Happy New Year! Have you made your list of resolutions yet? Most of them are probably related to self-improvement, like losing weight or eating healthier. This year, in addition to those goals, how about you put a focus on your feet? At Texas Foot Works, we want to encourage our patients to prioritize foot health so that you can achieve overall health.

Here are some goals you might add to your list of New Year’s Resolutions:

• Make your annual podiatry appointment with your favorite podiatrist! Why put off ‘til tomorrow, what you can do today?
• Listen to your body, especially your feet and ankles! If you have pain, it is best to address it and take care of it instead of “powering through.” Prevent further injury or issues by using proper equipment and braces if you already have chronic foot or ankle pain.
• Take care of your corns, calluses, and any other dry skin issues that you may have been ignoring. Don’t forget to moisturize your feet (along with the rest of your body) after you shower.
• Find the shoes that fit you best. While shoes may all seem the same, there are subtle details that can make all the difference in foot comfort. Get measured each time you buy shoes and pay attention to any discomfort. Don’t buy shoes that will “break in” because if they don’t, you’ll be stuck with shoes that may give you problems later.
• In the same vein, get rid of your old shoes. Stop wearing shoes that are uncomfortable and pain inducing.
• Stretch and strengthen those feet. If you need a suggestion for a new activity to take on this year, try Yoga: you’ll improve your feet and ankle’s flexibility, strength, and balance.
• Do more. This doesn’t mean get busier. We mean, get more active and find ways to increase your step count. If you received a pedometer or activity tracker as a gift for the holidays, now’s the perfect time to use it! Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park far away from the grocery store or work. Go on walks while you talk on the phone.

If you follow some, if not all of these tips, you may begin to notice just how much work your feet and ankles have to endure. Reward them with a nice massage or foot soak to improve your mood, circulate fluids, and feel relaxation from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head.

Have questions or concerns? Ready to book your annual podiatry appointment? Make an appointment today to see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.