5 Helpful Holiday Tips for Your Feet

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but at Weil Foot & Ankle Institute we have concerns for our Lake, Cooke and Roselle-Dupage county patients. Long lines, running from store to store, holiday parties and slippery weather can all add up to the perfect recipe for foot pain and injury if you’re not careful.

Five recommendations for having fun, getting it all done and protecting your feet and ankles.

1. Make Smart Shoe Choices—your choice of shoes this season will play a big role in whether or not your feet stay healthy. Choose comfortable styles with lots of toe space and chunky, low heels for long days of running holiday errands. If you like fashion boots, be sure the ones you choose have good arch support to avoid heel pain. If you must wear high heels for parties, limit the amount of time you spend in them.
2. Avoid Ankle Sprain Injuries—wintry weather means it’s easy to slip and sprain an ankle or worse. Pay attention to the surfaces where you are walking. Don’t carry so many packages that you can’t see in front of you or can’t use your arms for balance. On snowy days when you park your car, take a moment and chart the best and clearest course to your office or store. Be wary of entryways where everyone and their wet boots tend to pass through. If you do suffer an ankle-twisting injury, contact our offices in Bannockburn, Orland Park, Roselle or any of our other 16 conveniently located offices by calling: 847-390-7666. Our podiatrists will examine your ankle and determine if it is sprained or broken.
3. Keep Feet Dry—heated cars, offices and stores plus heavy, closed boots equal sweaty feet! Fungal infections thrive in damp, dark places. Keep an extra pair of socks with you and change them whenever you notice they feel damp. Apply foot powder in the morning when you’re getting dressed.
4. Don’t Overdue the Feasting–it’s so easy to put on weight during the holidays and there’s way more than a one-to-one correlation of pounds to lower extremity disorders. Did you know that every pound you gain exerts four pounds of pressure on your knees? Many podiatric conditions such as plantar fasciitis and sesamoiditis are exacerbated by excess weight.
5. Take a Break—if your feet hurt, listen to them and take a time out. Elevate your feet to a level higher than your heart and rest. Chances are the rest of your body will thank you too and you’ll be better able to enjoy all the fun!