Say Thank You To Your Feet
Happy holiday season! What are you thankful for? Our health often comes to mind when we’re sharing our gratitude. Since our feet carry us through life, it’s important to give them extra love and attention. Wondering how you can show some appreciation for your feet and ankles this winter? Here are four of our top tips!
ONE: Clean Your Feet Every Day
Arguably the most important daily foot care habit you can take part in? Washing your feet! This is easiest to do while taking a shower, using lukewarm water. Always avoid hot or cold water, especially if you have diabetes, as extreme temperatures can damage your skin. Consider using a soft washcloth and mild soap. Rinse well and be sure to dry well, including in between your toes.
TWO: Moisturize Your Feet
With winter fastly approaching, it’s normal to find your skin getting dry and flaky. Our feet are often neglected when it comes to applying lotion. This holiday season, add moisturizing to your nightly routine, especially if you have calluses and corns. Just avoid applying it between your toes!
THREE: Trim Your Nails Correctly – And Often
Ensure that you keep your nails trimmed regularly, but not too short. Short toenails are prone to becoming ingrown, which can cause soreness and infection. Instead, cut straight across and file gently along the edges. If cutting your nails is difficult, see a local nail salon or contact your podiatrist for help.
FOUR: Inspect Your Feet Daily
It’s easy for cuts, blisters, and ulcers on our feet to go unnoticed – especially if they’re on the bottom of your foot. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye out for any unusual signs and symptoms. Even if you don’t feel any pain, you could have something brewing! For those with diabetes, checking your feet every day is necessary. If you notice anything on your feet that raises a red flag, contact your podiatrist. Even a small cut can escalate when ignored!
Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics, along with various other foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.