After a long, cold, snowy winter in the Northeast, it's time to get your feet in condition for outside activities that the warm weather affords. Prior to starting a walking program, be sure you wear the correct shoes. Poorly fitting, improper or old/worn shoes are a big reason for foot injuries. If you haven't exercised all winter, start slow and build up both your cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Many over-use type injuries occur from wearing improper shoes or trying to do too much too quickly. Flip-flops should not be worn for walking, like at a mall, boardwalk or amusement park. Excessive use of flip-flops can result in foot injuries like heel pain. Remember, when your feet hurt, you hurt all over. Take care of your feet and they will take care of you.

With cold weather here it is important to take some added precautions with your feet. If spending time in the cold or snow, make sure you wear the appropriate shoes and socks. Socks should be heavy and shoes should be insulated and water proof if there is any chance your feet will get wet. Wet and cold are not a good combination. Cold air outside and forced hot air inside causes the skin to dry out. Be sure to use moisturizing lotion daily, as dry shin can crack open possibly resulting in an infection. Remember if you take care of your feet they will take care of you.

With the holiday shopping season here, it is important to wear good supportive shoe and NOT high heels when shopping. It is not unusual to have tired, swollen, aching feet after a long day shopping. When arriving home, take off your shoes and elevate your feet. Soaking in warm water will be soothing but can cause more swelling. It helps to take breaks, while out shopping, sit on a bench and just rest for 10-15 minutes to recaharge the batteries. Remember there are 4 weeks before Christmas, you don't have to do it all in 1 day. Happy Holidays to all.

When a nail has a fungal infection it will appear thicher and discolored. Fungal nail inections are often caused by an injury to the nail, even a minor injury. It is often only cosmetic but can cause pain and secondary bacterial infection from pressure of a thick nail on the underlying skin or nail bed. The fungal infection can often be treated with an oral medication and in some instances a topical medication may work.

Watching a Raven player break his ankle on the opening kick-off tonight reminded me of when Joe Theisman broke his leg on Monday Night Football many years ago. Talk about pain, OUCH!!!!