Your feet – you use them every single day. This holds true no matter if you are simply getting up to get a drink of water or busting out your best moves on the dance floor.
Your feet take you where you need to go so that you can do the things you need to do, from chores to fun times and everything in between. More than that, they allow you to do the things you want to do – the things that contribute to your quality of life!
Indeed, those valuable lower appendages are the foundation of your body.
And as such, when they suffer, you can expect other aspects of your life to be impacted as well.
For example, the well-being of your feet is connected to your overall health – problems in the lower limbs can actually indicate the onset of other, life-threatening medical problems (like diabetes).
Still, too often, our feet are taken for granted and foot issues are ignored until they become a serious problem. But hoping that your feet will get better on their own is one of the biggest mistakes you can make – the longer you wait to seek professional treatment, the harder it will be to fix the problem.
Next thing you know, you are robbed of your mobility and independence – no more enjoying your favorite sports and no more standing in the kitchen to cook your secret recipes, or worse, no more just getting up and going to the bathroom on your own.
Foot conditions can do all of that to you!
So, though it might be easy to overlook foot health, you should always remember that having healthy feet means having a better overall quality of life. And the good news is that there are plenty of simple steps you can take to ensure your feet are kept at tip-top shape!
In fact, things like addressing ill-fitting shoes or using a pair of custom orthotics for better support and foot function can truly be life changing. Even better, these measures aren’t complicated, either!
What are Some Common Foot Conditions?
Now, you may be wondering what are some of the most common foot problems we see at our Texas offices. Well, below are a few:
Achilles tendinitis.
This is an inflammation of the tendon in your heel that results from overuse or a lack of stretching and flexibility.
Plantar fasciitis.
This is an inflammation of the band of tissue in the arch of your foot, and it’s associated with flat feet, lack of flexibility, and/or overuse.
Hammertoes.
This is an inherited ligament imbalance that causes the toes to become deformed and bent.
Bunions.
This is another inherited deformity that causes the bones in your midfoot to sag and point inward while the big toe points outward, causing a large bump to form where the big toe meets the foot.
Fungal toenails.
This one doesn’t need much explaining – but fungal nails are the result of fungi becoming embedded underneath the nail.
Ingrown toenails.
This condition happens when the edge of the nail begins to dig into the surrounding skin.
And, while you might not be able to prevent hammertoes or bunions on your own, you can take appropriate measures to prevent other issues. Let’s find out how!
How Can You Prevent Foot Problems?
The first step in preventing foot problems is to start paying more attention to them. Here are some tips for you to keep in mind when caring for your feet and ankles:
Check your feet every day.
This is especially true if you are living with diabetes. Look for changes in the texture, shape and color of your feet and toenails. (Basically, keep your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary!)
Practice good foot hygiene.
Wash your feet on a daily basis and make sure you dry them thoroughly after you are done, paying special attention to those areas between your toes.
Moisturize your feet.
To reduce your risk of developing dry, cracked skin you should hydrate the skin on your feet after every wash. But keep in mind that you should avoid the areas between your toes (to lower your risk of fungal and bacterial growth).
Wear appropriate footwear.
When you buy new shoes, make sure that they have plenty of room for your toes to move freely and that they provide enough support and cushion.
Trim your toenails the right way.
Make sure you clip your nails straight across and keep them roughly even with the edge of the respective toes.
Alternate between shoes.
You should give your footwear time to dry out completely between before you wear them again. This tip helps you lower your risk of potential fungal contamination.
Exercise regularly.
Keeping your tissues limber will lower your risk for problems that, when left unaddressed, can become quite intense and debilitating in the future. Staying active also promotes better blood flow and can lead to weight loss – which means less pressure and force is placed upon your hardworking feet!
Prop your feet up when sitting down.
Or have a foot massage to stimulate blood flow. Either of these steps will promote healthy circulation throughout your lower limbs.
Avoid socks with tight elastic at the top or ridges.
Wearing these kinds of socks can make it more difficult for oxygenated, nutrient-carrying blood to reach your feet and toes.
And, of course, you should also seek medical care whenever you become aware of anything unusual in your feet or ankles – early intervention is always best for optimal recovery!
So, Is It Time to Come Visit Our Office?
Sure, minor aches after a full day of wearing unsupportive shoes may not call for such action, but other symptoms can be a good indicator of something a little more serious – like a condition which may require professional attention.
If you experience any of the following, it could be a sign that it’s time for you to come see us:
- Severe pain
- Hot and/or swollen feet
- Numbness, burning, and/or tingling
- Painful lumps and/or discoloration
- Bumps and lumps which grow in size
- Persistent wound or sore (does not heal)
- Pain increases with activity and/or does not go away
If you have any of these symptoms, then it is a smart idea to come pay us a visit. Those symptoms may be indicative of a condition that could permanently affect your feet, ankles, calves, knees, and even your hips and lower back.
But there is no need to panic! When caught and treated early, you can avoid further complications and consequential surgeries through conservative treatments.
Do You Need The Help Of An Experienced and Caring Podiatrist? Contact Our El Paso Foot Doctor Today.
If you're experiencing any type of foot pain you should speak with an experienced podiatrist as soon as possible. Please contact us online to schedule your appoinment or call one of our convenient El Paso offices directly. To reach our Sierra Tower Building podiatrist office please call 915.533.5151. You can find driving directions here. To reach our George Dieter Drive podiatry office please call 915.856.3331. Driving directions are available here.
