Feet today get more attention than they ever did in the past. Technology has enabled society to grow to the point where you have the time and money to care about the issues that happen with your feet.

Do you know everything that’s important to know about foot and ankle care? Here are some things to be aware of that maybe you haven’t thought about:

1. Bunions Get So Painful Patients Ask for Their Toes to Be Amputated

You’re much better taking care of a painful bunion now rather than later. The pain and discomfort it causes only gets worse, and more painful and expensive to fix.

If you have issues caused by bunions, get those taken care of now.

2. Over-the-Counter Custom Orthotics Are Good…But Not Great

OTC custom orthotics do help with arch support and padding, so you do feel more comfortable with them. However, they’re nothing like the orthotics podiatrists can make after taking a mold of your feet.

These precision molds correct the specific mechanics of the way you walk. That means lasting comfort you can’t get with over-the-counter custom orthotics.

3. Many Patients Who Experience Foot And Ankle Injuries Go Straight to the Surgeon…But Don’t Need To

Orthopedic surgeons may make sense if they have specific training in foot and ankle injuries. However, in most cases, you’re better off going to a podiatrist first.

You may be able to avoid the pain and discomfort of surgery, insurance hassles, and the larger financial costs. Your foot or ankle injury may be entirely treatable to the point of full recovery without any of that!

4. Running Barefoot is Fine…But Only on Sand

Barefoot running has become more popular of late. It’s fine to do at the beach. But do it on concrete, and you’re asking for stress fractures and painful inflammation.

You may also have to make an unexpected trip (or trips) to your podiatrist. Go ahead and run barefoot – just be smart about where you do it.

5. Be Smart about How You Wear Flip-Flops

Wearing flip-flops all day every day greatly increases your chances of ending up at a podiatrist’s office.

Flip-flops are not designed for walking long distances. If you want to walk long distances, find another comfortable form of footwear designed specifically for such a purpose.

Flip-flops are fine to wear for short distances – simply from your house to your car, and then from your car to the pool or beach.

6. The Best Socks Wick Moisture Away

Cotton socks are not the best socks. They hold onto moisture from your feet. In turn, that makes it more likely your feet will grow a fungus.

You’ve heard of moisture wicking workout clothes – so look for the same in socks.

Those are just some facts your podiatrist wants you to know. You can save your feet serious pain and discomfort, and your wallet a good chunk of money, by following them.