Tips for Healthy Holiday Feet

1. If the shoe fits, wear it.
   • Narrow shoes, overly high-heeled ones or shoes not worn very
     often (dress shoes)
   • May irritate feet and lead to blisters, calluses, swelling and even severe ankle injuries
   • Choose a shoe with a low heel and fits your foot in length, width and depth
     while you are standing
2. Do not overindulge in holiday cheer.
   • Certain foods/beverages high in purines, such as shellfish, red meat,
     red wine and beer
   • May trigger extremely painful gout attacks,
   • uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes.
3. Be safety-conscious about pedicures.
   • Nail salons can carry a lot of bacteria
   • To reduce your risk of infection, choose a salon that follows
     proper sanitation practices and is licensed by the state.
4. Watch for ice and snow.
   • Use caution when traveling outdoors
   • Watch for ice or snow patches along your trail.
   • If you experience a fall, take a break from activities until you can be seen by a foot and ankle surgeon in our office.
   • Use RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) to help reduce pain and control swelling around the injury.
5. Protect your feet from cold temperatures.
   • Wear insulated, water-resistant boots
   • Moisture-wicking socks to prevent frostbite or other cold weather-related injuries to the feet and toes.
6. Listen to your feet.
   • Inspect your feet regularly for signs of ingrown toenails, bruising, swelling, blisters, dry skin or calluses.

If you are experiencing any abnormalities in your feet call us at 301-441-2655 to schedule your next appointment.

^{All information from acfas.org}