for an Healthy feet active life

Our feet are so very important, each containing 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. They are the foundation of almost everything you do.

Switch From Sandals To Shoes Safely

As you transition out of summer sandals and bare feet and into shoes and socks for the fall, keep in mind this small change can cause big foot problems.

Ingrown Toenails

Wearing enclosed or improperly fitting shoes can lead to ingrown toenails. Trim your toenails straight across and wear shoes that are not tight in the toe box.

IRRITATED BUNIONS, BONE SPURS AND HAMMERTOES

Constant rubbing on your feet from shoes can irritate any existing hammertoes, bunions or bone spurs. Wear socks and properly fitting shoes and maybe even consider having your shoe stretched in the areas of irritation to provide some relief.

NEUROMA FLARE-UPS

Tight-fitting, close-toed shoes can trigger neuromas or nerve pain. Make sure your shoes have enough room for your toes, so they aren’t squeezed or irritated.

Toenail Fungus

Fungus thrives in dark, moist, and warm environments, like your shoes. To prevent fungal growth, disinfect your shoes and wear different pairs to allow them to air out. Also remove any leftover nail polish from your toes. Nail polish seals the nail and traps moisture, which can create a breeding ground for fungus. If you run into any of these issues when making the switch to fall shoes, you should contact a foot and ankle surgeon for proper examination and treatment.

Tips For Selecting Shoes

Shoes aren’t just for style. They provide crucial support for your feet throughout the day and can cause serious problems if you aren’t careful.

When was the last time you actually measured your feet? People’s shoe sizes can change as they get older or as they gain or lose weight. Make sure you know your current shoe size to make shoe shopping that much easier.

A good rule of thumb when trying on shoes is to make sure there’s about an inch between your longest toe (usually your big toe or the one next to it) and the end of the shoe. Keep high heels on the shorter side, and try your best to get shoes that mimic the shape of your feet.

Fall Foot Care Tips

As the weather transitions and the air gets colder, we must adapt our routines to optimize our foot health. We often overlook our feet, but taking good care of them is critical, especially during the fall when our skin tends to dry out faster than usual. To maintain healthy and happy feet, read this article for tips and tricks to adapt your foot care routine for the season.

Keep Your Feet Clean And Dry

Regularly washing and drying (between toes also) your feet with warm (not hot) water and a mild (not harsh) cleanser is one of the most essential steps for optimal foot health during the fall season.

Moisture occurs when socks and shoes are not breathable enough and can cause fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Keep your feet dry and clean and change your socks regularly, especially if you’ve been in the rain.

Moisturize Dry Skin

The colder fall months can cause our skin to dry out, leaving our feet prone to cracks and patches. To avoid this, it’s crucial to moisturize your feet frequently. Try using a rich, moisturizing foot cream to keep them soft and hydrated. Apply the cream after bath time or before bed to allow the skin to absorb the moisturizer fully. Lotion the entire foot, Avoiding the skin between the toes.

Trim Toenails Properly And Frequently

Proper toenail care is essential for maintaining healthy feet during the fall. We recommend trimming your toenails straight across and then filing the edges to remove rough spots. Avoid cutting your nails too short or in a curve, as this can lead to ingrown toenails or infections. To keep them dry and clean, towel them off after a shower or bath before putting on socks or shoes.

Incorporate Gentle Foot Massages

Indulging in a gentle foot massage is nothing short of a blissful experience that helps you unwind and offers many benefits for your overall well-being. Massaging your feet promotes relaxation, soothes tired muscles and even improves blood circulation throughout your entire body.

To embark on this rejuvenating journey, begin by focusing on the tips of your toes, gently applying pressure, and gradually working your way up towards your ankles. Using either your fingertips or thumbs, employ circular motions to release tension and restore vitality to your feet. Doing so will stimulate the various pressure points in your foot, helping relieve discomfort and soreness.

Select Proper Footwear

Wearing the right shoes that fit well can help prevent common foot problems during the fall season. It’s best to wear shoes that provide good support and are comfortable for your feet. Avoid wearing tight or narrow shoes, leading to blisters and calluses.

Your feet are vital for movement and mobility, so taking good care of them during fall is essential. By adhering to these self-care practices, we can maintain healthy and happy feet no matter the temperature.

Articles credited to FootHealthFacts. org, the Official Consumer Website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.