Our Top Tips for Happy, Healthy Feet!
Did you know that April is National Foot Health Awareness Month? Studies have revealed that about 20 percent of people in our country experience at least one foot issue each year. These problems can be the consequence of an underlying health problem such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or obesity. Today Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland is sharing his top tips for happy, healthy feet!
Wear shoes that provide adequate support and a low heel. Utilize custom orthotics to provide proper arch support.
Always wear shoes in public places where your feet can be cut or scratched and cause athlete’s foot, plantar warts, or infection.
Change out the shoes you wear to exercise every 500 miles or six months to prevent foot and heel pain when the inside of the shoe begins to lose support.
Because you won’t wear the same size shoes throughout your whole life, you should have them measured regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight because added weight puts extra pressure on the feet, often causing circulatory problems, arthritis, stress fractures, and heel and foot pain.
Inspect your feet each day, looking for peeling, injuries, dry skin, or cracks. This is particularly important if you are diabetic to avoid getting a non-healing wound.
Stretch your lower legs, feet, and ankles daily and before engaging in any activity to prevent injury.
After bathing, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes, to prevent fungal infections, and follow up with a high-quality moisturizer.
When in the sun, apply sunscreen between your toes and the top of your feet to guard against skin cancer and prevent sunburn.
Don’t leave polish on your nails every day because it can cause brittle nails or fungus. Try keeping it on for three weeks and off for one week every month.
If you experience an ankle, toe, or foot injury – don’t attempt to treat it yourself - contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, Maryland at (410) 761-3501 today to schedule a consultation.