Shopping trips, hours in the kitchen, and standing at parties add up quickly during the holidays. With all the holiday festivities, you might not even realize how badly your feet hurt until the pain is too much for rest and recovery to ease.
Ryan Goldfine, DPM, at Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia, with two locations in Marietta, Georgia, is sharing five ways to keep your feet comfortable during your busiest season.
Holiday parties tempt you to break out those stylish heels or dress shoes that have been sitting in your closet all year. But shoes that looked great in the store can leave you hobbling by the end of the night.
You’re going to be on your feet more than usual during the holidays. Look for shoes with cushioned insoles, low heels (under two inches), and enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes. If you must wear dress shoes, bring a comfortable pair to change into or at least limit how long you wear them.
Your feet will thank you, and you won’t need to make an emergency podiatry appointment between Christmas and New Year’s.
Long days of cooking, decorating, and running errands can strain your feet, ankles, and calves. A few simple stretches help keep the muscles flexible and reduce your risk of pain during busy weeks.
Try these quick exercises:
These movements take less than five minutes, but help release built-up tension and aching pain when you’re on your feet more than usual.
Standing for long periods puts constant pressure on your feet, which leads to swelling, achiness, and fatigue — especially if you have a chronic disease like diabetes.
Schedule short breaks to sit down and prop your feet up above heart level. Even 10-15 minutes of elevation can help reduce swelling and give your feet a chance to recover. Keep a small stool under your kitchen counter so you can rest one foot at a time while you work, which also takes pressure off your lower back.
Plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoe, and other foot conditions tend to flare up when you increase your activity level. Problems that seemed manageable can quickly become unbearable when you're doing more walking and standing than usual.
Now's the time to address any foot pain you've been putting off. Dr. Goldfine can provide treatments that offer relief during your busiest season, from custom orthotics and padding to cortisone injections and physical therapy recommendations. Getting ahead of the problem beats spending your holidays in pain.
Generic shoe inserts from the drugstore offer some cushioning, but they don’t provide the support your feet need during high-activity periods. Custom orthotics fit your unique foot structure and correct the mechanical issues causing your pain.
If you already have orthotics, make sure you’re wearing them consistently in all your shoes, including your winter boots and dress shoes. Dr. Goldfine can adjust your current orthotics or create new ones if your needs have changed. The investment pays off when you can enjoy holiday activities without wincing at every step.
If you have persistent foot discomfort or want to prevent problems before they start, Dr. Goldfine can help you find solutions that work.
Call Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia at 678-552-1108 or request an appointment online today.
