Our 6 Top Tips for National Foot Health Awareness Month

Your feet have 52 bones, and they account for a fourth of all of the bones in your body. So it’s no surprise that foot health is of the utmost importance. It’s so important that this month is recognized as National Foot Health Awareness Month. So today Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle is sharing his top tips for foot and ankle health care.

Nearly everything you do includes your feet in some way, so keeping them healthy and pain-free is our number one priority.

Here are some universal ankle and foot health care tips:

1. Wear the proper shoes for your feet and activity. You should always shop for shoes for walking or running at a specialty store. Because these are highly specialized shoes, you should seek the help of a footwear specialist to select the right shoes for your feet and the activities you engage in.

2. If you are diabetic, foot health is especially crucial. If you are diabetic, please follow our diabetic foot care tips and see your podiatrist annually.

3. Elevate your activity levels gradually over time to prevent injuries caused by overuse.  To avoid injuries such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, always wear shoes that offer adequate support. If you do experience plantar fasciitis pain, it’s important to know that the pain can be relieved without the need for surgery in 95% of the cases.

4. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your feet. Make sure to apply it on your ankles and between your toes to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

5. Keep your heel height below 2” whenever possible.  Also, be sure you have enough room in your shoes, so they don’t rub or squeeze. Try using custom orthotics for additional support.

6. Watch for thickening of any nail, or changes in color because it could be a sign of nail fungus. Factors such as heredity, diabetes, and trauma to the toenail can lead to nail fungus which can be treated and even eliminated.

You can do your part in recognizing National Foot Health Awareness Month this April by examining your feet to identify any pain or changes in the appearance of your feet.

It’s our goal to help all of our patients find the best way to solve their ankle and foot problems. If you are experiencing any problems with them, contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle today at (806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation.