April is Foot Health Awareness Month, a time where we highlight the importance of healthy feet and their impact on overall well-being. Good foot health is essential for an active life. Here are some tips to keep your feet healthy and pain free:
- Examine your feet daily. Regular self-examinations can help catch issues early. Look for changes in color, texture, or appearance. Those who have diabetes or poor circulation should be particularly vigilant and seek prompt medical attention for any abnormalities.
- Practice Good Foot Hygiene. Wash your feet daily, dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. This reduces the risk of infections, such as athlete’s foot. Use a moisturizer regularly to prevent dry skin and wear sunscreen if you’re wearing sandals and your feet are exposed to the sun.
- Wear the right shoes. Make you sure you wear appropriate fitting shoes and sandals. Wear shoes with good support and a low heel. Shoes with narrow toes can cause issues, such as bunions or hammertoes.
- Stay Active. Regular exercise helps keep the muscles in your feet strong and improves blood circulation. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking are excellent options. Remember to stretch your feet and calves regularly to maintain flexibility.
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Excess weight puts pressure on the feet and can lead to general foot pain, heel pain, stress fractures, circulatory problems and arthritis.
- Seek professional help when needed. Don’t ignore persistent pain or discomfort. Those with diabetes, see your endocrinologist regularly and have an annual foot inspection with a podiatrist to check for problems such as loss of circulation or loss of sensation (neuropathy).
Remember, taking care of your feet is not just about addressing current problems – it’s about preventing future problems. With these tips and the right care, you can keep your feet healthy, strong, and ready to carry you through life’s many journeys.
Come into Building 26 and we can chat feet (and more!). Health Services is here to support you every STEP of the way.
https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/foot-hygiene.html
