Most people don’t think about walking — it’s such a natural action for many, so we often take our feet for granted. However, your foot is an intricate system of multiple tissues, including numerous small bones. These tissues experience a significant amount of stress on a daily basis as you walk around, which could lead to foot pain.
Fortunately, foot pain is preventable in a lot of cases. With the right lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk significantly. Here are several ways you can prevent foot pain:
Check Your Feet Regularly
Observing your feet for irregularities or problems can go a long way toward ensuring that your feet remain healthy and pain-free. Feel each foot with your hands to check if it is in good condition. Keep an eye out for any of the following:
- Cuts
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Sores
- Calluses
- Changes to the skin or nails
If you’re having difficulties seeing your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member for help. When you make it a point to check your feet every day, you can catch problems early. Early detection means you can get them treated right away when it’s still relatively easy to address. Delaying treatment may allow a condition to worsen, making it more of a challenge to treat.
Wash and Dry Your Feet Daily
Clean feet are an essential part of hygiene. Care for your feet by washing, drying, and applying moisturizer daily. It’s important to dry your feet completely, especially after sweating or washing them. A dry foot helps lower the risk of fungal infection, which could lead to complications like foot pain.
Always Wear Proper-Fitting Shoes
Ill-fitting shoes are among the most common causes of foot pain. If you’re looking to get a new pair of shoes, try the following tips:
- Always try on new shoes at the end of the day. Your feet tend to be slightly larger at this time of day due to gravity pulling fluid to the lower extremities.
- Slowly break in your new shoes. Only wear them for up to two hours a day until they become comfortable.
- Always wear socks with your running shoes.
- If you’re fond of wearing high heels, don’t wear them often.
Never Go Barefoot!
Always wear shoes or slippers to avoid injuries, even when indoors. You never know when you’ll run into a pebble or any sharp object that can lead to an injury. Going barefoot outdoors can also expose your feet to germs that can lead to infection.
Don’t Remove Calluses or Corns by Yourself
If you come across a callus or corn on your foot, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor. Don’t use over-the-counter products without proper instructions from an orthopedic doctor. Doing so can lead to burns and worsen foot pain.
Practice Proper Toenail Hygiene
Another common cause of foot pain is ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails can also lead to infections, so it’s vital to cut your toenails correctly. Make sure to trim your toenails straight across. You can use a nail file to smoothen any sharp edges.
Engage in an Active Lifestyle
Your calf muscles may get tighter as you get older, straining your feet. Having an active lifestyle can help strengthen the muscles in your legs, helping them support your weight. Regularly doing foot exercises also helps promote foot health, decreasing foot pain.
Stay at a Healthy Weight
Your feet bear your entire body weight. The more weight you put on, the more pressure they experience. Being overweight can affect your feet in various ways, one of which is foot pain. Extra strain from weight can damage tendons and other connective tissues.
Get Your Feet Checked Regularly
Lastly, don’t skip your regular health care visits! Make it a point to visit your orthopedic doctor yearly. If you have any pre-existing conditions, you may need to keep in touch with your doctor more often. You can also talk with your orthopedic doctor about other tips for foot care.
Reliable Treatment for Foot Pain in Dover, NJ
Foot pain can hinder you from having an active lifestyle, so it is wise to take measures to prevent foot pain. You can do many things at home to check, maintain, and improve your foot health.
Are you worried about your foot pain? At Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey, we have on-board a team of board-certified orthopedic specialists who are experts in dealing with foot pain. We are committed to providing an accurate evaluation of your foot pain to determine the appropriate treatment.
For any inquiries, call us at (973) 989-0888 or use our convenient online request form to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to helping you get back on your feet in no time!
