These Women’s Feet Were Made for Success
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Georgia O’Keefe, Rosa Parks, Jane Goodall—these are just a few of the amazing women being honored and remembered during Women’s History Month. At NY Foot Health, we know that healthy feet take women where they want to go, so we’d like to share some information on ways women can improve their podiatric health.
Start with Your Shoes
We know the right shoes can help female athletes break records and give them the confidence to seal a business deal or the comfort to teach a classroom of 6-year-olds. The right shoes are also crucial for maintaining the health of your feet. Some tips:
Always wear the right shoes for the activity you are doing. Walking on your lunch break is great—wearing your work pumps, not so much. Wear fitness shoes designed for the exercise you are doing.
Look for support—some fashionable shoe styles are notorious for lacking arch support. Avoid flat styles. It causes foot fatigue and heel pain.
Limit high heel time—Too much time in heels over 2 inches, particularly if they also have narrow pointy toes, puts strain on your forefoot and toes and can lead to deformities like bunions and hammertoes.
Get professionally measured. Foot size may increase as you age.
Partner with Your Podiatrist
Put a podiatric checkup on your annual wellness visit calendar. It is particularly important if you have diabetes, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or another chronic condition that impacts your feet. The foot doctor will monitor these disorders and can help you find ways to reduce foot pain and slow the progression of some podiatric issues.
Don’t delay making an appointment if you experience pain, tingling, burning, or other abnormal sensations in your feet or if you notice unusual bruising, swelling, skin or nail discoloration, or other symptoms. If you don’t currently have a podiatrist, use our online directory to find one in your community.
Stick with Healthy Habits
Good foot health comes from healthy habits that may not seem directly connected to your feet, such as:
Avoiding weight gain through a healthy diet and regular exercise
Getting annual eye exams to prevent trip and fall accidents
Getting enough sleep and dealing with stress to lower your risk of diseases like hypertension and heart disease, which can have detrimental consequences for your feet.
To learn more ways to be proactive in the care of your feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.