6 Foot Care Tips for the Long Haul

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Every year, the American Podiatric Medical Association designates the month of April as Foot Health Awareness Month. Podiatrists like us at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center are constantly aware of what it takes to keep our patients’ feet healthy. You may not be as focused on your feet as we are, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some very important things for you to be aware of this month and every month.

If you want your feet to be healthy for the long haul, spend some quality time taking care of them. Here are 6 tips from Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, Dr. Joseph Saka.

  1. Wear good shoes. A “good” pair of shoes is one that’s comfortable, provides excellent arch support, doesn’t scrunch up your toes, and is made of high-quality material. A good shoe is also the correct shoe for your activity; in other words, don’t wear flip flops while you mow the lawn.

  2. Don’t live in high heels. They’re linked to problems such as ball-of-foot pain and hammertoes. Furthermore, when you wear high heels, your entire body is thrown out of alignment. Your weight is centered on the ball of your foot. Body parts located far above your feet must compensate for that lurching forward, and you end up with knee, hip, or back pain.

  3. Don’t accept the pain. Constant foot or ankle pain isn’t normal, even as you age. Yes, it may be more frequent as you age, but you don’t have to live with it. We offer many, many remedies for all kinds of foot pain.

  4. Make hygiene a priority. Wash your feet daily; change sweaty socks often; wear shoes or sandals to protect your feet from viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.

  5. Take care of your whole body. What’s good for the body is good for the feet. Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, reduce stress, and get enough exercise.

  6. If you have diabetes, please take proper foot care even more seriously. Read more about proper foot care for diabetics by clicking here.

Your feet will be around as long as you are. Preventative care is the best care you can give them. Visit us in Howell or Jackson (Monmouth County), New Jersey, whenever you have foot or ankle pain. Call (732) 905-1110 or make an appointment online.