THE AWARENESS MONTH YOUR FEET DESERVE
APRIL IS FOOT HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, AND IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TAKING CARE OF YOUR FEET AND ANKLE AND HOW IT IMPACTS YOUR ENTIRE BODY!
April is Foot Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to learn more about taking care of your lower extremities. Podiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in treating conditions that affect the feet and ankles. They are here to help you maintain good foot health so that you can continue to live an active lifestyle without any hindrance.
One of the most common issues treated by podiatrists is foot injuries. Whether it’s a sprained ankle or a stress fracture, these injuries can be debilitating and require proper diagnosis and treatment. Podiatrists have extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the feet and ankles, which enables them to provide effective treatments for even the most complex injuries. Additionally, podiatrists can recommend preventive measures such as suitable footwear, custom orthotics, and exercise programs that will help reduce your risk of future injuries.
Some valuable tips to keep your feet healthy are:
1. No barefoot walking
One easy tip is to avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces like concrete or pavement, as this can cause strain on your feet and lead to injury, pain or conditions like plantar fasciitis and capsulitis, just to name a few. The debris and dirt on the grounds can cause injury if walking barefoot. This is particularly important if your are diabetic or have diminished feeling (peripheral neuropathy). Be sure to wear sturdy shoes that support and protect your feet!
2. Stretching
It’s also important to exercise your feet by stretching regularly, as this helps improve circulation and flexibility. Simple stretches like pointing and flexing your toes or rolling a tennis ball under your feet can make a big difference. If you’re standing or walking for long periods of time, make sure to take breaks every hour or so. This will give your feet a chance to rest and prevent fatigue.
3. Wear supportive shoes
People often think that flat shoes are better for your feet, however they lack support and stability and should not be worn regularly. The thicker the sole, the more protection and support and this is key to preventing chronic foot pain or injuries.
4. If you’re having any type of foot problems, whether it be wounds, ingrown toenails, an injury, or any type of pain, don’t delay in seeking care. It’s often best to address problems early on for a better outcome, than waiting, or delaying treatment, which could further compromise or complicate the healing process.
Why seek out a podiatrist for your foot problems?
First, podiatrists have extensive training and experience in treating foot and ankle problems that other doctors may not be as familiar with. They can provide comprehensive care that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of these issues.
Second, visiting a podiatrist can help patients avoid complications from untreated foot problems such as infections or more serious conditions like diabetic ulcers. Podiatrists are equipped with the knowledge to diagnose and treat these ailments early on before they escalate into more severe issues that could result in complex infections!
Lastly, podiatrists play an essential role in helping patients achieve optimal health by providing preventative care services such as routine check-ups, vascular screenings, neurological assessments of the lower extremities, and your overall skeletal alignment that could be contributing to conditions like heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammerstoes, and many other foot and ankle problems.
At Align Foot & Ankle, we perform a comprehensive foot and ankle examination ans provide patient education on proper footwear choices that specifically suit your needs.
Call us today and schedule a consultation!
