You may think that routine walking that you do daily is enough exercise to keep your feet healthy and happy. However, this is not the case. Your feet are the most used part of your body—they take you everywhere you need to go, after all—so treating them with care and respect is important. There are also many benefits of exercising and stretching your feet.

Benefits

Regularly stretching, exercising, and taking care of your feet in general can be extremely beneficial down the line. While you are younger, your feet are more flexible and able to bounce back from being treated badly. However, without proper care, you will notice more severe foot problems as you get older. Weak feet can affect your balance and keep the rest of the body from being properly aligned and healthy. Exercising and strengthening the muscles in your feet can help the muscles hold the bones in the proper place, reduce foot pain, help balance, and maintain healthy feet and bodies for years to come.

How do I exercise my feet?

So what exactly are foot exercises? There are many options. Most foot exercises aim to improve flexibility and stretch out tight muscles. Simple exercises such as toe rises, ankle rolls, picking small objects up with your toes, and exercise walking in proper shoes are all good examples of foot exercises. Sometimes certain Pilates exercises can be beneficial to building foot strength and flexibility. If you have specific foot problems you would like to work with, your podiatrist can help you come up with more options.

If you are having foot trouble, the Family Foot Center in New York City can help. We provide a wide array of services, including treatments for ingrown toenails, heel pain, bunions, sprained ankles, and more. Seeing a podiatrist at the first sign of trouble can spare you pain and expense down the line, so don’t wait. Call us today at (718) 767-5555 to schedule an appointment.

Would you like to learn more about summer foot care or how to prevent infections of the feet? Check out these helpful resources.  Contact the Family Foot Center at (718) 767-5555 for more information.

• When used inappropriately, flip-flop sandals can cause harm to your feet.  Learn more by visiting the American Podiatric Medical Association website.
• One of the most common conditions associated with prolonged flip-flop use is plantar fasciitis.  Read more about this condition on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ official website.
• This article from MedicineNet.com provides more helpful information about summer foot care and avoiding common foot problems associated with this time of year.
• Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the feet that occurs most frequently between the toes.  Read more about this condition on the MedlinePlus medical reference.
• Fungal infections can also occur beneath the toenails.  Read this article from the Mayo Clinic for a comprehensive overview of this type of infection.

With the summer heat come a variety of unique health concerns for our feet.  Fortunately, there are a number of steps that you can take to help prevent these common, disruptive, and even painful issues.  This video provides a brief introduction to the most common summer foot issues and their causes.  The host also discusses what you can do to prevent them and how these conditions can be cared for.  Watch the full video to learn more.

Are you looking for more ways to keep your feet healthy and pain-free?  Consult the foot care experts at Family Foot Center for more helpful information and advice.  Our staff is dedicated to providing you with the most caring and expert service possible.  Call our practice today at (718) 767-5555 to set up your primary consultation.

The hot summer weather is here, and there are more potential problems for your feet. Fortunately, you can avoid the blisters, fungal infections, and other foot & toe problems  associated with this season by following a few simple summer foot care tips.  Read on to learn a bit more about taking excellent care of your feet throughout the summer months.

·Keep your skin hydrated. Cracked heels, corns, and calluses become more common when wearing summer sandals.  To avoid these disruptive and painful conditions, get a pedicure or provide home care to keep your calluses to a minimum.  If you live in a dry climate, hydrate your skin after every washing to keep your skin from cracking.

·Avoid flip-flops.  Most flip-flops are not adequately supportive and can lead to painful foot problems such as plantar fasciitis.  If you do wear flip-flops, reserve them for only short-term use at the pool or beach, not for long distance walking.

·Always apply sunscreen.  When venturing outdoors, many men and women apply sunscreen liberally but forget to cover their feet.  If you are going barefoot or if your feet will be exposed through open sandals, do your feet a favor and apply a good UVA/UVB protective sunscreen.

·Change your socks frequently.  Combat the development of fungal diseases or ‘smelly’ feet by changing your socks regularly and washing them often. Depending on how much your feet tend to sweat, you may even want to change your socks multiple times a day.

Would you like to learn more helpful ways to keep your feet healthy this summer?  The Family Foot Center of Whitestone, NY, is happy to provide you with the support and advice you need in order to feel great.  Contact our practice today at (718) 767-5555 to schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists.