Shopping, traveling, parties and more are all a part of the holiday fun! While indulging in all the festivities, are your feet taking a hit?
During the holiday months you may be doing a lot of walking, dancing, standing or even a lot of sitting. According to the APMA, half of all Americans report experiencing foot pain at some point in their lives. No one wants injuries or foot pain to slow them down during the holidays, so it’s important to care for your feet to carry you through all the seasonal festivities!
Here are a few tips to keep your feet “holiday healthy:”
- Exercise—after long periods of indulging and sitting, remember to get up and move. Stretching or walking is a good way to get the blood flowing to your extremities and avoiding any cramps.
- If the shoe fits, wear it. When hitting the dance floor and shopping malls this season, don’t compromise comfort and safety. Protect your feet from blisters, calluses and ankle injuries with the right shoes for the occasion.
- Don’t overindulge in holiday cheer—your feet can feel the effects of too much holiday cheer. Overindulging in certain foods and alcohol can cause swelling or foot pain such has gout.
- Pedicure smart—reduce your risk of bacterial infections during your holiday pedicure by choosing a salon that follows proper sanitation practices, positive reviews and is licensed by the state.
- If traveling somewhere cold, watch for ice and snow. Holiday winter wonderlands can be beautiful but also dangerous for ankles. Use caution when traveling outdoors and watch for ice or snow patches along the trail.
- 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 or calluses. If you have any issues, contact your podiatrist.
Although it’s easy to put off foot pain until after the New Year, there’s no need to wait!