Most of the time at Long Island Foot & Ankle Group, PC we find that patients take their feet for granted—until there’s a problem. There’s so much that our feet enable us to do. In fact, if you stop and think about it, even the most basic day to day activities would not be possible without the health of our feet. Don’t wait until you have a foot problem to discover this! Below are some simple and easy ways to prevent foot conditions from developing and ensure that your feet will take you where you want to go for many years to come.
- Wear well-made, properly-fitting shoes. Most podiatrists would agree that good shoes are your number one defense against many debilitating foot issues including: bunions, plantar fasciitis and flat feet. Shoes should have good arch and ankle support and be made of soft, breathable materials. Avoid high heels and shoes with narrow or pointy toes that pinch the toes together and can lead to a toe deformity.
- Wash your feet daily and dry completely. Do an extra good job of drying between your toes—moisture there can become a breeding ground for athlete’s foot or a fungal infection. Use foot powder if your feet tend to sweat excessively. If the skin on your feet is dry, apply a rich moisturizer after showering.
- Get in the habit of inspecting your feet on a regular basis. Look for changes in shape, size, color and appearance. Check for skin and nail discoloration and any bumps or lumps. You should be able to wiggle your toes, rotate your ankles and flex your feet without stiffness or soreness.
- Exercise regularly. Walking or other sports and fitness activities help maintain flexibility and range of motion in your feet. Exercise in combination with a healthy diet will also help you achieve and maintain an appropriate weight which takes pressure off your feet and reduces the risk of a number of conditions.
- Don’t ignore pain. Foot pain of any kind: burning, soreness, stabbing, aching, pins and needles, is never normal. Whether it’s constant, comes and goes or is associated with certain activities, consistent pain requires an examination by our foot doctors, Dr. Russell Caprioli, Dr. Mary Ann Bilotti, Dr. John Haight and Dr. Marzana Mleczko. Contact our Lake Success office ((516) 327-0074) or Valley Stream office (516) 825-4070 for an appointment and put an end to suffering from foot pain.