When’s the Last Time You Told Your Feet You Love Them?

Next week we’ll celebrate National I Love My Feet Day and at Paul Klein, DPM FACFAS, we think it’s a great time to recognize all that your feet do for you and give back! Just stop for a moment and think about the things your feet enable you to do: walk, run, swim, shop, dance, ride a bike—the list is endless. Now imagine what life would be like if you were disabled with chronic foot pain. I Love My Feet Day is a good opportunity to review a few ways to show your feet you care.

Create a Foot Hygiene Routine—it only takes a few minutes a day to give your feet some basic care. Wash feet daily with a mild soap and dry completely (especially between the toes). This will help prevent fungal infections. As you wash your feet, give them a once over and look for any cuts, lumps, skin rashes or other changes that may signal a problem. Report anything unusual to your foot doctor. Finally, moisturize your feet with a good lotion and, if excessive sweating is a problem for you, dust feet with talcum or antifungal powder.

Choose Footwear that Fits—wearing good quality, supportive footwear can help prevent many common foot problems such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis. Have your foot measured professionally—feet can change size as you age. Always try shoes on to make sure both feet feel comfortable. Be sure that neither your shoes nor your socks are tight, and wear the right shoe for the activity or sport you are doing.

Keep a Healthy Weight—if you are overweight, you are putting additional strain on your feet and increasing your risk of several foot conditions. Let the focus of your menus be on colorful fruits and vegetables and lean sources of protein, while limiting fats and sugars. Exercise regularly. This will help maintain a healthy weight and also keep feet limber and flexible.

Don’t Smoke—smoking impedes circulation.

Never ignore foot pain—most foot conditions are best and most easily treated when they are in the early stages. If you find that you have pain or other discomfort in your toes, feet or ankles, let our podiatrist, Dr. Paul G. Klein, examine your feet and get to the source of the pain. Contact our Wayne, NJ office for an appointment by calling: 973-595-1555.