Let’s Dance…Healthy Feet, Healthy Heart, Healthy Body
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A Little Tender Loving Foot Care from Fox Valley Orthopedics’ Foot and Ankle Team
February conjures up visions of Valentine’s Day cards, chocolates, and romantic dinners. But with another month of winter on the docket before the arrival of warmer weather, many of us are wondering how to fill up our dance cards…literally.
Dancing is the perfect way to keep moving this winter, a way to while away the hours inside, where it’s warm. So why not take a little time to learn about foot health, and then slip your feet into your best pair of dancing shoes.
“Dance is a great way to stay fit,” says Dr. Eric Bartel, a board-certified and fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon at Fox Valley Orthopedics. “An updated and individualized foot and ankle care regimen goes a long way to improving overall foot health as well as the rest of your well being.”
A weight-bearing activity, dance is a good way to build strong bones. Dance also boosts upper body strength. And whenever a person succeeds in getting their heart rate up – which they can easily do while dancing – they’re also getting an aerobic workout…which is great for the heart.
Dancing offers the same health benefits as outdoor activities such as running or biking, and it’s always easier to stick with an activity if you’re enjoying it. But without healthy feet, what fun would dancing be?
Here are tips from Fox Valley Orthopedics’ Foot and Ankle Team on how to keep your feet dance-ready and healthy:
Wash and be wary – bathe your feet in lukewarm water daily with a mild soap, especially between the toes, and dry them completely. If you notice redness, discoloring, temperature changes, swelling, cracks in the skin, thick or discolored nails, sores or growths, consult your podiatrist.
Not too short – trim or file toenails straight across, not too short, and don’t cut the corners or sides.
Never use a razor or pocketknife – see a podiatrist or use over-the-counter foot products to remove corns and calluses.
If the shoe fits – make sure your shoes fit properly. Buy them in the afternoon as feet often swell during the day. And ladies, while the to-die-for shoes may dazzle, they can cause serious damage to your feet. If you simply must have them, make sure they fit just right.
Know your type – select the correct shoe for the activity (i.e. running shoes for running). A firm-soled shoe with a soft upper is best for everyday wear.
A change is as good as a rest – don’t wear the same shoes every day.
Barefoot is bad – your feet will be vulnerable to injury and infection.
Diabetic feet require special care – see a podiatrist for a yearly check-up.
Pain is not the norm – if you experience persistent pain, see a podiatrist.
We want to help you keep your dancing feet dancing. If you’re experiencing any type of foot or heel pain, it may be time to seek help from specialists.
At Fox Valley Orthopedics’ Foot and Ankle Center, we can quickly diagnosis and find the best solutions to keep you moving.
