A new year brings a fresh start and, yes, for many people a new resolution or two. Not surprisingly, of those who set a goal, almost 80 percent revolve around health, exercise or diet.
One key to long-term success, however, is ensuring your plans don't get derailed by injury. The good news is there are steps to reduce the odds of foot problems.
Our staff of experienced podiatric surgeons at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle in Corona and Ontario, California, provide personalized care using state-of-the-art treatments to address a wide variety of foot and ankle problems. Whether you've suffered an injury, are dealing with a chronic condition or want advice on the best ways to keep your feet and ankles healthy, we listen to our patients and tailor our plans to get them back moving as soon as possible.
Each foot has 26 bones and collectively those in the feet make up about a quarter of all bones in the body. Add in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and more and it's no wonder foot problems are all too common.
Concerns ranging from the mild such as blisters, calluses, and fungal infections to more significant such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and injuries can all disrupt a New Year's resolution to be more active.
Here are some tips to help keep the feet healthy.
It may be tempting to jump into action on day one but taking it slow and easy is a better approach. Warm up before a workout and afterwards cool down and stretch including paying special attention to exercises for the feet, ankles, and calves.
Increase the time and intensity gradually to allow the build up of muscle strength and mobility. This is especially true if running uphill. Consider the surface and its impact. Dirt is the softest followed by asphalt and then concrete.
Mix up the exercises by cross training. This will help strengthen a variety of muscles and aid in avoiding repetitive impact.
Have both feet measured when buying shoes and then size to the bigger foot. Keep in mind the foot is the largest at the end of the day. If a sport is played twice a week or more, get shoes specifically designed for the activity.
Wear acrylic-blend socks that can wick moisture away from the feet. Air out shoes between activities.
Maintain a healthy weight to prevent problems due to extra stress on the joints. Switch between sitting, standing, and walking during the day.
Check the feet for blisters or other sores and wash them daily with soap and water. Be sure to dry them well.
If a problem doesn't resolve in a few days, see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Healthy feet and comfortable shoes can make all the difference in finding success with a New Year's resolution to be more active. If you're experiencing any problems, we can help get you on the road to recovery and back to an active lifestyle.
Click to book an appointment or call the Corona office at 951-735-8806 or the Ontario office at 909-983-5710 today.