Foot Health Awareness

Years of wear and tear, disease, bad circulation, poorly trimmed toenails and wearing ill-fitting shoes can all cause foot problems and discomfort. Foot problems can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and nerve or circulatory disorders. April is Foot Health Awareness Month, a perfect time to understand practices for better foot care.

Practice good foot care

Use a mirror and look at your feet often. Search the bottoms of the feet for cuts, blisters and ingrown toenails. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask a caregiver or loved one. The health of your feet is very important!

If you have diabetes, check your feet for cuts, blisters and ingrown toenails daily. Remember to elevate feet when resting to help improve circulation. Stretching, walking, and a foot massage can also help improve foot circulation. Both diabetes and peripheral artery disease can cause poor blood flow to the feet, which can cause scrapes or bruises to become infected more easily. Always check with your doctor if you develop a sore on your foot that does not heal.

Always remember to wear shoes outdoors and make sure each foot is completely dry before putting on shoes. If you are sitting for a significant amount of time, stand up and move around regularly. If you have a problem with your feet, your family doctor can help, or you can seek advice from a podiatrist, a doctor who treats feet.

Make sure shoes fit

Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can prevent many foot problems. Consider these tips for proper foot care:

· Shoe size may change as you age. Always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.

· Most individuals have one foot that is larger than the other. Buy shoes to fit the larger foot.

· Always try on shoes before purchasing. Shoe sizes can vary between brands and styles.

· Walk in shoes before purchasing. The shoe heel should not slide when you walk.

· Select shoes that are shaped like your foot. High heels and pointed toes can hurt your feet.

· Leave about a half inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe when standing.

· Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.

· Don’t buy shoes that feel too tight and hope they will stretch.

· The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material.

· Soles should give solid footing with no slip.

Good foot care and regular foot checks are an important part of health care. Your doctor should look at your feet often. If you have foot problems, speak with a health care professional.

MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing, offers care services that are customized to the individual needs and expectations of the client, patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call us at 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.