Feet are highly complex parts of our anatomy that support us and give us the ability to stand, walk and run. They can reflect our general state of health by signaling the onset of serious medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, nerve and circulatory disorders.
Unfortunately, many of us ignore these hard working extremities until problems develop. Begin a regimen of good care today to keep your feet healthy and pain free in the future. Here are some recommendations for happy, healthy feet.
Choosing the right footwear. Poorly fitting shoes can place too much pressure on the skin or position the foot incorrectly. Footwear should support your feet and hold them firmly in place.
Consider these tips when buying shoes. Have your feet measured. Foot width can increase with age so make sure your shoes are the right size. Don”t sacrifice comfort for style. Shoes that are too tight or too high can cause undue pressure to areas of the foot.
Select shoes with cushioned soles. They provide comfort and support, especially if you walk or stand for long periods of time. Most of the problems that I treat can be helped with the right shoes.
Next are some tips for at home foot care. For hygiene, wash feet daily and dry thoroughly. Examine your feet. Look for blisters, cuts and scratches, especially between your toes.
Nail cutting. Keep toenails trimmed. Cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Keep feet warm. Wear stockings or socks and exercise to increase circulation.
Podiatric care. If you develop foot pain, incur an injury or suffer from a hereditary foot problem, you may need to consult a podiatrist. These physicians diagnose and treat a wide variety of foot and lower limb problems.
A qualified podiatrist can diagnose and treat a variety of foot problems including flat feet in children, ankle sprains, tendonitis, diabetic foot ulcers and infections. Sometimes even surgery is necessary and doctors of podiatric medicine can help with this as well.
Matthew McQuaid, DPM is a board certified foot surgeon practicing in Lakeport. He has a particular interest in Mind/Body medicine and its impact on healing. He is an award winning author and teacher. Please share this article with a friend. For more information please call 263-3727 and visit www.drmcquaid.com.
