It’s the holidays again, which means plenty of shopping, cooking and entertaining. It also means a whole lot of foot pain at this time of year. However, you don’t have to suffer. Follow these easy tips for preventing holiday foot pain.

Watch your diet. With all the food around, it’s natural to put on a few pounds, but you may want to think twice before eating those sugary deserts. High sugar diets can lead to diabetes, which can lead to all kinds of foot problems. People suffering from diabetes experience slower recovery times for wounds, problems fighting off infections, and even loss of feeling in the extremities. As such, diabetic foot care is a must. Extra weight can also put unnecessary stress and pressure on your feet, causing complications.

Build a home spa. If you’re experiencing sore feet, it’s easy to make your very own home spa. First, you need a tub large enough for your feet. Fill it with warm water. Then add Epsom salt. Soak your feet for twenty minutes or longer. Afterward, make sure to dry your feet thoroughly.

Choose the right shoes. When buying shoes avoid narrow widths and make sure you have plenty of wiggle room. Although high heels can be very stylish, they can also do a number on your feet. Besides foot, knee, and back problems, from shortened calf muscles to toe deformities, they can also cause women to become imbalanced and more susceptible to sprained ankles and injuries from falls. If you wear high heels, try not to wear them longer than a few hours. Try to keep the heel height lower than two inches. Choose designs made for walking.

Of course, you’ll also want to take plenty of breaks and rest your feet. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain, it’s important not to wait but contact a podiatrist right away.

Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York, for more tips and expert advice. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman,  Dr. Riane Teagarden, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.