Holiday stress could be affecting your feet

PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- The holiday season often brings busy schedules, long days on your feet and plenty of stress. But the effects of stress may go beyond your mood — they can also impact your muscles, joints and tendons, including those in your feet.

When the body experiences stress, it releases cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate the body's response to physical and emotional challenges. While cortisol plays an important role, prolonged stress can take a toll on overall health.

Dr. Mehta says cortisol affects multiple systems throughout the body, including the cardiovascular, neurological and musculoskeletal systems.

Even physical activity, such as running a marathon, can trigger a significant release of cortisol.

Dr. Mehta explains that elevated cortisol can also affect the small joints in the feet, along with the surrounding tendons and muscles.

With the holiday season often bringing more shopping, traveling, standing and walking, taking care of your feet is especially important.

Dr. Mehta recommends staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet and finding healthy ways to manage stress.

Proper foot support is another important part of maintaining foot and ankle health. Supportive footwear and quality arch support inserts may help provide additional support, especially during long days spent on your feet.

As the holiday season gets busier, remember that taking care of your overall health also means paying attention to your feet.