During the holiday season, all the stress from decorating, shopping, family gatherings, parties, and traveling can take their toll on your feet. Don’t let soreness or foot injuries ruin your holiday season. Below are quick tips for happy holiday feet.

1. Keep your feet warm. In very cold weather, wear padded socks if going outdoors for an extended period of time. It is important to keep warm to avoid frostbite if you’re outside for too long.
2. Make sure your shoes fit comfortably. If you are wearing the extra bulk from socks, be sure that footwear is not too tight or too lose. Avoid narrow shoes and spike heels if you know you’ll be on your feet all day. Wear comfortable shoes with padded soles and good arch support. Limit your time walking around or dancing if you have to wear heeled party shoes.
3. Keep your feet dry. Take off wet shoes and socks as soon as possible. Always put on a fresh pair of socks and dry shoes.
4. Watch out for ice and snow. When traveling outdoors, watch out for ice or snow patches. Falling or slipping on ice can make your ankles more vulnerable.
5. Moisturize your feet. Do this daily to avoid dry, irritated, and cracked heels. If you have diabetes, aoid putting lotion between the toes.
6. Don’t overindulge in food and beverages high in purines. These include red meat, shellfish, beer, and sugary drinks. These foods can trigger painful gout attacks when uric acid builds up in and around your joints, especially the toes.
7. Listen to your feet. Persistent foot pain is not normal. Your feet should not hurt all the time. Also inspect your feet for dry skin, calluses, bruising, swelling, or ingrown toenails. See your foot and ankle surgeon if you experience pain or irritation. Do not wait until the holidays end or you may risk having a larger problem is medical care is delayed.

For your foot and ankle concerns, you may contact Dr. Kevin Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or NaplesPodiatrist.com

Family Foot and Leg Center has several Centers from Collier, Lee, & Charlotte Counties to get you back on your feet fast.

Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!