Although the radio may be proclaiming “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” we at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center know that the feet of our Los Angeles County patients may not agree. It’s a time of year with lots of extra errands to run, cooking and shopping to do, and being on your feet for longer periods than usual. However, you can sail through the season feeling “merry and bright” if you follow the do’s and don’ts below to keep your feet and ankles healthy and pain-free.
Do: go easy on holiday feasting. Yes, there will be lots of delicious sweets and treats on the menu, but come January extra weight gain could result in added stress and pain for your feet. Many common conditions such as plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis, and metatarsalgia are all aggravated by carrying additional pounds. If you suffer with diabetes or gout, you need to pay particular attention to what you put on your plate. Go for small quantities of your favorites to savor and compensate by not loading up on unnecessary carbohydrates. Avoid going back for seconds!
Don’t: allow your feet to stay in damp socks. Whether you’ve stepped in a puddle or your feet are sweating during a long day of shopping, it’s essential to not let feet stay where it’s moist. Damp, dark, closed-in spaces (like the insides of your shoes) are the perfect breeding ground for fungal infections. Pack an extra pair of socks and change into them when you notice feet feel sweaty. Use foot powder before you put on socks.
Do: carefully consider footwear choices. When you know you’re going to be on your feet for several hours or doing an above-average amount of walking, make sure the styles you choose are comfortable and have good arch support and non-stick treads. Limit the amount of time in high-heeled party shoes!
Do: leave extra time in your schedule for making appointments. Rushing is when you’re most likely to not see an object in your path which can cause an ankle sprain or other injury.
Don’t: put off getting foot pain evaluated by our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas. This can result in a podiatric problem getting worse and potentially requiring longer and more invasive treatments. Make an appointment at our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800 today.
