The New Year is almost here and many are ready to follow through with resolutions to exercise and lose weight. When starting your workout, remember these tips to keep your feet safe and comfortable.
- Wear shoes designed for the exercise or sport. Athletic shoes that support your arch and cushion the heel are best to wear. Custom orthotics may also help provide the extra support you may need. Make sure you have your feet measured and wear the proper size for the best comfort and fit.
- Start new workouts gradually. Be sure to stretch or warm up for your workout and start new exercise routines gradually. We recommend increasing your exercise intensity by only 10 percent each week. If your feet do get sore, use rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).
- Protect your feet from bacteria. Sweaty shoes and public showers at the gym are breeding grounds for bacteria, including resistant strains like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). Never go barefoot while in public areas and be sure to cover cuts and cracks in the skin or ingrown toenails to help keep out the germs.
If you have a cut or scrape that gets infected and it’s not healing in a timely manner, don’t hesitate to contact our office to have it checked out.