Archive: July 2007

Who looks after your feet?

The human foot is truly a biological masterpiece. For most people it carries out its function quietly and without complaint - day in and day out. Its flexible but strong design is charged with supporting our body weight in many different postures such as walking, climbing stairs or even jumping.

With the heavy-duty work load they have to endure, our feet need to stay in great condition in order to function properly. Too often, people assume that foot pain and discomfort are normal and acceptable. As a result, many don’t seek help soon enough to prevent long-term damage. The key to foot care is prevention, especially if you have diabetes.

A few everyday precautions can go a long way toward maintaining good foot health:

• Wash your feet daily with warm soap and water, then dry them thoroughly. This can prevent athlete’s foot.
• Wear correct footwear. They don’t have to be expensive, but they need to be supportive and fit correctly. Look for extra cushioning, a seamless upper, extra depth and extra width so your shoes do not put undue pressure on your feet. If your shoes need to be stretched to fit your feet, get this done before you wear them. Your feet should not be stretching out your shoes.
• If you have diabetes, check your feet daily using a mirror. Look for increased redness, open wounds or dark areas. If these problems don’t improve within 24 hours, have them checked by your family physician or a podiatrist.
• Callouses, dry cracking skin or boney deformities need to be monitored and treated. Callouses place increased pressure on the underlying tissues; cracking skin may lead to open sores, and deformities can create pressure on the surrounding tissues. Moisturizers, callous removal by a trained professional, or adaptive footwear can help with these problems.
• Take good care of yourself through proper nutrition and exercise. Taking control of your diabetes, blood pressure or cholesterol problems can mean blood vessels and nerves in your feet and legs will less likely be damaged.

Remember that your feet are an investment for a lifetime. Prevention of problems is the key, but if they occur, then quick and thorough care is warranted. Your physician should always be kept informed of any concerns with your feet.