6 Tips to Help Your Feet this Holiday Season
Are your feet ready for the holidays? At NY Foot Health, we know this time of the year has extra demands on your feet as you work to get everything on your wish list done in time. To help your feet make it across the holiday finish line and still be of good cheer, here are six tips:
Avoid letting your feet sit in sweaty socks and shoes. Baby, it may be cold outside, but stores, offices, and public transportation are extra warm. When your feet experience moist conditions for prolonged periods, they become the perfect breeding ground for fungal infections. Apply a foot or anti-fungal powder each morning and keep a spare pair of socks in your bag or car to change into if feet feel damp.
Save your party shoes for the party. Limit time in heels. Wear more comfortable shoes to get to your holiday events and change into dress shoes when you arrive. You’ll be less likely to sprain an ankle hurrying to get where you’re going in high heels.
Choose comfortable shoes for shopping. Go for function over fashion when you know you’ll be hunting bargains all day or waiting in line at the post office or grocery store. Wear your most comfortable and supportive athletic or walking shoes—and your orthotics if your podiatrist has prescribed them.
Keep some kitty litter in your pocket. It may sound strange, but if it suddenly turns slippery or you have to cross a patch of pavement, you’re worried it may be icy, scatter the litter in front of you to give your shoes something to grip onto and decrease your chances of falling.
Have a holiday party food action plan. Tempting treats and festive nibbles can leave you with the unwanted gift of extra pounds at the end of the season, which puts strain on your feet. Scope out what’s being served and consciously fill half your plate with low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods like shrimp cocktail, veggies, and fruits. Use small plates and once you’ve eaten, get rid of your plate and move away from the buffet table—alternate alcoholic beverages with water or seltzer.
Don’t put off getting foot pain evaluated. It’s easy to tell yourself you can wait until after the holidays to find out why your feet are hurting—but don’t! Nearly all podiatric problems are best and most easily treated in their early stages. Make an appointment with your podiatrist to find the source of your discomfort and the best treatment. If you don’t currently have a podiatrist, you can locate one in your community using our online directory.
To learn more about the best ways to care for your feet and ankles, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.