According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the average person takes 10,000 steps each day, which adds up to more than three million steps per year. With that in mind, it’s important to appreciate the value of our feet and remember to examine, maintain, and protect them on a daily basis!
In honor of #NationalFeetWeek, our podiatrists at Associated Podiatrists P.C. have put together several tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy!
- Keep your feet clean and dry – While bathing, thoroughly clean your feet and toes with soapy water, and be sure to fully dry them afterwards, as fungal organisms love moisture.
- Inspect your feet daily – Be sure to check the bottom of your feet for injuries, cracks, peeling, or dry skin, especially if you’re diabetic, since cracks in the skin provide a breeding ground for bacteria or fungus.
- Stop going places barefoot – Floors at home and public places are filled with bacteria and foreign bodies, making you susceptible to fungal infections, plantar warts, or stepping on something.
- Wear proper footwear – No two feet are identical (even on the same person), therefore, it can be difficult to find proper fitting shoes. Since one foot is always slightly larger, Dr. Borovoy suggests shopping for shoes that fit the larger foot, as well as purchasing them at the end of the day, to compensate for any swelling that occurred during the day.
- Replace your walking or exercise shoes – Shoes should be replaced every six months or 500 miles in order to avoid foot and heel pain when the inside of the shoe begins to wear and lose support.
- Polish Change – Don’t leave nail polish on 24/7, as it may lead to brittle nails, making you prone to fungus.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Keeping up with a healthy diet and regular exercise is the key to keeping your feet in top form! Added weight puts pressure on the feet and leads to many common complaints such as foot or ankle pain.
- Stretch – In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, it’s important to stretch your feet, ankles, and lower legs before exercising to prevent injury.
- Don’t keep putting it off – If you’re suffering from any kind of foot or ankle injury, don’t hold off on seeing a podiatrist. Injuries left untreated can lead to poor healing, recurring pain, limited mobility, and development of other serious issues.
So, this week, remember the importance of good foot health and make sure to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists! A visit to a podiatrist for a general foot exam will help treat any existing problems, and help to prevent any future ones.
Phone: (248)348-5300
Or, schedule online here: www.associatedpodiatristspc.com/contactus
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Associated Podiatrists PC
