Happy 2023! Can you believe it’s already here?
An exciting way to get the year started is to make your resolutions. You could plan to floss daily, eat less junk food, call your family more, or take the time to focus on your foot health. You know what they say - the feet are the foundation of the body, so you need to keep them in tip-top shape.
Ok so you want to get your feet healthy and keep them that way in 2023, but where should you start?
Let’s start with a fun one - footwear!
The recommendation is to change out your shoes every 500 miles. Honestly, who tracks that? Not many people.
A good rule is to replace your comfortable, supportive, everyday footwear every 6 to 8 months or when they feel loose and unsupportive.
Now that the holiday season is over, it’s important to limit time spent wearing uncomfortable and unsupported footwear. Toss those heels, boots, and dress shoes back in your closet for a little while, and try to only wear them for short periods.
Regardless of the type of shoe, it is important to remember to keep them in good condition and in a size that fits your foot. Wearing the correct shoe size can significantly help limit foot injuries or conditions.
What’s next for your year of healthy feet?
While we know healthy eating and losing weight are common New Year Resolutions, it’s important not to push yourself too hard. Start your exercise routine off with something easily manageable like a walk or a short run, or interval running. You can build on it gradually.
Pushing yourself too much can lead to foot and ankle injuries that could put your goals on hold. Whether you are running miles at a time or a leisurely 10-minute walk, stretching is the key to keeping you up and going. Keep your feet and ankles strong and limber so you can reach your fitness goals. If you do find yourself with foot and ankle pain, take a break.
“Running through the pain” will only make it worse. It is not worth risking an even more severe and painful injury. If you do feel pain, call Gulf South Foot and Ankle.
It’s always a good idea to be sure your feet and ankles are working properly. Come see us at GSFA! We will examine your feet and address any concerns you may have with your feet. It is always good to be ahead of an injury or condition.
Now you can add healthy feet to your New Year’s resolutions list. With our help, you’ll be successful all year!