April National Foot Health Awareness Month: Our Tips for Healthy Feet!
April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) reports that about 20 percent of Americans experience at least one foot problem per year. The issue can be the result of poorly-fitted shoes, or an underlying health problem such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or obesity. Today Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC are sharing their tips for healthy, happy feet!
Follow these 11 top tips to improve your foot health; because after all, healthy feet = a healthy life!
Wear shoes in public areas where your feet can be scratched or cut, leading to infection, athlete’s foot or plantar warts.
Examine your feet each day, using a mirror – if needed - to inspect the bottom of your feet for cracks, peeling, injuries or dry skin. This is particularly important if you have diabetes to avoid a non-healing wound.
Thoroughly dry your feet and between your toes after bathing to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Follow up by applying a good moisturizer.
Don’t leave polish on nails all the time as it can lead to fungal toenails.
Apply sunscreen on ankles and between toes to avoid sunburn and guard against skin cancer.
Stretch your ankles, lower legs and feet daily and before any activity to avoid injury.
Maintain a healthy weight because extra weight puts pressure on the feet, often causing heel or foot pain, circulatory problems, arthritis, and stress fractures.
Check your fasting blood sugar daily. See your podiatrist regularly and have an annual foot examination to check for problems such as loss of circulation or neuropathy.
Try to wear shoes with good support and a low heel and use custom orthotics to provide proper arch support.
Replace the shoes you wear to exercise every six months or 500 miles to avoid heal and foot pain when the inside of the shoe begins to lose support.
There is a good chance you will not wear the same size in shoes your entire life, so have them measured on a regular basis.
Don’t try to be your own doctor! If you experience a foot, ankle or toe injury, schedule a visit to your podiatrist. The more quickly you seek treatment, the better the outcome will be. Don’t hesitate, contact the offices of Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC today to schedule a consultation. You can call us at (301) 762-3338 to schedule an appointment or book it online.
