Are Your Bad Habits Hurting Your Feet?
Much of our health status is beyond our control. Illness and injury can strike without warning. The good news is that, especially when it comes to the wellness of your feet, ankles, and lower legs, there is much that you can do to keep yourself feeling great.
Bad habits can create health issues in your feet. How many of these bad habits are you still indulging? Here are recommendations from James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS for three that it’s time to leave behind:
Going barefoot in public places: The germs that cause athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and other common infections abound in places where people congregate without shoes, such as locker rooms and public showers. Invest in an inexpensive pair of plastic sandals, and wear them scrupulously to form a barrier between skin and potentially unhygienic surfaces
Improperly trimming toenails: Prevent ingrown toenails. Keep toenails at a reasonable length. Don’t use scissors; trim regularly with a clipper made specifically for the job. Be sure to trim straight across. Don’t round the corners as you might when trimming fingernails.
Wearing uncomfortable unsupportive shoes daily: Reduce your risk of deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. Save those high-heel stilettoes for special occasions or retire them altogether. For everyday use, choose a pair of sensible shoes with a wide, roomy toe box and a low, chunky heel. Non-skid rubber soles will keep you safe from the falls that can lead to foot and ankle injuries.
There’s one good habit you can create to protect your foot health: see a board-certified podiatrist at least once a year. Your foot doctor will carefully examine your feet, ankles, and lower legs, then accurately diagnose any existing or potential issues and work with you to create an individualized and effective plan for treatment and ongoing care. Schedule a convenient appointment with Dr. James M. McKee in Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A.’s modern, comfortable office on Solomons Island Road. Call our friendly staff at 410-224-4448 or click here to get started.