5 Resolutions For Healthier, Stronger Feet in 2022

We’re in the midst of the holiday season, and now is a great time to be surrounded by friends and family, but the New Year celebration is all about you! Making resolutions is a tradition practiced every year at this time. One of the popular resolutions is to get healthier. While this is an admirable goal, most people think it is only about exercise and diet.

We also suggest that you consider your ankle and foot health. To help you, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing a few tips on how to keep your feet strong and healthy in 2022:

1. Daily TLC

Take time each day to show your feet some love. Cleanse them daily and keep your toenails trimmed straight across and not too short. Consider ending the day with a foot massage using a moisturizing lotion to keep your feet supple and soft.

2. Don’t “Muscle Through” It

We recommend that you not try to exercise or run through any pain you may have as this may make the injury worse. If you begin to feel pain during activity or exercise, stop immediately. R-I-C-E (Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate) is the best first step to treating an injury at home. If the pain continues, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible.

3. Proper Footwear

You should replace your shoes after 6-8 months, once they lose their ability to support, no longer fit properly, or every 500 miles. The more often you wear your shoes, the faster they will wear out. 

Here are some additional, helpful footwear tips:

• Limit the time you wear unsupportive footwear such as sandals or high-heels as they can be detrimental to your foot health. Consider custom orthotics to decrease strain while wearing shoes that provide no support.
• If you wear braces or custom orthotics, keep wearing them. They defend your body during injury recovery and help prevent the worsening or recurrence of an injury.
• Choose supportive, appropriate, and comfortable footwear. Depending on the activity you’re participating in, specific shoes may be needed, such as hiking boots or running shoes. And make sure the shoes you wear fit properly and offer any necessary protection to avoid injury.

4. Schedule Your Annual Exam

Schedule your annual foot care appointment to identify and address any concerns you may have about your foot health. Conditions like bunions, calluses, and corns, should not be ignored. Some issues can be a sign of other health issues within the body, such as vascular diseases or diabetes.

5. Pace Yourself

We all agree exercise is an essential part of living a healthy life. Remember to pace yourself when beginning a new exercise routine. If you push too hard, you risk ankle and foot injuries that could cause you to take an unplanned break from your fitness goals. 

Happy New Year from Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, and his staff!