If Your Feet Could Help You Make New Year’s Resolutions, What Would They Say?

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We know that our feet can’t talk. Even so, they’re giving us messages all the time about how they feel. At this dawn of the New Year (and the New Decade!), we at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center imagine what would happen if our feet got involved in helping us make resolutions for 2020. Their suggestions might look something like this:

  1. “Clear out your shoe closet.” Your feet want you to get rid of old shoes no matter how attached you are to them. Worn-out shoes probably aren’t supporting your arches as they should, which can lead to plantar fasciitis or painful flat feet. While you’re in there, think about eliminating any heels that are greater than about 2 inches. High heels lead to foot problems like metatarsalgia, pump bump, corns, Morton’s neuroma, and more. They can even cause weakened ankles and lower back pain.

  2. “Measure us.” Your shoe size can change over the years, so have your feet measured by a knowledgeable salesperson. You may be stuffing your feet into shoes that are too small.

  3. “Keep up the good diet!” Eating healthy foods in the right portions keeps off excess weight, which in turn helps keep feet in top shape.

  4. “Wear your orthotics.” If you dig up custom orthotic inserts while rummaging through your closet, take them out and use them. Your doctor has prescribed them to address a specific problem that’s likely to get worse if you don’t wear them. \

  5. “Quit ignoring us.” Our feet keep us standing, walking, and exercising, so they deserve special attention! Wash them daily and apply lotion to avoid cracked heels. Massage them or stretch them out when they’re tired. If you’ve been ignoring a longtime problem, get it fixed. Quit putting off that surgery that you need.

If you live in Monmouth County, New Jersey, turn to our board-certified podiatrists and foot surgeons Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, and Dr. Joseph Saka. Our entire staff resolves to give you expert advice and treatment for foot ailments of all types. Call us for an appointment in Howell or Jackson at (732) 905-1110 or contact us online.