Put Some Spring in Your Step with Healthy Feet

Are you toes ready for spring and summer? Now that warm weather has arrived, it’s time to trade in your fur-lined boots for open-toed sandals. These beautiful spring days also kick off the unofficial start to barefoot-season, the perfect time to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help make sure your feet are in tip top shape. 
A podiatrist is a doctor trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures in the leg. “Spring is a great time to meet with your doctor about your foot health,” says Dr. Nicholas Giorgianni, DPM, a podiatrist at CompleteCare Health Network. “We can look for nail fungus, nail discoloration, dry-cracked skin, moles, freckles and blemishes – all things that could indicate issues with your feet and possibly your overall health.”
If you or your kids exercise, play sports or are thinking about starting, consulting your podiatrist about proper shoe fit is also extremely important. “A majority of sports or exercise-related injuries come from improper shoe type and fit,” says Dr. Giorgianni. He recommends purchasing shoes in the afternoon, because your feet will be their largest and most swollen late in the day. He also recommends a “rule of thumb” when buying new shoes – having a thumb’s width between the tip of your big toe and the tip of your shoe. “There shouldn’t be a lot of movement in your shoes,” says Dr. Giorgianni. “They should be snug, but not tight.”
As summer approaches, there are a few things to think about when caring for your feet:
• Limit time in flip flops, as they can put a lot of stress on the feet and ankles.
• Avoid walking around barefoot to reduce the risk of injury or diseases like athlete’s foot and plantar warts.
• Wear sunscreen. Don’t forget to coat your whole body, including your ankles, feet and toes when heading outside. Skin cancer prevention doesn’t stop at your knees!
A lot of podiatry is about prevention. Be sure to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you have ingrown toenails, pain or swelling in your ankles, heels or feet, or if you are diagnosed with diabetes, as this disease can impact your feet.
Podiatry services are available at many CompleteCare locations in Cape May, Cumberland and Gloucester counties. To schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, call (609) 465-0258 or visit www.CompleteCareNJ.org.