Resolve to Take Better Care of Your Feet This Year
What New Year’s resolutions are you making for 2023? At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we hope taking better care of your feet is a priority for all our Nature Coast patients. We’d like to offer some suggestions for starting the New Year off on the right foot. So, this year, resolve to:
Eat less sugar—seem like a strange resolution to improve podiatric health? It’s not. Sugar causes inflammation. For many foot conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, gout, Achilles tendonitis and more inflammation is the primary source of pain and discomfort. Reducing your sugar intake will translate to less foot and ankle pain in the long run.
Make better footwear choices—what you wear on your feet is one of the biggest predictors of overall foot health. Avoid flip-flops and other shoes with no arch support or that don’t fit properly, as these may cause a fall. Look for styles with plenty of room for toes to wiggle and a secure heel counter. A good tread will decrease the risk of slips and falls. Swear off heels higher than 2 inches. Wear the correct shoe for the activity you are doing and replace athletic shoes when worn out.
Inspect feet daily—small changes can be the signs of big problems developing in your feet—especially if you have diabetes or other ongoing foot problems. Slow-to-heal wounds, bruises, discoloration of the skin or nails, loss of hair on toes or lower legs, rashes, and lumps are all symptoms that our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales will want to know about. Report them to the foot doctor promptly so they can evaluate further.
Keep feet covered—walking barefoot exposes your feet to sharp objects that can cause injury, bacteria, and fungi that can cause foot infections. Even at home, it’s best to wear slippers to protect your feet.
Schedule regular podiatric checkups—this is beneficial for everyone and especially important if you have diabetes or another chronic foot disorder that needs regular monitoring. It’s also essential that you seek evaluation for any foot or ankle pain, discomfort, or other unusual symptoms promptly. Contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 today to schedule an appointment.
Happy New Year to all our patients!