It’s almost Valentine’s Day. How will you be celebrating on February 14? Check out these statistics about Valentine’s Day spending in the United States! Americans will spend more than $20 billion on Valentine’s Day cards and gifts. This figure includes $4.1 billion on jewelry and $2 billion on flowers and candy. Are you planning on gold, roses, or chocolate for your sweetheart this year? Those gifts are nice, but they’re also predictable. How about a gift that keeps feet feeling and looking great instead? Here are some suggestions from Cook County podiatrist Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos:
- Warm socks and slippers: Does your sweetheart have diabetes or an ailment like Raynaud’s disease that affects circulation? These people often feel cold in their hands and feet, especially this time of year. Warm socks and slippers can help. Be sure to choose socks made of wool, which do a better job of insulating and wicking moisture than cotton does, and to select slippers with non-skid soles to prevent slipping and falling at home. Those accidents are a common cause of foot and ankle injuries.
- Spa pedicure: If you’re giving a gift certificate for your loved one to head to their favorite salon, be sure also to give a personal set of instruments that the nail tech can use during the pedicure. Urge your sweetie to remind the tech not to use a razor or grater to remove calluses and to trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. It is best to prevent plantar warts, toenail fungus, and other infections.
- Foot massage: Your sweetie will love it if you take advantage of the opportunity to turn down the lights, put on some music, light a scented candle, and offer a gentle foot rub. Don’t tell them that you’re using the opportunity to check for changes to the foot shape. Take note of a bony bump on the inner edge of the foot where this big toe joins the foot, which might indicate a new bunion, or a toe rising up and out of line with the others, which can indicate a hammertoe.
- Podiatrist appointment: Schedule a visit for your darling to see an expert foot doctor and give them a ride. Take a walk or go out for lunch and make a date for it. It is the very best way to keep feet healthy all year long.
Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook county podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.