Looking for Healthy Outdoor Activity? Take a Hike!
Summer is ending, and fall is on the horizon, bringing cooler temperatures and gorgeous scenery with it. Many My Chicago Foot Expert patients take advantage of the opportunity to head to the mountains or the forest to enjoy a hike. Hiking is an excellent exercise, proven to improve mental health and benefit the heart, lungs, muscles, and bones. Even in these days of COVID-19, you can do this safely with just a few tips from Cook County podiatrist Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos.
- Begin planning for your excursion a few days in advance. Make sure that your hiking boots are in good condition and that laces are free from rips or tears. How about your socks? Check for any holes and look for wool socks with wicking properties.
- Trim your toenails. Use a clipper, which will protect you from ingrown toenails. Be sure to trim straight across. Don’t round the corners.
- Create a foot first aid kit for your backpack. It can be as simple as a sandwich bag containing assorted bandages, some antibacterial ointment, moleskin in case of a blister, and a pair of tweezers to remove any foreign objects.
- While you’re on the trail, drink plenty of water. Keep your eyes peeled for roots or rocks or other objects that could cause you to trip and fall, resulting in a foot or ankle injury. If balance is an issue, use a long stick or a pair of poles for stability.
- Once you get home, relax, and put your feet up. You’ve earned the rest!
If a concern about your foot health keeps you from enjoying hiking or other activities, it’s time for a visit with your foot doctor. With years of specialized training and experience, a podiatrist like Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM is a medical expert and the best-qualified doctor to examine, diagnose, and treat this part of your body. Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule a convenient appointment in our Ravenswood office today.
