Diseases, disorders and disabilities of the foot or ankle affect the quality of life and mobility of millions of Americans. However, the general public and even many physicians are unaware of the important relationship between foot health and overall health and well-being. With this in mind, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) would like to share a few tips to help keep feet healthy as Americans step into the new millennium.
Don't ignore foot pain — it's not normal. If the pain persists, see a podiatric physician.
Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature of your feet. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet could indicate athlete's foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.
Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.
Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
Select and wear the right shoe for the activity that you are engaged in (i.e. running shoes for running).
Alternate shoes — don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
Avoid walking barefooted — your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals always use sunblock on your feet as the rest of your body.
Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments; self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.
If you are a person with diabetes it is vital that you see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a check-up.
March 2000 Vol. 1 #1 Table of Contents
