Dr Khanh Le knows that the best form of treatment for foot and ankle problems is prevention. Often, we don’t realize how important our feet and ankles are until a problem arises. It is easy to take our health for granted. Our feet deserve special attention; after all they carry us everywhere we want to go! Follow the tips below to maintain healthy, happy feet.
Wash your feet daily.
This is one of the most basic tips we can give you and should be part of your daily routine. Take time each day to wash your feet with soap and water. This will remove the daily dirt and bacteria that builds up. Don’t forget to wash in between your toes! If you have diseases like diabetes or another foot disorder, this is especially important. Once you’re done cleaning your feet, always make sure to dry them completely.
Inspect your feet each day.
Take a few minutes a day to pay special attention to your feet. Take note of the color and temperature. Look for any toenail discoloration and cuts or cracks in your skin. If anything looks out of the ordinary, you can catch it early on. It’s better to treat foot and ankle problems early then wait until they worsen. Sometimes if foot conditions, like hammertoes , are ignored for too long they will require surgery to be corrected.
Purchase proper footwear.
Always wear shoes that fit you well and make sure you are wearing the correct shoes for each activity. For example, never wear flip-flops or sandals while participating in physical activities. Not wearing the proper footwear can lead to some serious foot and ankle problems like sprains or fractures . When purchasing shoes, wait until later in the day when your feet are the most swollen. This will ensure the correct fit at all times.
Alternate your shoes.
It’s important to take care of your shoes. By alternating them, you are allowing your shoes to breathe. Airing them out actually causes the bacteria that collect throughout the day to die. This is important in preventing fungal infections . Alternating your shoes will also help each pair last longer.
Take some time to relax.
After all, who doesn’t love a good foot massage ? Massaging your feet with a foot cream or lotion is a great way to keep them soft and supple while at the same time relaxing the muscles. Try massaging them right before bed. Trust us: your feet will thank you!
Exercise your feet.
The feet are one of the most overlooked parts of the body when it comes to exercise. Just like your legs, arms and abdominal muscles, they need to exercise to stay strong and healthy. The simplest way to exercise your feet is to walk. For more specific toe and foot exercises, contact The Plateau Foot & Ankle Clinic .
See a podiatrist.
Foot pain is never normal. If you are noticing discomfort in your feet or ankles that won’t go away, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Plateau Foot & Ankle Clinic. Dr Khanh Le is an expert in sports medicine and treating foot and ankle conditions. We have been proudly serving the Sammamish, Bellevue, Issaquah, and Redmond areas since 1992. Remember: never ignore foot or ankle pain.
