With the weather getting a little nicer, March Madness approaching, National Nutrition Month officially here, and St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, you might think it’s a good idea to heavily drink alcohol this month. But, knowing all that we at My Chicago Foot Expert know about alcohol and its effects on your foot health, we recommend splitting the G in moderation, yes, even during these happy days. Here are 4 reasons why.
Alcohol and Persistent Foot Inflammation
Inflammation is the primary driver of most foot pain, including conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Alcohol is highly inflammatory because it triggers the release of certain proteins in the blood.
When you drink, you are essentially pouring fuel on any existing fire in your tendons. If you are already struggling with the sharp heel pain of a strained fascia, alcohol can cause that tissue to swell and tighten further. This is why your first steps in the morning after drinking can feel even more like walking on glass.
By choosing to skip the extra drink, you give your body a much better chance to calm the inflammation in your feet naturally.
Dehydration and the Dreaded Night Cramps
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it forces your kidneys to flush out water at a much faster rate than usual. This leads to systemic dehydration, which is a major trigger for muscle spasms.
Your calf muscles and the muscles in your arches are sensitive to hydration levels. When you are dehydrated, the balance of electrolytes like magnesium and potassium is thrown off. Say hello to foot cramps. These cramps can cause micro-tears in the muscle fibers that leave you feeling sore and sluggish for days.
Swelling and Poor Circulation
Finally, alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to swelling in your feet, known as peripheral edema. If you already have issues with circulation or varicose veins, this extra fluid can make your ankles look like tree trunks and leave your feet feeling heavy and fatigued.
Control Your Alcohol this St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrating also means being mindful of what you put in your body. If you notice that your foot pain spikes after a night of drinking, it is a sign that your feet are struggling to keep up.
A professional evaluation from Dr. Stavros Alexopoulos can help you determine if your foot problems after drinking are a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our new, comfortable Chicago office, located at 5015 N Paulina Street, Suite #217.