|
Your feet and ankles are made of a
complex set of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles,
tendons, and ligaments that allow you run, walk, skip, dance,
and more. Before you do any of these activities, podiatrist Ana
Urukalo, D.P.M., of The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, has some
simple tips to keep you in lockstep with healthier, happier
feet.
If the shoe fits, wear it!
With springtime on tap, you may be ready to break out those
sandals, flip-flops, or hiking boots. Before you put them on,
it’s a good idea to inspect them for wear. One of the biggest
factors in poor foot health is wearing worn-out shoes that no
longer provide ample cushioning or support. This can lead to a
painful condition called tendonitis, in which a key tendon in
the foot becomes strained or inflamed, and could even rupture.
Even if the shoes fits, as the saying goes, it’s still a good
idea to check for uneven wear patterns on the sole, because such
marks could indicate an improper gait or excessive pronation of
your feet. If your feet are sore, it could simply be a bad shoe
that needs replacing, Dr. Urukalo says.
When buying new shoes, always make sure they are comfortable and
properly fitted for the unique length, width, and arch of your
foot.
“Everyone’s feet are slightly
different, and that means not every shoe is going to fit
properly,” Dr. Urukalo explains. “Finding the right pair of
shoes is one of most important things you can do for your feet.”
Common foot failures
Foot ailments can be more serious
than the common blister. Some problems—among them tendonitis and
plantar fasciitis—can turn a leisurely stroll into a painful
trudge.
“There are all sorts of ways your
feet might be telling you something is wrong,” Dr. Urukalo says.
“The important thing is to make sure you listen to what they are
saying, and take appropriate action to make them happy again.”
In many cases, a visit to the
podiatrist is a good option because he or she may be able to
quickly find a solution to your foot problem, Dr. Urukalo adds.
Here is a look at a few of the most common conditions, as well
as their cause and treatment:
• Plantar Fasciitis. This painful
inflammation of the bottom of the heel or arch may be caused by
excessive weight gain, a bony growth on the heel, muscle
imbalance, high or low arched feet, improper shoe wear, or
excessive activity. Exercising and stretching the feet daily may
relieve symptoms, as well as wearing shoes that have strong arch
supports.
• Tendonitis. This condition often
afflicts athletes who put a lot of pressure on their feet, but
worn-out or improperly fitting shoes can cause this problem as
well. Ice and rest may provide some relief, but in some cases
support devices and anti-inflammatory drugs may be needed.
• Blisters. The friction caused by
shoes that don’t fit properly, or are too stiff, can sometimes
cause painful blisters to sprout. Popping a blister isn’t a good
idea, as it can lead to infection. But you can cover it with a
bandage. The best preventative measure is to make sure you keep
your feet dry, and wear socks with properly-fitted shoes.
• Nail fungus. If your toenails
become thickened, discolored, loose, or deformed, it may be due
to a nail fungus brought on by athlete’s foot. The best remedy
is to talk to a podiatrist for treatment options, as there are
many effective medications for nail fungus.
• Ingrown toenails. Redness, pain,
or swelling around the nails is often due to ingrown toenails.
This can occur for several reasons, such as improper nail
trimming, or it can be a result of a hereditary condition such
as flat foot.
• Bunions. There are many possible
causes of bunions, but these bumps at the base of the big toe
can make it very painful to walk. Bunions can be surgically
removed by a podiatrist in certain situations.
• Bromohidrosis. This medical term
basically means chronic foot odor, and it is caused by excessive
perspiration. Ways to curb this condition include frequent foot
washing, and rubbing cornstarch or spraying antiperspirant onto
the soles of the feet.
“Clearly, the foot is a very
sophisticated anatomical structure that gives us the freedom to
walk in the park, dance the night away, or hike up a mountain,”
Dr. Urukalo says. “As with anything complex, things can and do
go wrong. If you find yourself with a foot problem, talk to your
podiatrist and they may be able to get you back on your feet
again.”
|
