Within just three months, COVID-19 has aggressively dismantled our American economy and disrupted standard healthcare practices as we know them. Governments and regulators have put social distancing practices in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, and to protect American citizens from exposure. Though these safety measures are imperative to preventing further spread of COVID-19 and flattening the curve, a lot of medical procedures and routine doctor visits have been put on hold and deemed “non-essential.”
For some, these visits are okay to postpone for a later date—but for those with foot concerns, putting off visits to the podiatrist simply won’t work. We want you to know that we’re here for you, and we’re doing everything we can to properly sanitize and safely conduct routine visits so that your feet don’t have to suffer.
My Feet Hurt, What Can I Do?
Your feet are an important part of your body. After all, they support your entire body weight and keep you active during the day––not to mention they assist you with driving, walking, riding a bike, etc. If your feet are injured or hurt, it can affect the way you perform your daily tasks––limiting what you can and can’t do. We often overlook the importance of our feet, but neglecting proper foot care can lead to serious foot problems, or worse––immobility.
If your feet hurt, there are several things you can do to relieve foot pain:
Wear Proper Footwear
It’s no surprise that improper footwear plays a major role in foot pain. Wearing shoes that are too small, shoes that push on your toes, or shoes with little to no arch support can drastically affect the condition of your feet. We recommend always buying the right size shoe–-with extra room to grow. If your shoes are still uncomfortable, buy gel inserts to help mimic an arch or provide cushion for your heels.
Soak Your Feet
If you have foot pain, chances are your feet are tired and worn out from overuse. Treat your feet to a spa day inside by soaking them in an epsom salt bath. Warm soaks are especially helpful for those dealing with ingrown toenails.
Use Ointments, Creams, and Powders
Being stuck inside can be really challenging, especially for those who love outdoor activities such as running. If you decide to run in the heat––while maintaining six feet of distance––you might end up with blisters. Typically, blisters aren’t a major foot concern, but they can still be quite painful. If you end up with blisters, OTC creams such as Neosporin are a great way to minimize pain and speed up healing.
Signs You Need to See a Foot Specialist
Oftentimes, foot pain isn’t a major deal, and can be treated with home remedies. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend calling your podiatrist to ensure you receive adequate care.
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Foot pain that does not go away or get better with at-home treatment
- Discoloration
- Swelling
These symptoms could be a sign of something more serious such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, peripheral artery disease, and more. Contact our office right away to have an evaluation.
Our Foot Specialists Are Here for You
COVID-19 has caused a lot of panic and confusion, with social distancing and limited healthcare. Your health and feet are important to us. If you have foot pain, or need to speak to a specialist, call our office.
