American Heart Month: February Focus on Your Feet and Heart Connection
Introduction:
February is American Heart Month, and at Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, we focus on the heart’s major role in the health of the feet. American Heart Month is established to bring awareness to living heart-healthy lives, improving healthcare access, and advancing heart disease research and treatment. This month serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of heart disease on our lives, with nearly 700,000 Americans succumbing to its effects annually. However, hope prevails as we underscore the pivotal role of adopting a healthy lifestyle and accessing quality healthcare in preventing heart disease and saving lives.
The Feet and Heart Connection:
At Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, we recognize that your feet play a vital role in indicating your overall health. Despite the physical distance from the heart, they provide essential clues about your cardiovascular well-being. This becomes particularly significant when conditions like peripheral arterial disease strain the heart’s pumping, leading to reduced blood flow to the limbs and resulting in foot pain, swelling, burning sensations or increasing the risk of amputations.
Understanding Foot Health Indicators:
Under the care of Dr. Ho-Ellsworth, your podiatric health is intricately connected to your overall well-being. Foot pain, accompanied by symptoms like decreased temperature, abnormal coloring, or diminishing pulses in the feet, may signal circulatory problems associated with high blood pressure. Non-healing ulcers or open sores on the feet may indicate anemia or vascular disease, underscoring the need for prompt medical attention.
Diabetes and Heart Connection:
For those managing diabetes, transparent communication with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth is crucial. Diabetes can affect the smaller arteries in your feet, causing numbness and increasing the risk of ulcers and infections. Managing diabetes and discussing medications with your podiatrist are essential steps in maintaining foot health and mitigating potential heart-related complications.
Chronic Heart Conditions and Foot Care:
Individuals with chronic heart conditions, such as rheumatic heart disease, must be vigilant about medication interactions and disclose their medical history to Dr. Ho-Ellsworth. Maintaining optimal foot care is a shared goal at Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, where Dr. Ho-Ellsworth is dedicated to providing compassionate care and comprehensive explanations of diagnoses, treatments, and medications.
Vascular Insight: ABI/TBI Studies at Align Foot & Ankle Clinic:
Aligned with American Heart Month, Align Foot & Ankle Clinic offers in-office ABI/TBI studies to unveil potential peripheral artery disease (PAD). These studies are pivotal, especially for patients managing high-risk diabetes, poor circulation, PAD, and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). These non-invasive tests, part of our holistic approach led by Dr. Ho-Ellsworth, assess blood flow efficiency from the heart to the feet. Regular checkups, including these studies, are vital for comprehensive foot care. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth prioritizes holistic health and collaborates with other providers to ensure your heart and vascular health are given the utmost attention, emphasizing proactive measures for your overall well-being.
Conclusion:
As we navigate the path beyond American Heart Month, let the awareness cultivated here guide your steps towards ongoing heart and foot health. Regular checkups, including ABI/TBI studies, remain vital components of comprehensive foot care, ensuring that your holistic well-being is prioritized. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth, dedicated to compassionate care and thorough explanations, is here to support your journey toward lasting health. Wanting to take the first steps to your foot health? Contact our office at (512) 882-4911 or schedule an appointment on our website. Contact our office at (512) 882-4911 or schedule an appointment on our website. Don’t forget to check out our socials for valuable insights and updates:
