Taking the steps to become a healthier version of yourself, could not have come at a better time! Our world has turned upside down in this last year. The pandemic has changed so much in our lives and we want to ensure you are able to stay safe and healthy this year. Please see below for some of our LMC Chiropodist’s tips for keeping your feet healthy throughout 2021!
Get yourself a pedometer and start walking. Pedometers are a great motivational tool for promoting physical activity. They allow you to track your goals and challenge yourself to increase your overall fitness level. Engaging in regular daily fitness, such as walking, has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improve your overall health.
Start your day with a daily foot inspection. Take time to inspect your feet every day. Look at the tops and bottoms of your feet as well as between your toes each day. This small step to your routine could save you from future problems that could not only affect your feet, but your overall health. Please check with your LMC Chiropodist if you find a change that concerns you, or if you notice any of the following in your feet and legs:
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Redness, swelling, or increased warmth
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Any change in size, odour, or shape
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Pain, either at rest or when walking
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Any open sores, or sores that are not healing
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Ingrown toenails
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Corns or callouses
Evaluate your footwear. Shoes or slippers should always be worn to protect your feet – however, many foot ulcers start with rubbing from ill-fitting shoes. This is why it is extremely important that your shoes fit well, and don’t cause any abnormal pressure on your feet. Properly fitted shoes should fit both the width and length of your feet, and allow room for the free movement of your toes. If you have any lack of sensation in your feet (because of neuropathy, for example), it may be difficult to judge how well your shoes fit. Neuropathy may also reduce your ability to sense any friction caused by the seams in your shoes and socks. Your LMC Chiropodist can examine your shoes to make sure they are fitting you correctly, and also make recommendations for proper footwear if needed.
Get yourself some custom-made orthotics. Orthotics are not only a great way to ensure your feet have enough support, but they also protect the rest of the joints in your body by reducing the amount of force that is applied to them. In turn, this will reduce the amount of pain throughout the body, and allow you to live to your fullest potential. Orthotics are also great for people with diabetes and for people who suffer with neuropathy. Since orthotics are customized and modified to help control the way your foot moves, they ensure there is not localized pressure in a certain area, which reduces the risk of ulcer formation.
Reduce the swelling in your feet and legs. Compression stockings are specialized garments that apply therapeutic pressure to the legs. They help to increase circulation, and prevent fluid retention during prolonged periods of standing or sitting. In turn, they reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, reduce the risks and complications of varicose veins, and prevent complications resulting from diabetes and pregnancy. Please note that compression stockings are not for everyone. If you are interested, or think you may need compression stockings, please come in to be properly assessed and fitted by your LMC Chiropodist.
Chiropody in-clinic appointments are available at the following LMC locations:
Barrie, Bayview, Brampton, Etobicoke, Oakville, Ottawa & Vaughan
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