Healthy feet and ankles are the very foundation of daily life. They enable you to stand and walk through your days with ease. Regular readers of this blog know that there are many steps you can take to promote foot and ankle health and reduce your risk of pain and discomfort. These include:
- See a board-certified podiatrist like Stavros O. Alexopoulos regularly.
- Eat a diet low in corn syrup and sodium-heavy processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Quit smoking.
- Exercise daily.
- Inspect feet daily and look for changes and small wounds that could become infected. This is especially important for patients with diabetes and other illnesses that affect circulation.
- Trim toenails carefully. Use a clipper, rather than a scissors, to prevent painful ingrown toenails.
- Wear footwear appropriate to your activity. This means comfortable shoes for everyday use and supportive, specific footwear for sports. Reduce your risk of bunions and hammertoes by saving high heels for special occasions.
But what about when emergency strikes? What can you do about sudden podiatric illness or injury until you’re able to see your foot doctor? Create a foot first aid kit for your home, office, or travel pack! At a minimum, be sure it contains the following items:
- instant ice pack
- ibuprofen or another analgesic
- assorted bandages and antibiotic ointment
- compression bandage in case of an ankle sprain
- moleskin to protect a blister
- tweezers to remove foreign objects
- toenail clippers
- a laminated index card with your podiatrist’s name, address, and phone number on it
If you hurt yourself, or if you have a concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs, a visit with a podiatrist is in order. With years of specialized training and experience, your podiatrist is the best-qualified medical professional to examine, diagnose, and treat this part of your body. Schedule a convenient visit to My Chicago Foot Expert: Stavros Alexopoulos, DPM’s modern, comfortable Chicago office today. Call our friendly staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to get started.