It is well into the holiday season, and the last thing on your mind is probably your feet. Well, all of that Christmas shopping, holiday work parties, and cooking for your family and friends adds up and is a lot of time on your feet—probably in high heels and dress shoes, too. Here are some tips for saving your feet during this festive time.
- Don’t forget to moisturize your feet. Did you know common foot ailments like calluses and corns form when skin is cracked, dry, and irritated? Simply lathering up your feet in the morning will help them stay moisturized throughout the day.
- Exercise. Stretch your feet (especially the arches) by raising your toes, flexing them, and pointing them toward the ceiling. Stretching your arch will keep your ligaments loose and help prevent heel pain.
- Get a foot massage. Not only is a foot massage a great gift for you, but it’s a treat for a friend or relative as well. Foot massages can release a lot of stress, and we all experience some extra stress during the holidays.
- Take precautions during pedicures to avoid contracting nail fungus. Whether you are giving yourself a pedicure or going to a salon, make sure that the correct utensils are being used. Instead of using a razor to cut dead skin, try a pumice stone instead. Most important, we suggest bringing your own nail polishes to a salon. Why? Well, think of all the different toes their polishes go on—some of them have bacteria that cause nail fungus and Athlete’s foot. We recommend using Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Care polishes, as these are specially-formulated by podiatrists, are available in more than 30 colors, and are enriched with biotin, tea-tree oil, garlic bulb extract, lavender, wheat protein and vitamins C and E. They make great gifts too!
- Raise your legs. You need to keep the blood circulating in your legs and feet, especially while working late hours and traveling more. If you are on a long trip to grandma’s house, be sure to get up and move around. Raising your feet will reduce the swelling caused by being in the same position for too long.
- Wear the right shoes. Yes, we know you will wear high heels and swanky loafers to your holiday parties. But while you’re shopping, cooking, and cleaning, try to wear something sensible. Make sure your shoes have the correct arch support and good padding on the soles and that they aren’t tight on your feet.
When you follow these steps during the colder winter months and holiday season, your feet should be in tip-top shape for spring time! If you start to notice any pain in or unsightliness on your toes or feet, make an appointment to see a podiatrist ASAP. Most foot ailments can be treated completely if caught at the onset.
And from all of us at Modern Foot & Ankle, happy holidays!
