Quit These Bad Foot Health Habits Today

Just like there are steps you can take to increase overall health and wellness, there are things that you can do to improve the health of your feet, ankles, and lower legs. How many of these bad habits are you still engaged in? Today is the day to stop!

1. Going barefoot in public: Whether you’re in a locker room or hotel room, or perhaps on a pool deck, keeping your feet covered is the best thing you can do to protect yourself from plantar warts and fungal infections. Toss a pair of inexpensive shower shoes or slippers into your bag, and be sure to wear them throughout your visit.
2. Allowing a spa nail tech to use a grater or razor on your calluses: Callus removal is a job for your podiatrist. Amateurs with sharp instruments can cause tiny nicks and cuts that allow germs to enter your bloodstream. Just say no. To provide additional protection at the salon, invest in your own pedicure tools and bring them with you each time you visit.
3. Ignoring changes to foot appearance: Whether it’s skin that’s turned red and scaly, or a new look to your toes, these changes can indicate real problems including bunions, hammertoes, and more. Report any such changes to your podiatrist immediately. If limits to flexibility make it hard for you to see your feet, ask a family member or friend to help with periodic inspection or place a small mirror on the floor and use it to see what’s going on.
4. Wearing poor footwear often: Many people enjoy wearing flip-flops or high-heeled stilettos once in a while, but these shoes can be rough on feet and ankles. Save them for special occasions. For everyday use, opt for a pair of comfortable shoes with a roomy toe box and low heel. Robber soles will increase traction and reduce the risk of a fall that could lead to a foot or ankle injury.

Of course, there is one foot health habit that you should be sure to keep: regular visits with your foot doctor! With years of specialized training and experience, a board-certified podiatrist like Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM is a medical specialist and the best-qualified medical professional to care for this part of your body. Schedule a convenient visit in our modern, comfortable Chicago office today. Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to get started.