At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we want patients to know that being proactive about the health of your feet and ankles doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and in its honor, we are providing these easy suggestions for taking care of your feet:

1. Wash your feet every day with soap and warm water.
2. Keep feet dry—change your socks if you sweat excessively. Dry between your toes after you shower. Dry feet are less likely to develop athlete’s foot.
3. Don’t share shoes, socks, nail clippers, towels or other items that touch someone else’s feet.
4. Inspect your feet regularly. Look for signs of foot disorders: swelling, redness, rashes, growths, lumps, discoloration of toenails and any cuts or wounds that are slow to heal.
5. Don’t delay seeking treatment for foot and ankle pain. Most podiatric conditions will get worse the longer they go untreated. If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, make an appointment with our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas to get your condition evaluated as soon as possible.
6. Get your foot measured professionally. Foot size can change during pregnancy and as you age. The majority of patients are wearing shoes that are too small for their feet.
7. Wear shoes with good arch support. Many cases of heel pain and plantar fasciitis are caused by footwear that allows your arch to flatten, which in turn puts pressure on your heel.
8. Stretch your feet. Flexing your feet, wiggling your toes and rotating your ankles all help keep feet flexible and promote good range of motion.
9. Maintain a healthy weight. Many foot disorders are caused or made worse by being overweight.
10. Apply sunscreen to your feet when they will be exposed—this means when you’re wearing sandals and open shoes as well as when you’re spending a day at the beach or pool.

Following these small steps will have a big impact on the health of your feet. To learn more about how to be proactive in the care of your feet, contact our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800.