5 Things Your Feet Should Avoid This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is synonymous with relaxation, but if you do it the wrong way, the family feast can place a surprising amount of stress on your feet. Between long travel times, hours spent standing in the kitchen, and indulging in rich foods, your feet are facing a unique set of risks. Here’s what to avoid to make your Thanksgiving as painless as possible, courtesy of the experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists.
1. Don’t Overload on Gout Triggers
If you have Gout, you need to navigate the dinner table carefully. Avoid rich sauces (like gravy made with meat drippings), exotic meats, and washing down all that food with too much beer or hard liquor.
These are all acidic foods, which can cause sudden and harsh arthritis in your toes. Drink plenty of water on Thanksgiving Day to further prevent gout.
2. Don’t Go Barefoot
Whether you’re walking around the host’s house or tossing the football in the backyard, keep your shoes on. You don’t know what you might step on inside or outside, and, without ankle support, you’re more susceptible to ankle sprains and heel inflammation (think cooking for long hours on kitchen tile).
3. Don’t Sit Still for Too Long
Whether you’re stuck on a long car ride to the family gathering or completely crashing on the couch after the big meal, prolonged immobility is tough on circulation. It allows blood and fluid to pool and leaves you with swollen, tight ankles.
For long journeys, take frequent stops to get up and stretch. And after the feast, make sure you get up for a short walk to engage your calf muscles and help pump that fluid back toward your heart.
4. Don’t Ignore the Diabetic Foot Rules
If you manage diabetes, vigilance is non-negotiable, even during the holidays. Avoid letting your daily foot check lapse because you’re busy, and never walk barefoot in an unfamiliar house where hazards might be hidden.
Unnoticed pressure from a new pair of dress shoes or a small cut can quickly escalate due to compromised healing and neuropathy. Your protective footwear and daily inspection are your best defense.
5. Don’t Take Unstable Steps
Fatigue, a full stomach, and a glass of wine can easily impair your balance. Navigating crowded or unfamiliar homes with toys and loose rugs drastically increases the risk of a fall or a severe ankle sprain.
Avoid rushing, always use handrails on stairs, and ensure any dress shoes you wear have stable, non-slip soles.
Your feet are carrying precious cargo… make sure they have a firm footing!
If you’re experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or changes in how you walk, come see the expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!
