Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And, other than worrying about turkey-induced gout pain, your podiatrist in Powder Springs has one main concern. When you hit the stores on Black Friday to kick off the holiday shopping season, you're at major risk for serious foot pain.
Why is that the case? You're likely to spend hours standing in a line or walking from store to store. And, without the right precautions, that could cause lots of problems for your lower limbs. Lucky for you, Dr. Alvin Cowans is here to help. Just keep reading for our top foot-pain fighting tips, designed to keep you walking comfortably throughout the holidays and beyond!
How to Stop Holiday Shopping from Triggering Foot Pain ![]()
As we mentioned before, holiday shopping can lead to major foot pain. When you're standing all day, either in one place for hours, or simply spend lots of time walking, your feet could be tired, achy and swollen at the end of the day. (That's especially true if you've already been digging into the Halloween candy, and may be carrying some extra weight around--more pounds adds up to more pressure on your feet.)
Luckily, you can score your perfect holiday gifts without the unwanted take home of lingering foot pain. But how, you want to know? Just check out our Powder Springs podiatrist's ultimate shopping tips. Make sure to use them on Black Friday and all the way through the New Year's sales!
Be Smart About Your Footwear
When it comes to holiday shopping, it's tempting to wear your cutest shoes when you hit the store. If you're looking for haute styles, it's only natural to want your shoes to work with the clothes you try on. However, you could walk as much as six miles cruising the shops all day. So, if you aren't in supportive foot gear, your feet won't have enough support, and you could end up with arch pain and heel pain, along with plenty of swelling.
To avoid this outcome, hit the shops in supportive sneaker styles. Make sure you wear them with socks to avoid sweaty feet, rubbing and blisters. Then, if you want to try on some outfits with high heels, simply pack them in a bag for use when needed. That way, you'll get the look you want without the pain you wish to avoid.
Always Look Where You're Going
Aside from shopping-related foot pain, you'd be surprised how many people we see who actually get injured while they're out and about. Some may get pushed by the crowds, while others get distracted scoping sales on their phones, and wind up tripping over unseen obstacles.
Want to steer clear of this holiday shopping hazard? Keep your eyes up and focused on your surroundings while you're on the move. And reserve phone time for moments when you're stuck in line. Otherwise, you just might end up with a sprained or strained foot or ankle for the holidays.
Look for Support in All the Right Places
Let's face it: the holidays are stressful, both emotionally and physically. Relatives and friends place demands on our time, and holiday shopping can take a toll on our feet. When it comes to managing your emotions, we suggest learning to say no when needed; getting lots of physical exercise for stress relief; and turning to a trusted loved-one when you just need to vent.
As for relieving the stress on your feet to avoid foot pain? Well, we can help with that! If you already own a pair of custom orthotics, this is the season to wear them regularly. Your feet truly need the extra support, especially on days when you're spending hours on the go, in search of the hottest holiday gifts. And if you haven't yet invested in this medical-grade, customized insole? Make this your gift to yourself this holiday season, and come into the office ASAP for an orthotic fitting.
Practice Plenty of Self-Care
After a day spent holiday shopping, the best way to avoid foot pain is to practice some loving self-care. Once you're done for the day, take a load off your feet. Sit or lie down and keep your feet elevated, helping drain any accumulated fluid to avoid or relieve mild swelling. Later, you can even soak your feet in a warm tub, adding some soothing Epsom salts for adding relief and pampering.
Now, all of these tips can go a long way towards preventing or relieving your foot pain. But they can't help you with the mad dashes for parking spots or the endless crowds in the stores. So, if you really want to take a load off your feet and reduce your overall stress levels, take this final piece of advice...
Skip the Black Friday Madness and Celebrate Cyber Monday, Instead
That way, you'll score plenty of great deals, and you won't put any pressure on your feet. Best of all, you won't even have to get dressed! Just don't forget to do some good the next day, as well, by participating in Giving Tuesday. And, if you experience foot pain at any point during your holiday shopping season, just give us a call right away or click here to request an appointment. Dr. Alvin Cowans will get you into the office quickly, getting you back on your feet as soon as possible so that you can keep on enjoying this magical time of year!
