Back to Basics: Foot Care 101
It seems the pandemic has caused all of us to hit “reset” in many areas of our lives and, at Goldsmith Podiatry, we think April is a good time for our Manhattan patients to do the same for podiatric care. It’s Foot Health Awareness Month. Whether you’ve slacked off on your foot care regimen or have never really developed one, here’s how to take a step (or steps!) in the right direction and improve the health of your feet and ankles.
Take Good Daily Care—a simple routine that takes only minutes each day can go a long way to protecting your feet:
Wash feet every day with soap and warm water.
Dry thoroughly, paying particular attention to the spaces between your toes (that’s where athlete’s foot often starts).
Dust with talcum or antifungal powder before putting on socks or hose.
Massage in a rich moisturizer right before bed to prevent dry skin and heel cracks.
Make Quality Footwear a Priority—the single most significant foot health factor is what wears on them! During the pandemic, many people have started to experience foot problems due to being barefoot or wearing slippers or flip-flops most of the time at home. Evaluate your current shoe wardrobe with the following guidelines in mind:
Make sure shoes fit correctly. Any rubbing, blisters, or pain is a sign you may have the wrong size shoe. Get your feet professionally measured—shoe size can change as you age.
Arch support is a must. When feet flatten, it puts extra strain on the plantar fascia, which in turn can lead to arch and heel pain. If you are suffering from discomfort in these parts of your feet, the podiatrist may prescribe a custom orthotic.
Look for styles with cushioned insoles and padded heel cups for extra comfort.
Discard shoes that have become stretched out or show other obvious signs of wear. Replace walking and sports shoes every 300-500 miles regardless of appearance.
Listen to Your Feet—If your feet hurt, there’s a reason. In addition, your feet may act as an early warning system for the rest of your body, so be on the lookout for unusual symptoms.
Schedule regular checkups to monitor chronic conditions at our Upper West Side office by calling (212) 877-1002.
Manage other medical conditions that can impact your feet, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
If you have any questions about your feet, we’re here for you. Don’t hesitate to contact our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia with any concerns.