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Steer Clear of Pain in Your Feet This Holiday Season!

The holidays are in full swing, and it’s time for food, friends, and family. For some, it’s a time for travel, and regardless of your mode of transport, this time of year can be particularly demanding on your feet. In today’s post, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center are sharing some tips for keeping your feet pain-free this holiday season.

You can’t be too prepared. If you’re traveling this holiday season, make sure you think about your feet when packing. If you’re going to be hiking or going on long shopping binges, be sure to bring appropriate footwear. The correct footwear can make all the difference.

If traveling by plane, remember that flights can take a toll on your legs. Longer flights can cause all kinds of aches and pains from diminished circulation while in the air. Wearing compression socks or stockings will aid in circulation and is especially helpful for those living with diabetes.

Be ready for long hours. Holiday dinners can take a lot of time and preparation. Some people begin cooking 2 to 3 days ahead of time. Standing all day can cause aches and pains, and you might think there is no time to sit down.

We strongly suggest that you take breaks, even if just for five minutes each hour. Investing in shock-absorbing kitchen mats can make standing in the kitchen for long hours less stressful on your feet. Stretching is a great way to avoid fatigue and muscle cramps.

Try not to overeat. We know this won’t be easy, but try not to overeat. Excessive sugars and carbs can cause inflammation in your feet that may be painful. If you suffer from gout, the holidays can quickly become a challenging time when it comes to what you eat. Turkey and red meat can cause gout to flare up, so be sure to regulate portion size. This includes most shellfish and meat gravies. If you have gout, alcohol should also be avoided because uric acid increases in the blood when you drink it.

Pay attention to what your feet are telling you. If your feet are tired, take time to relax. Put your legs up to reduce swelling by sitting or lying down, so your legs are higher than your heart to give them a good rest. At the end of the day, take a moment to massage your feet. Apply lotion to help avoid cracked, dry, and irritated skin from the cold winter air.

We will do all we can to keep your feet feeling great and working right so you can have an enjoyable and restful holiday season with your loved ones. If you do experience a problem with your feet, reach out to the experienced team at Greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center. Click here to locate contact information for the office nearest you.

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