Ah, the holidays. Such a magical time of year. Whether you are planning to ski down the slopes of Blue Mountain, raid the malls for last minute shopping, dance the night away at your work holiday party, or perhaps even escape the winter altogether and head off to a warmer destination, don’t forget to make the right choices for your feet this holiday season. Show your feet some love and don’t let them stop you from finishing the year strong and ready for what’s to come.
Here is a list of simple things to help you celebrate the holidays this year with stress-free, healthy feet.
Wear proper shoes
Wearing the right shoes for your feet as well as for the occasion is a simple yet effective way to reduce discomfort and reduce risk of injury. If you plan to walk outside in the snow, wear warm, waterproof winter boots. If you plan to go hiking, wear a proper hiking shoe with ankle and foot stability as well as good traction at the sole.
In general, a good shoe will have a cushioned outer sole, adequate torsional stability, a wide enough toe box, and some arch support. Try to avoid wearing heels higher than 2 inches and shoes that are completely flat as they provide little to no support.
Wear custom foot orthotics
If you experience foot pain of any kind, get your feet assessed by a Licensed Chiropodist. Your foot pain may be caused by faulty foot mechanics and abnormal gait patterns that can be managed and corrected with custom foot orthotics.
Custom foot orthotics work to prevent abnormal movements during gait to optimize the alignment of the joints in your foot and lower limb and allow for joint stability, balance, and better function.
Wear compression stockings
Do you experience swollen, tired, achy legs near the end of the day or after extended periods of standing or sitting? If you do, talk to your doctor about compression stockings and if they are right for you.
Compression stockings are medical grade products that help to circulate your blood back to your heart and can be effective in controlling swollen legs and feet, varicose veins, and conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency.
Moisturize
The winter season can be extremely drying to the skin, especially the skin on your feet. Combat dry skin with a good moisturizer that contains 10% to 25% urea.
Urea is an organic compound that works to exfoliate the skin to allow for better product penetration as well as softens and hydrates the skin as it attracts and holds onto water.
End the year of 2019 the right way by practicing healthy habits for your feet.
From the team at Feet First Clinic, we wish a warm and happy holiday!
We’ll see you in 2020!