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Love is in the air this time of year! Did you know that issues in your feet can be an indicator of other problems in your body including heart disease?
Taking care of your feet consistently is a great way to have frequent "check-ins" where you can assess for anything out of the ordinary while giving your feet some extra love!
We'll break down some of the most common things to look out for, and what you can do to pamper your feet!
Proper Hygiene
You've heard this before, but it really is true! Keeping your feet clean, dry and protected are some of the best preventative methods of care you can make implement to keep your feet healthy. Keeping your nails trimmed, changing socks daily, and washing your feet are some examples of what easy foot and ankle hygiene care in your daily routine can look like.
Ignoring foot and ankle hygiene can put you at a higher risk for sores, blisters, fungal infections and ingrown toenails.
Footwear That Fits
Did you know over half of the population here in the United States has shoes that do not fit properly? Footwear that doesn't fit can cause your feet to blister, cramp or hold your weight incorrectly leading to other more serious issues if left unaddressed.
Look for shoes that offer support in the arch of your foot, and hold the sides of your feet snugly without feeling restrictive. Your toes need a little wiggle room, but shouldn't feel too loose or tight in your toe-box. Your heel should be securely set in the back of the shoe with very limited movement so the shoe can support your heel and offer the proper traction under your feet when you walk.
Overtime your feet can also change in size, usually growing larger as you age because your foot flattens over time. Making note of this can help you notice when it happens and get the proper shoes to support the changes that may happen in your feet.
Moisturize & Massage
Now this one might get a little tedious to do everyday, but throw it in the mix a couple times a week and see how much better your feet feel! Keeping your feet properly moisturized prevents cracking and keeps your feet soft.
Taking steps to prevent cracking in the skin on your feet also helps protect against cuts that can lead to infections or sores.
Massaging your feet can help to improve circulation and can assist in mitigating redness, swelling and inflammation from standing on your feet all day. Taking the time to moisturize and massage your feet allows you to get up close and personal to take note of any changes or issues that can be an indicator of something more serious.
What To Look Out For
When you look out for your feet, you're also helping to keep an eye on how other parts of your body are functioning. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes and arthritis can appear in your feet first.
If you are experiencing persistent numbness, redness, swelling, or pain in your feet that does not go away, you should consider talking with a doctor. Your doctor or podiatrist will be able to help assess what your next steps should be and if any further action is needed to get your feet and ankles back to being pain free.
Foot and ankle pain isn't normal, take the next step forward to get the care you deserve and contact us today to get your feet back to being pain free. With over 5 valley locations, we offer podiatry care in Arizona wherever you are.