5 Ways to Improve Foot Health in 2022
At NY Foot Health, we know January is a time for resolutions, and we’d like our patients to make a few that will ensure healthy feet in the New Year. Consider the suggestions below and choose a few to implement in 2022—your feet will thank you!
Get a podiatrist. If you don’t already have one, make your first foot care resolution by finding one in your area. Use our online directory to locate a qualified foot doctor close to you. Your podiatrist will take care of acute and chronic foot and ankle problems and advise you on how to protect your feet and prevent many common podiatric problems.
Make daily footcare your new normal. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Simply washing your feet with soap and water, drying thoroughly, dusting with foot or antifungal powder in the a.m., and massaging in an emollient moisturizer at night cover the basics.
Ditch the high heels. You know they’re bad for your feet. Bunions, hammertoes, sesamoiditis, and even ingrown toenails are all potential consequences of styles that force your feet forward. If you favor spiky stilettos, you also run the risk of ankle sprains. Can’t quit cold turkey? Resolve to buy some new shoes with lower, wider heels that are still stylish. Try at least reducing the amount of time you spend on them.
Move more. Even if a new exercise plan isn’t on your list of resolutions, commit to increasing physical activity in small ways. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk while you talk on the phone. Park at the far end of the supermarket lot. All the extra steps will add more calories burned and fewer excess pounds to put a strain on your feet to carry.
Be vigilant about self-exams. Inspecting your feet regularly is the key to catching podiatric problems in their earliest stages when they are best and most easily treated. Look your feet over top and bottom and between your toes. Contact your podiatrist and get it evaluated promptly if you notice toes that seem to be moving out of place, cuts that aren’t healing, discolored skin, bruising, bumps, or unexplained swelling.
To learn more about how your feet and how to care for them, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.