Holiday Wear and Tear

The holiday season usually means a bit of added stress in our lives as we shop, decorate, bake, cook, and attend holiday activities. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever your winter holiday tradition, you are most likely putting more wear and tear on your feet, ankles and legs. Climbing up and down a ladder to hang garland, walking from store to store as you shop, spending hours in the kitchen baking those special treats, and kicking up your feet and dancing the night away at a holiday gala – all put more stress on your lower limbs. And if you are dealing with foot and ankle health challenges, all this activity can further impact your feet and ankles.

No one wants to miss out on all the holiday happenings. But you can make smart choices and take steps to keep your feet and ankles in good health and reduce your risk of injury. So, have fun, be smart, and consider the following tips:

• Stretches – Start every day with feet and ankle stretches. It’s a great way to keep them limber and avoid muscle cramping. Do some toe curls, toe raises, ankle circles, heel raises, and calf stretches for your Achilles tendon. Then repeat your stretch routine 10 times for each foot/ankle.
• Footwear – Wear the right shoes! Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support for a day of shopping, traveling, or cooking. If you’re hitting the dance floor, consider comfortable shoes with a padded sole with lower heels. And if you just can’t give up your dressy high heels for that fun party, take a second pair of comfortable flats or sneakers along to change into if your feet begin to hurt.
• Pedicure Safety – Ladies, if you’re heading out for a holiday pedicure, make sure to choose a reputable salon that follows proper sanitation practices and is licensed by the state to reduce your risk of infection. Whether you doing the pedicure yourself or going to the nail salon, be sure you (or the nail tech) are using the appropriate pedicure tools like a pumice stone, rubber cuticle pusher, callous remover, and straight-edge nail clippers to cut your toenails straight across.
• Elevate – After a long day of holiday activities, take time to sit back and raise your legs to reduce swelling. Whether you choose to sit in a chair or lay on the floor, bed or sofa, make sure that you elevate your legs above your heart for the best results.
• Foot Rubs – Take a few minutes to massage your feet at the end of a busy day. It’s a great way to release tension, boost circulation, and refresh your skin. Add some lotion to your massage to moisturize your feet as well.
• Seek Care for Persistent Pain – Above all else, listen to your feet and ankles and inspect them for injuries, calluses, blisters, swelling or ingrown toenails. If foot pain persists, even after resting them, consider seeking professional care with a podiatrist. Don’t let your holiday plans get derailed by pain.

So, do a bit of prep work for your feet and ankles this busy holiday season. You’ll be happy you did.