(Jacksonville, Fl) -- Don’t let sore, achy feet ruin your holiday season. Jacksonville foot and ankle surgeon, Amanda Bartell DPM, FACFAS, offers these tips for healthy holiday feet.
- If the shoe fits, wear it. When hitting the dance floor or the shopping malls during the holiday season, don’t compromise comfort and safety when picking the right shoes to wear. Narrow shoes, overly-high-heeled ones, or shoes that aren’t worn very often, such as dress shoes, can irritate feet and lead to blisters, calluses, swelling, and even severe ankle injuries. “To ward off problems, choose a shoe that has a low heel and fits your foot in length, width, and depth while you are standing,” says Dr. Bartell, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “Be proactive, protective, and preventive with your selection of appropriate shoes for the occasion.”
- Don’t overindulge in holiday cheer. Did you know your feet can feel the effects of too much holiday cheer? Certain foods and beverages high in purines, such as shellfish, red meat, red wine, and beer can trigger extremely painful gout attacks, a condition when uric acid builds up and crystallizes in and around your joints. “Oftentimes, it’s the big toe that is affected first since the toe is the coolest part of the body and uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes,” Dr. Bartell, says.
- Be pedicure-safety conscious. Before you head for your holiday pedicure, remember nail salons can be a breeding ground for bacteria, including MRSA. To reduce your risk of infection, choose a salon that follows proper sanitation practices, and is licensed by the state. Consider also purchasing your own pedicure instruments to bring along to your appointment.
- “Listen” to your feet. Don’t let foot pain ruin your holiday fun; inspect your feet regularly for any evidence of ingrown toenails, bruising, swelling, blisters, dry skin, or calluses. “If you notice any pain, swelling, or signs of problems, make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon,” Dr. Bartell says. “Often, especially for diabetics, what may seem like a simple issue can turn into a larger problem if medical care is delayed.”
If you are suffering from foot pain or have concerns about your foot health, call North Florida Foot and Ankle Center at 904-236-5023 for an evaluation.
For more information on taking care of your feet and ankles, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeon’s website, FootHealthFacts.org.
