By Melissa J. Lockwood, DPM
Spring has officially sprung in Central Illinois! And with that, we are able to get outside and enjoy the beautiful landscape again! But what about people who may be suffering from foot pain, which is keeping them from enjoying the great outdoors? If you are having foot pain, the first thing to consider is if it may be due to an underlying health issue such as diabetes or even a circulatory problem like peripheral vascular disease (PVD) — foot pain should not be left unchecked! Be sure to make an appointment with a podiatrist to get an accurate diagnosis.
Here are some great tips to get YOU (yes YOU!) back on your feet this spring. Some of them may surprise you because they don’t actually have much to do with your feet specifically … it’s all about being a healthy person! A healthy lifestyle goes hand in hand with good foot health and vice versa.
- Get eight hours of sleep EVERY night! Ever notice how grouchy little kids are without a nap? Adults are the same way. Our minds AND bodies need rest and this simple approach to sleep will make all the difference. I know this can be a challenge, but if you make it a priority, it is more likely to happen. Try going to bed 30 minutes earlier tonight. You will be amazed how you feel if you can get the optimum of eight to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep!
- Walk for 30 minutes every day. Even if you have to split it up into two or three segments. Getting up and moving around will help improve your joints and lift your spirits!
- Drink at least 100 ounces of water every day. Yes, it means a lot of trips to the bathroom, but nothing flushes toxins out like water! Our bodies are 95 percent water, so make sure you are replenishing your ‘supply’ daily. Dehydration can lead to muscle aches and joint pain, so keep that water bottle handy all day long!
Do these tips seem like common sense? They should! It’s just what mothers have been saying for centuries. So let’s commit to doing it together — then we can all enjoy this great weather!
For more information, or to schedule a spring foot checkup, please call Dr. Lockwood at 309-661-9975 or visit our NEW website at www.HeartlandFootAndAnkle.com!