The holidays are here again. That means a lot of the hustle and bustle. No doubt people will be going to shopping malls, running errands, buying gifts, waiting in long lines, and a host of other activities that can cause stress to your feet. It’s easy to forget to take care of your feet in all this, so here are five tips to keep your feet healthy and happy during the stress of the holidays.

• Wear comfortable shoes. If you’re running around and waiting in long lines, wear shoes that provide heel and arch support to your feet. Women should avoid wearing heels for extended periods. Ill-fitting shoes can cause deformities and even nerve pain.
• Try orthotic inserts. Orthotic inserts are shoe inserts specially designed by your podiatrist to fit the shape of your specific foot-form providing support and comfort exactly where it’s needed most. It can provide extra support, stability, and balance.
• Make sure to keep your feet dry. Now that it’s cold, many are wearing thick woolen socks, but these tend to make your feet sweaty, exposing them to the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. The best way to prevent this is to wash your feet daily and keep them dry. You can also switch your shoes and socks frequently. Foot powder can be a good idea as well.
• Try not to burden your feet. It’s easy to put on a few extra pounds around the holiday, which can put more stress on your tendons and feet. Besides watching what you eat and getting plenty of exercise, make sure you take frequent breaks to give your feet a rest.

Our dedicated doctors provide state-of-the-art care to our patients: Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, and Dr. Thomas Verla. Their staff serves patients in Madison, Mitchell, and Watauga County. We look forward to hearing from you! Contact us today to make an appointment with Alta Ridge Foot Specialists at one of our three offices at 105 Chestnut Street, Mars Hill, or 440 Alta Pass Highway, Spruce Pine, or 2211 NC Hwy 105, Boone, NC.