3 Things You Can Control to Help Your Feet
Our feet need to be cared for just as much as any other part of our body. As we grow and change, our feet do as well. Throughout the process though, there are things we can do to help ensure that we have the healthiest feet possible. The following three areas are ones that are within our control:
1. Wearing well-fitting shoes. Every-day shoes are just as important as shoes that you only wear for certain sports or activities. For shoes that you’re wearing out during the day, make sure they fit right and don’t squish your toes together (this could cause bunions). If you’re looking for a good athletic shoe, chat with the clerk at a sports shop or do some extra research online to find the best equipment.
2. Maintaining a healthy weight. Our feet take a lot of pressure every day. Inside them are 26 bones, 33 joints, and an innumerable amount of muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments all working to support our body. When we are carrying a little extra weight proportionate to what our feet are used to supporting, it can cause foot issues. Being overweight can be directly linked to plantar fasciitis (heel pain), flatfoot, and peripheral arterial disease, just to name a few. Plus, as you age, extra weight tends to push your feet slightly outward which can change your overall gait. Check with your doctor about getting started on a healthy meal plan.
3. Keeping blood sugar levels normal. When you don’t keep your blood sugar levels in check, it can cause diabetes. Diabetic patients encounter a whole slew of potential foot issues. An elevated blood glucose level can damage your nerves and blood vessels. That could cause loss of sensation in your feet, which would make healing difficult. For diabetic patients, the risk of amputation from uncontrolled blood sugar levels is a real scenario.
Granted, there are some things that are out of our control. Our genes, for instance – sometimes life deals a band hand …err, foot. The shape of your foot that you inherit from your parents or their parents can sometimes just be a little “off.” While anatomical deformities are quite common amongst feet, depending on the severity, it could cause issues as you age. Speaking of aging, our feet naturally show a lot of wear and tear as we climb in years. Corns, calluses, gout, circulation issues, and especially arthritis become common just from aging.
What we recommend here at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC is to keep an eye on your feet and spring into action at the first sign of trouble. Dr. David R. Sullivan is always available to answer any questions. To schedule an appointment, request one online or call us at (317) 896-6655.