Fall and Your Feet

We are rapidly approaching the first day of fall: September 22, 2009. We are already beginning to see the evidence of this here in Findlay. Our mornings are seeing an increase in fog and dew, and a decrease in temperature. Even some of the leaves are beginning to change. The start of fall can be a great thing. It is a chance to witness great beauty, and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors in pleasant weather. And the change of seasons is always a good time to rejuvenate. You can focus on your personal life, your family, your home, and your health in this change of season. We hope you find time to balance all of these this fall. But we do not want you to lose precious time with friends and family to foot ailments. Here are some tips on foot care to keep in mind as the fall approaches:

-Keep feet dry. Fall mornings find the ground covered in dew. And there is more rain in fall than summer. Keep your feet in mind when planning days outdoors. Bring an extra pair of socks to change into if you know you will be walking a lot when it is wet. And on warm fall days, be mindful that your feet will still sweat like it was summer. You should use foot powder to avoid wetness which leads to fungal infections. You should also dry your feet thoroughly after showering, especially between your toes. And don't forget to wash and inspect your feet daily.

-Look before you leap. Sometimes a pile of leaves isn't just a pile of leaves, but a trash pile too. Avoid jumping into piles of leaves which you didn't rake yourself, as these may contain hidden objects. We wouldn't want you to jump into a pile of leaves and hit a hard object or curb, resulting in a foot injury. If you did rake the leaves yourself, then by all means, jump away! This is one of the joys of fall we have all enjoyed since childhood.

-Fall is a great time for sports. Many people participate in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping in the fall as well. Be active, it is great for your health, and your mental well being. But please prepare accordingly. Wear appropriate shoes for you sport or activity (like cleats for soccer, and hiking boots for your next long trail excursion). Remember to wear the appropriate gear for your sport too (like ankle braces for volleyball players). Always stretch before activity, and replace shoes that are worn out. You cannot continue to enjoy your activities when you are faced with foot pain. Contact our office at the first sign of foot problems, as problems can be treated most effectively when caught early. There is no reason for you to suffer when we can help.

-Dress for the weather. Dress in layers, especially when you don't know what to expect for the day. If you are too hot, you can remove layers, especially when you are being active. That is better than being too cold and not being able to do anything about it. Don't forget to keep an umbrella or rain jacket in the front closet in case it looks like rain when you head out the door. And remember to change your shoes daily, this gives them adequate time to dry out before you wear then again.

-Put away your sandals. Many of us like to wear sandals longer than the season really allows. Cold feet are unhappy feet. Cold feet get less blood flow, which is how your body helps heal any foot problems you may be experiencing. Also, sandals do not protect you from the hazards of the world around you, or the weather. Sandals are fun and cute, but they are summer footwear. Don't stretch your sandal wearing too far into the fall season.