.
At Advanced Care Foot and Ankle in Corona and Ontario, California, our highly skilled podiatric surgeons treat foot and ankle pain stemming from a wide variety of causes. With cutting-edge technology and customized treatment plans, we can get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. We also counsel patients on ways to keep their feet healthy to prevent future problems.
We ask a lot of our feet from supporting the weight of our bodies to acting as shock absorbers, aiding our balance, and playing an instrumental role in walking. It's no wonder almost nine in 10 people will experience foot pain at some point in their lives.
Repercussions can be more significant than just discomfort. They can result in mobility challenges that can lead to weakness, weight gain, and worsening heart function. That's why it's best to stop foot pain from starting in the first place when possible.
There are a variety of ways we can keep our feet healthy and comfortable.
Whether you're shopping or dancing, make smart choices when it comes to your shoes. Footwear with good arch support, a low heel, and a nonslip sole is a good choice. Allow at least half an inch of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. Orthotics can help provide extra cushioning. Avoid shoes that are narrow or have a high heel.
Moisturize the feet to prevent dry, cracked, and painful skin from dry winter air and cold temperatures. Take a few minutes to give yourself a foot massage to release tension and improve circulation. Stretch your toes and rotate your ankles to prevent muscle cramps and loosen ankle joints.
It may feel like your diet has little to do with your feet but eating too much of foods high in purines like red meat, shellfish, red wine, and beer can cause uric acid to build up and crystallize in and around the joints. This can lead to gout which typically begins in the big toe.
Put your feet up — literally. Swelling in the feet and ankles can occur from too many hours sitting on plane flights and too much standing while baking or shopping. Sit or lie down and raise your legs, making sure they are higher than your heart.
Don't take a holiday from listening to your feet and watching for signs of trouble. Look at them for injuries, ingrown toenails, dry skin, blisters, calluses, or other problems. This is especially true for anyone with diabetes to prevent complications from developing.
If you're experiencing any discomfort or issues with your feet, getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan in place is important to speed recovery. Even if you're busy with holiday preparations, make time to see a healthcare professional to prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones.
Click to book an appointment or call the Corona office at 951-735-8806 or the Ontario office at 909-983-5710 today.