Resolve to Improve Foot and Ankle Health in 2022

The new year is almost here, and many people are taking stock, looking at their lives, and determining which habits to continue, discard, and create in 2022. Are you among them? Cook County foot doctor Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos recommends considering some options that will ensure and improve the health of feet, ankles, and lower legs in the coming year. Here are six suggestions for you:

1. Become familiar with your feet. If you notice changes to their shape, you may be developing a bunion or hammertoe. Your podiatrist can diagnose the issue and provide treatment, often with the prescription of orthotics, custom shoe inserts for improved cushioning and support.
2. Are you experiencing heel pain, especially when you first get out of bed in the morning? It is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis, an uncomfortable inflammation of the soft tissue that spans the length of the sole. Talk to your podiatrist about treatment options.
3. Avoid painful ingrown toenails. Be sure to trim nails straight across. Do not round the corners. Rather than using scissors, consider a small investment in a clipper explicitly made for the job.
4. Improving overall wellness will improve foot health. Quit smoking. Drink more water. Exercise regularly. Eat a diet loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and plenty of calcium-rich dairy foods. It is especially important if you have diabetes or another illness that can impact foot health.
5. Choose footwear with foot health in mind. Avoid high heels or pointed-toe boxes, which can lead to foot deformities. Instead, choose sensible shoes and boots that offer stability and comfort. Be mindful when selecting winter boots as well. A thick lug sole for maximum traction on snow and ice can prevent foot and ankle injuries that often result from slipping and falling. 
6. See Your foot doctor is a medical expert with years of specialized training and experience and is the best-qualified medical professional to care for your feet, ankles, and lower legs. 

Schedule a convenient appointment with Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in My Chicago Foot Expert’s modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today. Call our friendly staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to get started.