Celebrating National Foot Health Awareness Month
You probably remember that old song from when you were a kid, “the foot bone’s connected to the ankle bone, the ankle bone’s connected to the leg bone, the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone,” etc. At Caring Podiatry we think National Foot Health Awareness Month is a great time to remind our Monmouth and Middlesex County patients that good foot health isn’t just about your feet.
The Foot-Body Connection
The health of your feet relative to the health of the rest of your body is like a two-way street. The condition of your feet can affect other parts of your body and the health of your body impacts your feet. Below are some examples:
Often, patients who are experiencing knee, hip, or back pain discover the source of the problem is in their feet. If your feet are not aligned and functioning properly it can pass the dysfunction up the line through your lower extremities and to your back. Correcting foot problems can relieve pain in other areas.
Your feet can function as an early warning system for the rest of your body. Many serious medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart and kidney disease, and arthritis may first show signs in your lower extremities.
Keeping your feet healthy enables you to be active and exercise regularly which can aid in a wide range of issues from being overweight to heart disease to depression.
Be Good to Your Feet Tips
Now that you know how important healthy feet are, you’re probably inspired to take extra good care of them. Below are a few ways to improve podiatric health:
Invest in good footwear. The number one way to prevent foot pain is to wear well-made shoes that fit your feet properly. Shoes should feature good arch support and cushioned insoles and heel cups. Get your feet measured periodically as foot size can change. Choose soft, flexible materials and avoid styles with narrow toe boxes and high heels.
Keep feet clean and dry. Washing feet daily and drying them completely will help keep many foot infections at bay. Use an anti-fungal powder or roll-on deodorant if your feet tend to sweat excessively.
Inspect feet daily. Look for any signs such as bruising, swelling, changes in skin or nail color, growths, or unusual sensations such as tingling, burning, or pain. If you detect something that seems not right don’t delay making an appointment at our Monroe Township (609-860-9111) or our Neptune (732-455-8700) office so that our podiatrists, Andrew Schmierer, Craig Shapero, or Mark Fillari can examine your feet and treat any issues they find.
