| The
human foot has been called the mirror of health.
Foot doctors, or doctors of podiatric medicine
(DPMs), are often the first doctors to see signs
of such systemic conditions as diabetes, arthritis,
and circulatory disease in the foot. Among these
signs are dry skin, brittle nails, burning and
tingling sensations, feelings of cold, numbness,
and discoloration. Always seek professional care
when these signs appear.
Foot
Problems Can Be Prevented
For reasons that are difficult to fathom, many
people, including a lot of older people, believe
that it is normal for the feet to hurt, and simply
resign themselves to enduring foot problems that
could be treated. There are more than 300 different
foot ailments. Some can be traced to heredity,
but for an aging population, most of these ailments
stem from the cumulative effect of years of neglect
or abuse. However, even among people in their
retirement years, many foot problems can be treated
successfully, and the pain of foot ailments relieved.
Whether
due to neglect or abuse, the normal wear and tear
of the years causes changes in feet. As persons
age, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty
pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Additional
weight can affect the bone and ligament structure.
Older people, consequently, should have their
feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently,
rather than presuming that their shoe sizes remain
constant. Dry skin and brittle nails are other
conditions older people commonly face. Finally,
it's a fact that women, young and old, have four
times as many foot problems as men, and high heels
are often the culprits.
Observing
preventive foot health care has many benefits.
Chief among them are that it can increase comfort,
limit the possibility of additional medical problems,
reduce the chances of hospitalization because
of infection, and lessen requirements for other
institutional care.
Foot
Health Tips: |
| • |
Properly
fitted shoes are essential; an astonishing
number of people wear shoes that don't fit
right, and cause serious foot problems. |
| •
|
A
shoe with a firm sole and soft upper is
best for daily activities. |
| •
|
Shop
for shoes in the afternoon; feet tend to
swell during the day. |
| •
|
Walking
is the best exercise for your feet. |
| • |
Pantyhose
or stockings should be of the correct size
and preferably free of seams. |
| • |
Do
not wear constricting garters or tie your
stockings in knots. |
| • |
Never
cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket
knife, or other such instrument; use over-the-counter
foot products only with the advice of a
podiatrist. |
| • |
Moisturize
your feet daily, however, not between the
toes. |
| • |
Test
the water temperature with your hand. |
| • |
Trim
or file your toenails straight across. |
| • |
Inspect
your feet every day or have someone do this
for you. If you notice any redness, swelling,
cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your
podiatrist. |
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