By Patrick Bartholomew Jr., DPM, AACFAS
The new year is a time for renewing focus on health. While most people resolve to hit the gym or overhaul their diet, a crucial part of wellness is often overlooked: the health of your feet.
As a podiatrist in Cape Coral, Florida, at Family Foot & Leg Center, I see the impact that neglect can have on these foundational structures. Your feet are complex biomechanical marvels, and they bear the brunt of every step. For our active Southwest Florida lifestyle—from a morning walk on the Yacht Club Beach to kayaking in the Gulf—healthy feet are essential.
This year, I urge you to make a profound resolution: prioritize your foot health. It’s not about dramatic changes; it’s about establishing sustainable, foot-friendly habits. Here are the top five resolutions I recommend for a healthier year.
Resolution 1: Make Footwear a Foundation
Poor-fitting or unsupportive shoes are the primary cause of foot problems I diagnose, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, and painful neuromas.
Resolve to purge your closet of worn-out or ill-fitting shoes. Athletic shoes lose their shock absorption and support long before they look damaged—typically after about 400 miles, or six months of regular use. Wearing them risks an overuse injury.
Choose the right tool for the job. Don’t wear flimsy sandals for a long walk. Invest in supportive, activity-specific shoes. When shopping, have your feet measured and shop later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen. Focus on comfort and support, ensuring room to wiggle your toes.
Resolution 2: Commit to Daily Foot Checks and Hygiene
It’s easy to forget about your feet until they hurt, but daily inspection is your best defense against serious issues, particularly with conditions like diabetes.
Resolve to check your feet every day. Look for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or changes in the skin or nails. Early detection prevents minor issues from escalating. For instance, an unnoticed blister can become a serious infection, a concern relevant in our warm climate.
Your hygiene routine must be diligent:
• Wash thoroughly, paying extra attention to the areas between your toes.
• Dry completely. Moisture between toes encourages fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
• Moisturize your heels and soles to prevent cracked skin, but avoid applying lotion between the toes.
• Trim toenails straight across to prevent painful ingrown toenails.
Resolution 3: Listen to Your Pain—Don’t ‘Walk It Off’
This is the hardest resolution for active Port Charlotte residents: resolve to stop ignoring foot or ankle pain.
Many believe that heel pain from running or a persistent ache is “normal.” Persistent foot pain is not normal. Pain is your body’s alarm system. Trying to “muscle through” can turn simple tendonitis into a chronic issue or a stress reaction into a fracture.
If you experience pain that lasts more than a few days, or if you notice significant swelling, numbness, or redness, schedule a professional evaluation. An early diagnosis of conditions like Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis allows for conservative treatment, getting you back on your feet faster.
Resolution 4: Introduce Gentle Foot and Ankle Strengthening
As you pursue broader fitness resolutions, remember that your feet have muscles that need strengthening and stretching.
Resolve to dedicate five minutes a day to foot exercises. Simple routines can improve flexibility, stability, and reduce injury risk:
• Towel Scrunches: Use your toes to scrunch a towel on the floor toward you.
• Ankle Alphabet: Sit and “draw” the alphabet with your foot to engage the ankle’s full range of motion.
• Calf Stretches: Use a wall or a stair step to stretch your calf and Achilles tendon, vital for preventing heel pain.
If starting a new high-impact routine, pace yourself. A sudden increase in activity can overload your feet. Gradually increase your mileage or intensity to allow your foundation time to adapt.
Resolution 5: Schedule a Foundational Foot Health Check
Your annual physical checks your heart and vision. This year, resolve to schedule a check-up with a podiatrist.
This is especially critical if you have diabetes, arthritis, or are over 50. Even without pain, a podiatrist can perform a biomechanical assessment, check circulation, evaluate the need for custom orthotics (to correct walking patterns), and detect subtle issues before they become major problems.
The new year is an opportunity to invest in your long-term mobility. By focusing on supportive footwear, diligent hygiene, recognizing pain, and building strength, you are safeguarding your ability to remain active and enjoy Florida Living in Charlotte County.
Your feet are your vehicle for life. This year, give them the care they deserve.
Dr. Patrick Bartholomew is a podiatrist at Family Foot & Leg Center in Cape Coral, Florida, specializing in complex wound care and deformity reconstruction. He is committed to helping the Cape Coral community remain active and healthy.
Family Foot & Leg Center
530 SE 16th Place, Suite A
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(Across from Cape Coral Hospital)
(239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT)
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com
Dr. Sahiba Singh is a podiatrist at Family Foot & Leg Center in Port Charlotte, Florida, specializing in complex wound care and deformity reconstruction.
She is committed to helping the Charlotte County community remain active and healthy.
FAMILY FOOT & LEG CENTER
3161 Harbor Blvd, Suite B,
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT)
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com
Dr. Ron Adduru is a podiatrist at Family Foot & Leg Center in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in complex wound care and deformity reconstruction. He is
committed to helping the Sarasota community remain active and healthy.
FAMILY FOOT & LEG CENTER
3110 Fruitville Commons Blvd
Suite 102
Sarasota, FL 34240
(239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT)
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.