Healthy Ideas to Protect Your Feet

We all rely on our feet for mobility and balance. Your feet are your lifelong partners for good health, as they allow you to be more active for a longer life if you take proper care of them. Your Dallas podiatrist recommends that patients stay informed about proper “foot health” at all times, but especially when you suffer from conditions such as diabetic foot, bunions, peripheral neuropathy, or foot ulcers.

In fact, each year at this time, The Institute for Preventive Foot Health (IPFH) joins with the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) to sponsor Active Aging Week. This health promotion event celebrates adults ages 50 and older who lead an active, healthier lifestyle. The 2014 event is set for Sept. 21-27. Interested participants should be able to find a wide range of related activities and events through local organizations such as civic centers, parks, malls, senior centers and more.

The IPFH is sponsoring Foot Health Day on Sunday, September 21. The national group suggests other features for the week should focus on tips for preventing falls, bone health, fitness walking and more.

All of these topics relate directly to a person’s ability to keep their feet healthy. By paying better attention to your feet, in general, and following some simple tips for good “foot hygiene”, you have a better chance for a long, active life.

Tips for Keeping Feet Healthy

• Don’t ignore even common or mild foot irritations such as blisters, corns, callouses and bunions. Treat any wounds quickly and see your foot and ankle specialist for a complete diagnostic visit. Untreated problems such as bunions can affect your posture, gait and balance, leading to potential complications such as wounds, ulcers or falls.
• Keep moving to promote better circulation. Vary your time spent standing or sitting for long periods of time. Stand up and walk around at least once every hour to help keep blood from pooling in your feet.
• Stay active, no matter what your age. Medical research suggests that all adults (including those age 65-plus) get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking) each week and resistance training two or more days per week.
• Inspect your toes and feet daily for any cuts, bruises, blisters, lumps or painful spots.
• Maintain toenails that are trimmed straight across but not too short. Avoid cutting down into the corners of the toenail cuticles. This helps prevent ingrown toenails.

To learn more about foot hygiene and caring for your feet as they age, make an appointment with Dr. Kennedy Legel, your Dallas foot and ankle specialist, by calling 214-272-2848 or contacting us online.