Adding Spring to Your Step

Spring! What a wonderful thought after such a long winter in Findlay and the surrounding area. We have had snow after snow after snow. And although we may not be totally out of the woods for winter weather yet, we are all starting to experience a little cabin fever. So here to help you look forward to and prepare for spring and how it affects your footcare.

First of all, use spring as an opportunity to get outdoors. Fresh air mixed with mild temperatures and blooming foliage after a long winter is what makes spring such a relief in Northwest Ohio. We finally get warm sunshine, gentle rain showers, and comfortable temperatures. As plants begin to grow and animals increase their activity, you too will likely feel some new life and want to be outside. We recommend this strongly! We know that our patient's feet affect their overall health, and vice versa. Activity is the best thing for your body and your feet. Being overweight comes with a whole range of health problems (heart conditions, diabetes, etc.) but it can also affect your feet. The extra stress can cause problems like plantar fasciitis. We recommend that you stay active and eat a healthy diet to maintain your health. Walking is one of the best activities for your feet, as it is low impact and anyone can do it, regardless of age or fitness level. Spring is an excellent time to walk, as the new mild weather and scenery are encouraging to walkers. We suggest a nature walk to kick off your walking program. Riverbend and Riverside parks both offer trails and great scenery to explore, keeping your mind engaged and your body encouraged. We also suggest finding a walking partner. This can be a neighbor who you like to talk to, a friend, a family member, or even your dog. Having someone else to walk with means you are more likely to enjoy your walks and continue your walking program. Just remember that you need to wear the appropriate shoes for the activity and if you have balance issues you should use a cane.

You should also keep the weather in mind. Spring brings sunshine and new life. But it also means that we need rain to encourage the new growth. Spring in Ohio is often a rainy time period. Remember that with all that weather, your feet will be encountering some wetness. Water can be hard on your shoes, so be sure to waterproof leather shoes, and keep the weather in mind when deciding which shoes to wear. the other problem with wet feet is that fungi love to grow in wet, dark, warm places. Your shoes are one such place, which is why your feet are susceptible to the fungi that cause athlete's foot and toenail fungus. We sure to keep your feet dry by wearing your rain boots into work and then changing into your shoes, or by waterproofing your shoes. If your feet do get wet, or you sweat profusely, you should change your socks in the middle of the day. You should also use foot powder in your shoes to help absorb moisture and odor. Keeping your feet dry is important for the health of your skin.

Don't forget about Spring Cleaning! We use spring as a time to clean, organize, and prepare for the rest of our year. But you can apply spring cleaning to your feet as well. When you go through your closet, throw out old shoes which have become worn out. These shoes no longer offer the support that your feet need. Wearing worn out shoes can lead to biomechanical problems with your feet. You can donate old shoes to lots of charity organizations. You should also donate any shoes that aren't sized correctly for your feet. Your feet do change over time, and wearing shoes which aren't the right size for you can lead to complications (including bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes). So pay special attention to your closet. You can also apply spring cleaning to your feet themselves. Take a portion of a day to treat your feet to a little TLC. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes in warm (not hot) water to relax yourself and soften your calluses and nails. You can add a bath or Epsom salt to the soak. Once your feet are softened, cut your nails straight across. Cutting them in this manner Helps prevent the edges from being cut too close and becoming ingrown. Remove your nail polish and allow your toenails a chance to "breath". Taking a break from a polish is good for your nails, and helps to prevent fungal nails. Then, use a file, emory board or pumice to remove any calluses. This will prevent them from getting so large that they crack, allowing bacteria, viruses, and fungi access to your skin. It also improves the look of your feet. You want to control calluses, but it is not necessary to remove them completely. You need to be careful not to cut too deep and break the healthy skin underneath. A massage is also a great part of treating your feet. Not only does this relax the muscles and other soft tissue in your foot, it is a great way to relax your whole self. Also, massage encourages circulation, which often fails in your extremities first. Treating your feet is not only enjoyable, but good for your foot health.

We hope that you find many ways to make your spring season enjoyable and productive. But keep your feet in mind as your stay busy this season. Your feet will be carrying you through all your activities, and if you are having problems with them, they will slow you down. Most people who suffer from a foot ailment are suffering needlessly. It is not normal for feet to hurt, as pain in your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. Make an appointment to see your podiatrist so that we can help you enjoy your spring fully, without the added pain of a foot condition.