Five Ways to Take Great Care of Your Feet and Ankles
You might already know that you should see a podiatrist when you have a problem related to the health of your feet and ankles, but how much do you know about what you can do to prevent those problems from occurring? Here are five tips from Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos to help keep you looking and feeling great.
- See your physician for a check-up each year. Many illnesses, including thyroid disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes, can lead to problems that affect the feet.
- Take foot pain seriously. Your feet should not hurt, no matter how old you are. Discomfort can signify arthritis, tendinitis, or numerous other issues. If your feet hurt when you get out of bed in the morning, you may be developing plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist is the best-qualified person to diagnose the cause of your foot pain and provide treatment to relieve it.
- Think carefully when choosing footwear. People who wear very high heels daily are at increased risk of a host of foot health-related issues, including bunions and hammertoes. Instead, opt for a pair of sensible shoes with a wide, roomy toe box and low, chunky heels for everyday use. Lug soles will provide maximum traction, reducing the risk of a fall that could result in an ankle sprain or other injury. Save yours for special occasions or retire them entirely.
- Speaking of footwear, when was the last time you replaced your athletic shoes? Exercise is great for overall wellness, but it does put additional stress on the bones, muscles, and soft tissues of feet and ankles. Be sure your sneakers are in good condition and that they are still providing adequate cushioning and support. If you haven’t replaced them in more than a year, it might be time for a new pair. If your podiatrist has provided you with custom orthotics to correct posture or gait, be sure to use them every time you work out.
- See your podiatrist for regular, preventative care. Schedule a visit once each year for an examination. This is the best way to spot and treat problems early before they become chronic.
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.
