Do’s and Don’ts for Foot Care During COVID-19

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we are hoping that all of our Manhattan patients are staying healthy and taking the necessary precautions during this time of the pandemic. The news is beginning to sound more positive, and hopefully, we will soon see a decrease in the spread and severity of COVID 19. You may be wondering about the best ways to address foot health problems during this challenging time.

Below are some do’s and don’ts we want our patients to know:

Do: contact our Upper West Side office by calling: (212) 877-1002 if you have an acute foot problem or injury, or if an existing problem seems to be worsening. While it’s true that many minor or elective procedures are not happening right now, we are still here for our patients. We have several options for dealing with foot problems during the time of the crisis. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us, and we will advise you on the best course of action.

Don’t: “play doctor.” Trying to self-diagnose or treat foot problems on your own, such as attempting to remove warts or cut out an ingrown toenail, can lead to more serious injury or infection. It’s best to consult with our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia, before attempting home remedies. It is particularly important if you have diabetes or another issue that negatively impacts your circulation.

Do: maintain healthy habits. Avoid prolonged periods of sitting in front of the television, mindlessly eating handfuls of chips, cookies, or other high-calorie snacks. Excess pounds and lack of exercise can be harmful to your feet and overall health. Stay active even it means turning to an indoor exercise program.

Do: continue with a good foot care regimen. Wash feet daily and inspect them for any changes or unusual symptoms such as swelling, bruising, growths, or skin or nail discoloration.

Don’t: spend all day barefoot or in flip-flops. It’s important to continue to wear shoes that support the arch of your foot to prevent heel pain. It’s also a good time to review your shoe wardrobe and toss pairs that show signs of wear.

Hang in there! We will get through this together.

If you have any podiatric needs, don’t hesitate to contact us.