It’s Thanksgiving – Don’t Forget to Thank Your Feet!

Thanksgiving is here, and it’s the perfect time to stop and consider the many things we should be grateful for during this holiday season. Today Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County would like to share some reasons why you should include your feet on your list. 

Your feet are the hardest working part of your body! These complex and amazing structures help us stand, step, exercise, and walk throughout our lifetime, yet they often go unappreciated.

Thank Your Feet by Caring for Them Properly

Here are some ways you can thank your feet for a job well done each day.

• Just like you wash your face daily, be sure to clean your feet with warm water and soap and dry them thoroughly.

• Check your feet each day, especially if you have diabetes. Look for anything unusual such as a scrape, bruise, blister, or cut and any symptoms of ingrown toenails or nail fungus.

• Always wear comfortable, cushioned shoes with adequate arch support. The toe box in your footwear should be wide enough to let your toes move. Save narrow shoes and high heels for special occasions to avoid calluses or corns.

• Moisturize your feet every day to help keep skin hydrated, but don’t use any lotions or creams between the toes.

• To maintain proper blood flow, put your feet up when at rest. Rotate your ankles, move your toes frequently, and don’t sit with your legs crossed for an extended period.

• If you have diabetes, work with your health care team to keep your blood sugar at the proper levels.

• When trimming your toenails, be sure to cut them straight across and not rounded at the corners to avoid getting ingrown toenails.

• If your shoes or boots get wet, allow them to dry thoroughly before putting them on again.

• And most importantly, be aware of any stubborn skin condition or foot or ankle pain.

Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County. If you need to schedule an appointment, you can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown office (203) 270-6724.