By the time most Americans reach 50 years old, they will have walked nearly 75,000 miles. Though an impressive number, that’s much mileage accrued, opening the possibility for a range of foot and ankle issues, particularly pain affecting daily activities, such as exercising, walking, or even standing for extended amounts of time. Stresses like these not only affect your paws but your overall body, too, says the past president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), Matthew Garoufalis, D.P.M. “Each season presents unique challenges to foot health," he says. "Protecting feet all year long is vital to our overall well-being.”
Prescott …show more content…
Owning a pair of trusty winter boots is a must, but fit can make all the difference, for yourself and your children. Specialty winter boots may seem ideal — used in skiing and otherwise — but when those shoes appear one size too large (especially for the child you know will "grow into them"), blisters, chafing, and foot/or ankle injuries can arise. (Properly fitted socks also matter. If too small, they can cause corns, painful areas of thickened skin triggered by friction.)
Also make sure the ball of your foot, heel, and instep are immobilized, as this can help you stay stable on wet, slippery surfaces. As always, leave wiggle room for your …show more content…
(Wool especially works to keep your feet warm and dry.) Synthetic fabric blends tend to intensify moisture.
Runners don't need to stop; just adjust your stride.
Icy road conditions and snow can put a damper on many people's plans but not on those of runners. You can solve this by changing how your feet strike the ground: shorten your stride to optimize stability.
Along with your cold-defeating activewear, stretch your muscles before you run. Winter can diminish your flexibility, so warm up your muscles (and feet) for the best workout.
Wash your feet daily.
During winter, placing your feet in dry, warm shoes is a priority. But as we mentioned previously, wet socks can lead to bacterial infections and fungus. By cleansing your feet daily, you can better combat this irritating issue.
Pedicure properly.
Take a break from your normal pedicure routine. By regularly removing nail polish, you can help dodge the potential bacteria and fungus living on your toenails.
Also, clean underneath your toenails, as soap and other debris can easily collect. After your next shower or bath, use a soft toothbrush in an upward motion to remove the possible grime.
For those people whose feet just can't get