The average person walks 100,000 miles in a lifetime according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). That’s a lot of wear and tear on the feet and ankles!
When feet are covered by socks and shoes nine months out of the year it’s easy to forget and neglect their health. However, problems and injuries involving the feet are common during the colder months, warns APMA. Between the wet snow and the cold dry air, issues such as cracked heels, frostbite, athlete’s foot, and even foot injuries can threaten a person’s foot health as well as overall well-being.
“Our job is to provide the best possible care for our patients. We want our patients to be able to enjoy being as active as possible and not have to struggle with pain in their feet. It’s important that people come in right away to get looked at if they are dealing with problems of any sort with their feet. Constant foot pain shouldn’t be something you have to live with, and we can help,” says Thomas Landretti, DPM, Aspirus Podiatrist.
With both feet containing nearly one quarter of all the bones in the body (52), it’s important for people to give foot health a little extra attention. People can minimize the risk of foot problems by taking simple cold weather precautions.
In honor of National Foot Health Awareness Month, here is a list of ways individuals can protect and care for their feet as we transition from winter to spring.
Moisturize – Dry winter air and cold temperatures can take a toll on skin. Moisturize feet daily to help avoid dry, cracked and irritated skin.
Exercise your feet – Stretching is a good way to avoid muscle cramps. Ward off toe cramps by raising, pointing and curling your toes for five seconds. Repeat 10 times. Rotating your ankles can also help relax feet. Cup your heel and turn each ankle slowly five times to loosen ankle joints.
Massage – Foot rubs not only feel good, but they’re also a great way to release tension, boost circulation and refresh skin after a long day on your feet.
Pedicure properly – At a salon or at home, never use a razor to remove dead skin – opt for a good pumice stone instead. Don’t cut cuticles; push them back gently with a rubber tool made for this purpose. Use toenail clippers with a straight edge to cut nails straight across.
Raise your legs – Feet and ankles can swell from sitting too long in one position. Elevate your legs to reduce swelling. Lay or sit and lift your legs above your heart.
Wear proper socks and footwear – When you know you’ll be on your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes with good arch support and a padded sole. The right winter socks insulate and protect your feet. Breathable fabrics, like wool, and moisture-wicking synthetics can reduce sweating, which contributes to freezing.
Just because feet may be hidden in winter/rain boots doesn’t mean they should be ignored. If experiencing consistent foot pain, visit the Aspirus Podiatry Associates | Find a Location | Aspirus Health Care to find a local podiatrist and schedule a visit today.