The new year is just around the corner, and if you want to put your best foot forward in 2022, you’ll want to make sure your feet continue to be strong and healthy. Oftentimes our feet are an afterthought until an injury arises, but you can work to change this and become healthier in the new year by putting your feet first this year. Below, we share five simple adjustments to your daily routine to help build stronger feet and ankles in the new year.
Five Foot-Focused Resolutions
Here’s a look at five foot-focused resolutions that you should consider in the new year.
1. Take Up An Activity That Indirectly Challenges Your Feet – Instead of resolving to take up an activity like running or completing a marathon, start smaller and take up a small activity that indirectly challenges your feet. Something like yoga, Pilates or golfing. If you’re active and on your feet, you’ll be strengthening your ankles and feet.
2. Check Them At Least Once A Week – Perform a one-minute foot health check at least once a week, or better yet, do it more often than that. Just take a couple seconds to visually assess your feet and to feel the tops, sides and bottoms to look for signs of a problem or new wounds. If something is off or you notice a new development, set up an appointment with your primary care physician or foot specialist.
3. Buy All Your Shoes In Person – Online shopping is certainly convenient, but it’s not ideal for buying shoes that you know will fit your feet. Even if you’ve reached adulthood, your feet can still change shape, and a size 7 in one brand may be equivalent to a 7.5 in another, but you won’t know unless you try the shoe on. Resolve to buy any new shoes in person this year so that you can ensure they fit as intended before you make the purchase.
4. Learn How To Trim Your Nails Properly – Be better about caring for your toenails in the new year. Trim the toenail straight across instead of rounding the corners, because rounded corners can increase your risk of developing an ingrown toenail, and don’t cut the nail overly low. If you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail, soak your foot and follow this advice for trying to get the nail back on the correct path. Also, if you notice any yellowing of the nail bed, consider investing in a topical anti-fungal cream.
5. Get Care When Problems Demand It – Finally, resolve to put your foot health first and to seek out professional medical assistance in the event that you are hurt or injured. Don’t try to push through pain, because you’ll likely only make it worse. If you hurt your feet or ankle, put your health first and get a diagnosis and individualized treatment plan from a professional.