A New Year brings in a new opportunity to create healthy habits. If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution that is easy to keep, make a daily goal to focus on your feet! Taking charge of your foot health is not a significant time investment, but it really pays off in the long run, and you’ll need your feet for every day of 2022 and beyond! Just a little bit of TLC every day can help you identify and treat painful foot conditions before they even begin.

Designate a time in your day to check in with your feet and establish the following habits:

  • Inspect your feet each day for cuts, blisters, rashes, swelling, or other abnormalities. This is especially necessary if you have diabetes or neuropathy, as those conditions can increase your risk for sores and ulcers due to decreased sensation in the lower limbs. Anyone can benefit from a daily foot inspection, and proper treatment of a small injury can help prevent future infection. If you see any deformities, bumps, or lumps, schedule an appointment for your doctor to evaluate your feet.
  • Don’t suffer with shoes that hurt or don’t fit. Your everyday shoes should be comfy, cushioned, fit great right from the start (no “breaking in” necessary), and provide the support you need. A variety of foot problems can be prevented by a proper fitting shoe. Our office also fits custom orthotics for those who need a little extra support, and offers shoes built for style and comfort at The Right Shoe(opens in a new tab).
  • Wash your feet every day to fight bacterial and fungal infections. When bathing make sure the water is not too hot to avoid over-drying the skin. After bathing when the skin is soft, apply an alcohol free moisturizer to prevent painful dry, cracked skin, especially during the winter months.
  • Make sure to trim and clean your toenails regularly to prevent ingrown toenails. Examine your toenails for discoloration or uneven thickness as this could be a sign of nail fungus.

Most people ignore their feet until there is a problem. By establishing these healthy habits and taking a few minutes everyday to check in with your feet, you’ll be stepping into 2022 on the right (healthy) foot! If you have an issue that needs an expert’s opinion, our team of podiatrists and physical therapists will help you get the high-quality care you need with as little stress and fuss as possible. To make an appointment, please call (717) 757-3537 today.