10 Foot Care Tips to Start the New Year Right

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know our Manhattan patients are ringing out the old and ringing in the new as we celebrate New Year’s. We think it’s an excellent time to consider the many ways to improve the health and care of your feet. Below is a list of 10 tips that will make your feet healthier, happier, and less prone to injury and common disorders.

  1. Wash your feet every day and dry them completely, especially between the toes.

  2. Wear shoes that fit properly—have a professional measure your feet to ensure you are wearing the right size.

  3. Inspect your feet regularly. Look for signs of developing foot problems such as redness, swelling, bruising, skin or toenail discoloration, cuts, rashes, lumps, and toes that seem out of alignment. It is particularly important if you have diabetes.

  4. Take care of toenails. Trim them straight across and not too short. At the first sign of an ingrown toenail, soak your foot in warm water several times a day and gently try to massage the nail out from under the skin.

  5. Alternate your shoes. Don’t wear the same pair multiple days in a row.

  6. Keep feet covered in public places such as gyms and nail salons to prevent the transmission of fungal infections and warts.

  7. Avoid spending extended periods of time in flat shoes and flip-flops—they lack arch support and can lead to heel pain and other problems.

  8. Discard shoes that are damaged or worn.

  9. Keep feet dry. If you tend to sweat excessively, use a roll-on antiperspirant or foot powder on your feet before putting on your socks. Keep a spare pair handy at work or in your bag and change if you notice your feet feel damp.

  10. Don’t procrastinate when it comes to foot pain. Make an appointment at our Upper West Side by calling 212-877-1002 and let our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia and Dr. Kristina Ruff diagnose and treat your foot and ankle discomfort promptly.

With best wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2022 to all our patients!