5 Foot-Friendly Resolutions for a Healthier You in the New Year

Each turn of the year brings an opportunity to reflect on your life – things you’re grateful for and things you hope to change. As you assess your personal goals, don’t forget about your feet. 

Strong foot health not only (literally) supports your body, it also enhances and protects your overall wellness for years to come. 

At Babak Kosari, DPM, in Northridge and Santa Clarita, California, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Babak Kosari, DPM, FACFAS, provides personalized foot care to enhance your well-being and quality of life.

Here’s a look at expert-approved, foot-friendly resolutions for a healthier you this year. 

1. Boost your foot strength

Just like the rest of your body, your feet contain muscles that help you function well. Strong foot muscles increase your balance and stability, guarding against falls and injuries. This is important, given that falls can be catastrophic for seniors in particular, contributing to up to 95% of hip fractures.

To strengthen your feet muscles, engage in regular exercises such as ankle rolls, calf raises, and balancing on one leg.

2. Improve your foot hygiene 

Poor foot hygiene fuels a range of common issues, such as toenail fungus, wound infections, and athlete’s foot. Smart habits to embrace include:

• Changing your socks at least once a day
• Washing and drying your feet daily
• Keeping your toenails short and straight across (not curved)
• Routinely checking your feet for cuts, dryness, and swelling

If you get pedicures, choose a clean and state-licensed salon. All instruments should be sterilized for each client.

3. Don’t ignore foot pain

Most everyone experiences foot pain at some point. When the pain becomes severe or chronic, it’s time to seek expert care. 

Foot pain can indicate numerous treatable issues, such as bunions, arthritis, nerve damage, and plantar fasciitis. By starting treatment early, you can protect yourself from worsening pain and complications, like mobility issues, fall-related fractures, and lasting disability.

4. Lose excess weight

Carrying excess pounds doesn’t always mean you’re unhealthy, but it does add strain to your feet and ankles. Healthfully losing extra pounds lowers your risk for joint pain, arthritis, and general foot discomfort.

Safe weight loss means shedding one to two pounds per week through healthy lifestyle changes. Gradually increasing your physical activity and eating primarily nutritious foods are great ways to start.

5. Wear supportive shoes

Shoes are far more than a fashion statement. Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes can help prevent or reduce a slew of complaints, from foot, knee, and hip pain to bunion pain, nerve damage, and hammertoes. 

Avoid high heeled, tight-fitting, and worn out shoes. Instead, go for relatively new athletic or orthopedic shoes that leave roughly one finger’s width of room in the toebox. For added benefits, our team may recommend custom orthotics. 

Personalized care for healthy feet

To learn more about foot health or get started with personalized care, call your nearest Babak Kosari, DPM, office in Northridge or Santa Clarita, California, today. You can also use our easy online scheduler to book an appointment at your convenience.