Holiday Foot Care Tips

We’re always on the move during the holidays. Shopping, decorating, parties, and traveling mean spending a lot of time on our feet at this time of year. The last thing anyone needs is to be experiencing foot pain that slows us down. That’s why the podiatrist at Kirkland Office wants to offer some helpful suggestions from the American Podiatric Medical Association on ensuring you’ve got happy feet this season!

• Moisturize your feet every day to help avoid dry, cracked and irritated skin caused by the dry winter air and cold temperatures this season.
• You've heard about stretching your legs, right? Well, stretching your feet helps avoid muscle cramps. To prevent your toes from cramping, curl them for five seconds at a time. Rotating your ankles can also relax your feet. Do so by cupping your heel and turn each ankle gently to stretch ankle joints.
• Elevate your legs to reduce swelling from sitting too long in one position while taking a long flight, or if you’ve been on your feet all day while shopping or cooking.
• We know you want to dress for the occasion when you’re headed to a holiday party, but for activities such as shopping, traveling or cooking, wear well-fitted shoes with good arch support and a padded sole. Look for footwear that has received the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance and Seal of Approval for promoting foot health.
• Careful with those toenails! If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, be sure to do your pedicure properly. Avoid using a razor to remove dead skin. A good pumice stone is a much better choice. Don’t cut those cuticles; rather, push them back slowly with a rubber tool made for that purpose.Your toenail clippers should have a straight edge to cut nails straight across.
• End the day with a gentle foot rub using moisturizing lotion. Ahhh!

If you’re experiencing persistent foot discomfort at this or any time of year, please contact Kirkland Office to schedule a visit with our podiatrist.