Healthy Habits Help Your Feet During the Holidays

It’s the season of merriment and good cheer, and here at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle Care, we want to ensure your feet will get you through pain-free. It may surprise you to know, but there are many healthy lifestyle choices you make that benefit your feet that may not seem related to them. For you to experience comfort and joy all season long, we have several suggestions:

Enjoy Festive Feasting Mindfully

There are certainly many tempting foods and plentiful opportunities for indulging during the holidays. It’s no wonder many people start the New Year a few pounds heavier, but excess weight puts a strain on your feet. Many patients don’t know each pound you gain puts an additional 3-5 times that amount of pressure on your lower extremities. So, even two or three pounds can significantly impact your risk for foot pain and problems. That being said, of course, you should enjoy your holiday favorites. Just be judicious and devise strategies to keep calories under control. You might slip a glass of sparkling seltzer in before the second glass of wine, for example, or scope out the buffet before going through the line to plan where you’ll spend those extra calories you’re allowing yourself.

Don’t Shortchange Your Exercise Routine

Fitness activities provide many benefits to your feet and the rest of your body, and they help you maintain good circulation, flexibility, balance, and mobility. Even though you may have more items to check off on your holiday task list, make time to keep up with your exercise program. It will also help you maintain a proper weight and provide stress relief during hectic times.

Make Time for Time Out

To truly enjoy all the season has to offer. It’s important to pace yourself. Your feet will appreciate it if you plan several breaks throughout the day and if you put them up at the end of the day. It will help with circulation and decrease swelling. Don’t neglect regular foot care. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain, be sure to contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 and make an appointment to see our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, for diagnosis and treatment of your foot problem.