When you think about New Year’s health goals, your feet probably aren’t at the top of the list, but maybe they should be. Your feet carry you through every workout, workday, vacation, and family gathering.
So why not start off 2026 with healthier feet so you stay active — but comfortable — all year long? To kick off the new year, our expert team at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center shares five resolutions that can help your feet stay healthy and pain-free.
Fashion shouldn’t come at the cost of foot pain. Shoes with poor arch support, narrow toe boxes, or worn-out soles can contribute to heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine encourages you to replace your shoes:
When it’s time for new shoes, look for footwear with proper cushioning, arch support, a wide toe box, and a stable heel. This is especially important if you’re on your feet all day or staying active.
You should also find shoes that match your desired sport. For example, wear cross-trainers when you do a lot of HIIT classes, running shoes if you run, and basketball shoes if you regularly shoot hoops.
Tip: Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen. Shopping too early in the day can mean you try on your shoes before your feet have had a chance to warm up.
Proper foot hygiene isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s a “must.” And it goes a long way toward preventing problems.
Trim your toenails straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown nails, keep your feet clean and dry, and use moisturizer to prevent cracked heels. Don’t put lotion between your toes, though, because it can increase your risk of fungal issues.
If you notice thickened, discolored nails or persistent skin issues, see a podiatrist at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle who can identify and treat fungal infections or other concerns before they worsen.
Just like the rest of your body, your feet benefit from regular movement. Gentle stretching can improve their flexibility, reduce stiffness, and help prevent common issues like heel pain, ankle pain, and arch strain. For example, always move and stretch your ankles before running.
But the order you do stretching and exercise matters!
Bonus: Strengthening the muscles in your feet and ankles also improves your balance and lowers your risk of injury, especially if you’re starting a new fitness routine in 2026.
Foot pain isn’t “just part of getting older” or something you should push through. Ongoing pain, stiffness, numbness, or swelling can signal issues like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or stress injuries. Sports-related foot pain isn’t something to ignore, either.
Pain and swelling aren’t the only things to look for. Inspect your feet daily for any signs of wounds or sores, blisters, or dry, cracked heels. These issues may not hurt right now, but they can spiral into bigger issues if left unattended.
Preventive care isn’t just for your primary doctor. When you visit us, our team can catch problems early, assess your foot mechanics, and provide personalized guidance for footwear, orthotics, or treatment if needed.
This is especially important if you have diabetes, circulation issues, or a history of foot pain. Regardless of what you think is causing your discomfort, let us know. The earlier you talk to us about your foot problems, the sooner you can get started on the right treatment.
If foot pain, nail issues, or walking discomfort are holding you back, the team at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle is here to help you achieve healthier feet. We’re located in Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Thornton, Evergreen, or South Granby, Colorado.
Schedule an appointment today and make 2026 the year that you put your best foot forward.
