New Year, New You: 7 Resolutions for Healthier Feet
Jan 05, 2026
At this time of year, many people are writing New Year’s resolutions they hope to keep until next December. Eat better. Move more. Take better care of themselves. What’s often missing from that list is foot health, even though healthy feet make most other wellness goals more attainable.
When your feet hurt, everything becomes harder: Walking is uncomfortable, exercise feels out of reach, and simply staying active becomes more difficult. That’s why foot care deserves to be much higher on your resolution list than it usually is.
Not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, in San Antonio and Kerrville, Texas, our expert team provides specialized care focused on keeping feet healthy, functional, and pain-free throughout the year.
Here are seven practical resolutions that can help you move through the year with healthier feet. A consultation with one of our specialists can also help tailor these resolutions to your specific needs — especially if you’re already dealing with recurring foot problems.
Many people assume soreness, heel pain, or aching arches are just part of getting older or being on their feet too much. However, foot pain is often an early warning sign of a more serious underlying issue.
What starts as mild discomfort can become chronic inflammation, tendon injury, or joint damage when left untreated. If something in your foot hurts consistently, that’s reason enough to have our doctors check it out.
Poorly fitting or unsupportive shoes place unnecessary stress on your feet and can contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and nerve pain. Supportive shoes help distribute pressure evenly across the foot and reduce strain on muscles and joints.
This doesn’t mean you can never wear fashionable shoes; it does mean, however, that you should ensure the shoes you wear most often support your feet properly. Custom orthotics can give you an even better fit for fully tailored support.
Keeping your feet clean and dry helps prevent common problems such as fungal infections, skin irritation, and nail issues. Drying thoroughly between toes, changing socks regularly, and paying attention to changes in skin or nails can go a long way in preventing problems. Small issues, like cracked skin or discoloration, are easier to treat when caught early.
Many people only see a podiatrist when their foot pain becomes severe. Preventive care allows us to identify structural issues, pressure points, or early signs of conditions that may not yet be painful. Preventive care is especially important if you’re active, spend long hours on your feet, or have medical conditions, such as diabetes, that affect circulation or sensation.
Your feet change over time. Arches can flatten, toes can shift, and circulation can change. Swelling, numbness, color changes, or reduced sensation should not be brushed off. These changes can be signs of underlying conditions that need attention. The sooner they’re evaluated, the better the outcome tends to be.
Your feet are made of muscles, ligaments, and tendons that benefit from regular movement. Gentle stretching and strengthening help improve flexibility, stability, and balance. This can reduce stiffness, improve endurance, and lower your risk of injury.
Foot pain is often misdiagnosed or mistreated with trial-and-error solutions. Internet advice and self-treatment can delay proper care and worsen the problem. A podiatrist can identify the cause of your symptoms and offer treatment solutions that target the underlying issue.
If you want to move through the year with less pain and fewer limitations, make your foot health a priority. Schedule an appointment with our experts at your nearest South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, office in San Antonio or Kerrville, Texas, today.