April is the month we celebrate World Health Day. This is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on April 7th, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other related organizations. With the warm weather and increased activity, it’s a good time to pause and revisit some fundamentals. Here are five tips to ensure your feet are healthy and happy.

Your feet are one of the most essential body parts that help you stay active through physical activity. However, all too often we take them for granted until it’s too late and a problem pops up. Most people don’t think about foot care, but proper foot health can prevent issues that impact not just your feet but impact your health overall. Here are some tips to improve and maintain your foot health:

• Check Your Feet – Every day you should inspect your feet. Right out of the shower or before you go to bed are convenient times to do so. There are a few specific things to watch out for, such as bunions, cracked skin, blisters, skin discoloration, or minor cuts. If you do notice any changes, you should let our podiatrists know right away.
• Clean Your Feet – Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water. Make sure you dry them thoroughly before putting on socks and shoes, dampness can be a breeding ground for fungus.
• Wear Proper Footwear – Conditions such as blisters are often caused by poor-fitting shoes, this could lead to infection or other problems. You should also wear footwear that properly supports your ankles and feet.
• Trim Nails Carefully – You must keep your nails trimmed. You don’t want to trim them too short; this could cause ingrown toenail Trim your nails straight across and carefully file the edges.
• Control Your Blood Sugar – Foot problems are one of the most prevalent problems with high blood sugar can cause nerve damage in your feet and reduce blood flow, making it harder for your feet to resist infection or heal from an injury.

As always, if you do find an issue or are experiencing any pain or discomfort, contact a specialist right away.  Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, and Dr. Keith Sherman, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York, for more tips and expert advice. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.