Approximately 30% of the United States work force is currently working from home, having traded their usual offices and cubicles for desks and makeshift spaces in their apartments and houses. This poses opportunities, but it also creates a unique set of challenges.
It’s important to be mindful about your physical and emotional wellness. Here are three tips from Cook County podiatrist Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos, to help you maintain the health of your feet, ankles, and lower legs:
- Have you heard the phrase, “Sitting is the new smoking’? It’s a shorthand way of saying movement is essential for overall wellness. If you’re sitting at your desk or table for hours, be sure and get up to stretch. Use headphones to take a call so you can be on your feet. Periodically take a walk outside. Perhaps you can even take a (socially distanced) break and catch up with a friend. Not only will these practices improve the health of your feet and ankles, they will also lower your risk of illnesses including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Wear shoes inside the house. This is the best way to prevent foot and ankle injuries caused by falls at home. Of course, many families choose to remove their shoes at the front door to reduce dust and dirt. If yours is among them, just keep a pair of “inside shoes” handy. Opt for shoes with laces and non-skid soles for maximum safety.
- Become familiar with your feet and report any changes in their shape or appearance to your podiatrist right away. Your foot doctor has years of specialized training and experience and is the best-qualified medical professional to examine, diagnose, and treat this part of your body.
The friendly, professional My Chicago Foot Expert will be happy to help you make a convenient appointment in our modern Ravenswood office. Call (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule a visit with Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM today. New patients are always welcome.