We’re a week away from Christmas Eve, and although we don’t have as much snow in the Twin Cities as we’re used to, you can still end up with a foot injury during the holidays even if you avoid snow and ice. Today, we’re going to share three tips to help keep your feet healthy this holiday season.
Winter and Your Feet
Ice is typically the biggest threat to your feet this time of year, but today we’re going to focus on three other potential causes of foot pain.
1. Mind Your Diet – This is easier said than done, but do your best to stuff your personal stocking with a few more fruits and veggies this holiday season. Certain fatty foods and an increase in alcohol intake can lead to the development of uric acid in your joints. When the acid crystallizes it can trigger painful gout attacks in your toe joints. Oftentimes gout is most noticeable in the joints of your big toe, so if you have pain in that area after a few days of cookies and eggnog, reach for some green vegetables.
2. Pedicure Safety – The holiday season is also a time to treat yourself and your body, and a lot of people head in for a pedicure during the winter season. If you get pedicures a couple times a year, you’ve probably found a salon that does good work and follows proper sanitation techniques. On the other hand, if you don’t have a preferred salon, you’ll want to do some research. Check out the websites of area salons to ensure they are licensed by the state, and if you’re still wary, consider bringing your own foot care instruments along to your appointment. With extra foot traffic to these businesses this time of year, it doesn’t hurt to ask the stylist to wipe down or disinfect your area. Failure to properly disinfect the area can lead to the spread of fungal infections or bacteria.
3. Check Your Shoes – A lot of people invest in a new pair of shoes in the springtime, and if you’re an active individual, they are pretty worn out by the time winter rolls around. Holes in your shoes can allow moisture to get in, which can leave you susceptible to frostbite if you’re outside for a considerable amount of time. Many Minnesotans have at least one pair of winter boots in their closet, so if you haven’t yet made the which to a sturdier, thicker shoe, now is the time.
