You probably don’t give your feet much thought as you run around to prepare for the holidays. Then, at a holiday gathering you’ve been looking forward to, the effects of the extra workload start to take effect, and you’re in pain.
If you want to avoid painful feet over the holidays this year, our team of foot health experts here at Neuhaus Foot and Ankle pulled together the following tips.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of foot health problems and found that between 63% and 72% of participants were wearing shoes that didn’t fit properly — either in length or in width.
As you might surmise, footwear is one of the most essential ingredients for healthy and pain-free feet. While we understand that some holiday shoes need to be on the dressy side, we recommend that you steer clear of shoes with heels or pointy toes. Instead, women can opt for wedges or platform shoes that add some height without jamming the toes downward. Men should look for dress shoes with roomy toe boxes.
Outside of events, it’s important that you wear appropriate shoes for shopping, such as sneakers that provide arch support and allow your toes to spread out.
After you make your grand entrance with your dress shoes, you can quietly slip into a spare pair of shoes that are more comfortable for your feet. Even some fun holiday slippers might add a different type of cheer to your outfit.
If you’ve been on your feet for long periods, take time to rest and elevate them. You might even give your whole body a treat by taking a bath and allowing your feet to soak in soothing warm water.
If you’re already developing pain in your feet, you might try the opposite and ice your feet to reduce inflammation. For example, if your bunion is hurting, arthritis is acting up, or plantar fasciitis is flaring, icing can be a useful therapy for pain relief.
If you have custom orthotics, please wear them over the holidays so that your feet get the support they need. If you don’t have these tailored inserts, come see us about getting a set. While we may not be able to get your custom orthotics made before the holidays, you’ll have them for the new year and beyond, and your feet will thank you. As well, when we take molds of your feet, we can provide you with some recommendations for temporary support for your feet.
If you take a little time to consider the health of your feet this holiday season, you can avoid foot pain that might cast a pall over an otherwise joyous occasion.
If you have more questions about avoiding foot pain during the holidays, contact one of our offices in Hermitage, Brentwood, Nashville, Mount Juliet, Waverly, Smyrna, Gallatin, Columbia, Pulaski, Hendersonville, or Lebanon, Tennessee, to schedule an appointment.
