Put Your Best Foot Forward This National Foot Health Awareness Month

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This month is recognized as National Foot Health Awareness Month and it’s the time when we begin to trade in our boots for sandals and sneakers. This month-long observance helps teach people how to maintain their foot health. So today, Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland is sharing some information regarding proper foot health.

Wear properly fitting footwear. There are so many different kinds of shoes to choose from, how do you find the pair that’s right for your feet?

Interestingly it’s extremely common for a person to have one foot that’s a little bit larger than the other. In these cases, you should fit your shoes to your larger foot. Don’t “break your shoes in” when they are too small. This can often lead to foot blisters and bunions.

Here are some guidelines for a proper fit:

  • The ball of your foot should fit the widest part of your shoe

  • Your shoes should be deep enough and wide enough, so your toes don’t rub on the top of your shoe or rub together

  • There should be ½” between the front of the shoe and your big toe.


While footwear styles come and go, there’s one thing that remains: it’s best to wear shoes that provide proper arch support. You can also purchase inserts to provide further arch support.

In addition, you’ll want to examine your shoes regularly by:

  • Looking for broken or loose straps, cracking, damage to the toe box, or softened soles

  • Switching shoes out after 300 to 500 miles of wear

  • Discarding your shoes when they become so worn that they can no longer be repaired.


Maintain your clean feet. Besides wearing properly fitting footwear, you must maintain proper hygiene to reduce the risk of any foot-related issues.

Protect your feet against infections and injuries by keeping your feet dry and clean by washing them daily with warm water. You can also try using a pumice stone to soften and exfoliate toughened skin from corns or calluses.

Put your best foot forward this National Foot Health Awareness Month by examining your footwear and properly caring for your feet. If you have an injury or any type of foot pain, it’s time to contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, Maryland at (410) 761-3501 today to schedule a consultation.

 

 

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