April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, and we’d like to take this time to raise awareness for our senior patients! Our feet carry us through life and because of that, it’s important we put time into keeping them healthy and pain-free. For seniors, including some extra daily foot care steps into your daily routine can make a significant difference. Keep reading to find out a few of our top recommendations!
Relax Your Muscles
We encourage all our patients to take the time to stretch their feet. The best time to do so is after a warm bath or shower when our foot muscles are loose and ready for a relaxing stretch. Not only does a quick stretch reduce muscle tension, but it prevents muscle knots from forming or getting worse. Ask our team of podiatrists about what foot care stretches are best for you!
Keep Active
Staying active, especially as you age, can be a drag, but the health benefits you get from taking a walk or getting on a bike go a long way. Staying fit not only helps keep you in shape, therefore taking stress off your feet, but also getting your blood moving. Other ways you can improve blood flow to your feet is by wiggling your toes and elevating your feet throughout the day.
Focus On Footwear
One of the most important things you can do to keep your feet safe from injury is to wear shoes and socks as often as possible. Choosing a pair of shoes with extra arch support can help ease plenty of foot conditions. For the most comfortable fit, wear socks every time you wear close-toed shoes, which can prevent blisters and cuts from debris. If you have diabetes or nerve damage, avoid going barefoot as much as possible.
See Your Podiatrist
If you suspect something is wrong with your feet or ankles, call your podiatrist as soon as possible! Letting an injury or condition sit for too long can create more pain and make treatment harder to accomplish. At-home treatments aren’t always helpful and may make things worse. Instead, put your worries at ease and call your foot doctor for help.
Worried about your aging feet? Call our office today. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, Dr. Anne-Louise Smith, Dr. Justin Muser, and the rest of the staff at Syracuse Podiatry in East Syracuse, New York, can help treat and care for your feet. Call us at 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online to get help today.