Foot Health Awareness

Your feet are the foundation of your body and it is important to keep them healthy. Too often foot issues are left unattended for long periods of time, causing the development of other problems throughout your body. Healthy feet lead to a better quality of life. We also know that early discovery of problems in your feet may help detect the onset of other life-threatening diseases including diabetes and heart disease.

Not all changes to our feet are due to a health issue. As we age, normal changes to our feet take place. As these physical changes occur, shoe sizes and support needs also change and should be addressed.

20 MINUTES TO STAY ACTIVE

Yearly examinations with your Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) podiatrist are important. Your podiatrist will track changes, check for proper sensation and circulation, and call attention to abnormalities. Problems and changes can be addressed. Early detection and treatment of issues help keep you on your feet and active.

Ten Easy Ways to Keep Your Feet Healthy:

• Inspect your feet daily – Look for any changes in the general appearance of the foot, like the color and the texture, unusual swelling and changes in the toenails.
• Practice good foot hygiene - Wash your feet well, and dry them thoroughly afterwards to help prevent issues with bacteria and fungi.
• Moisturize your feet - It is important to hydrate the skin in your feet to replenish all the lost moisture, otherwise fissures can develop.
• Wear appropriate footwear – Make sure to purchase the right size of footwear to avoid bruising or tearing the skin surrounding the pressure points of the feet. Furthermore, buy appropriate shoes for your activities.
• Trim your toenails – Do not create deep curves at the edges and trim to just above the skin. Nails should not extend over the tip of the toe. Cutting nails straight across helps to avoid ingrown nails.
• Change shoes often - It is important to avoid wearing the same shoes every day. Your feet have a lot of sweat glands, and wearing shoes will only absorb the moisture released from these glands. Make it a point to dry your shoes after each and every use.
• Exercise regularly – Exercising is good for your feet. However, make sure you wear the appropriate shoe for the activity. Simple exercises can be done at home, such as walking on a treadmill. Foot exercises improve good pedal circulation, preventing many disorders of the heart and blood vessels
• Do not walk barefoot - Even when at home, always wear the appropriate footwear. There are a lot of harmful microorganisms that can easily enter the bloodstream through the feet
• Apply sunscreen - Applying sunscreen with a considerable amount of SPF will help prevent painful sunburns and blisters.
• See an MPMA podiatrist regularly - If you notice or feel anything unusual in your feet, do not hesitate to see your MPMA podiatrist immediately.

Visit MPMA.org to find MPMA podiatrist in near you.