“I Love My Feet!” Day is August 17th

This month we recognize “I Love My Feet Day” and at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know there are many reasons to celebrate these special structures. Each of your feet contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 120 muscles, ligaments and nerves. Thanks to your feet, you can stand, walk, squat, run, reach, and jump. So how about showing some loving to your amazing feet? Below are some suggestions.

Get foot pain checked—probably the nicest thing you can do for your feet is not to put off getting a foot or ankle pain evaluated. Make an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales. Foot pain can alter the way you walk, increase your risk for a fall injury and lead to problems with your knees, hips, and back. Contact our Spring Hill (352 683-5799) or Hudson (727-868-2128) office.

Buy new shoes—one of the best ways to safeguard the health of your feet is with proper shoes. Shoes have a lifespan. Take a good look at your footwear wardrobe and toss shoes with stretched out backs, worn heels, and holes. Get your feet professionally measured as foot size can change as you age. If you are serious about a sport or have a regular fitness regimen, buy a pair of shoes specifically designed for the activity you do.

Get a foot massage—reflexology—an ancient type of foot massage—connects the health of various body parts with specific spots on your feet. A foot massage can also improve flexibility, and just plain feels good! No time for a professional massage? Get a rich emollient lotion and give yourself a foot massage. Include the tops, bottoms, and sides of the feet as well as your toes.

Commit to self-exams—don’t make loving your feet a one-day event! Show you care all year round by regularly inspecting your feet and reporting any unusual changes in skin or toenails, bumps, bruises or toes moving out of place promptly to the foot doctor.