Podiatrists are partners in lifelong foot care
By Dr. Asef
Routine health checks, along with a good diet, regular exercise and an overall healthy lifestyle are often cited as key points to a long, healthy life. Many individuals schedule regular visits with medical professionals for dental and eye exams, and routine physicals including screening tests.
One specialist that more individuals should consider visiting before problems occur is a podiatrist, or a physician of podiatric medicine. Just as regular visits with a family physician may uncover high blood pressure before it causes permanent damage, a podiatrist can identify physical characteristics that can lead to potentially debilitating foot problems.
A visit to a podiatrist should include a check of circulation, foot structure, including the structure of bones, posture and a thorough examination for other conditions. If left unattended, especially in someone with poor circulation or diabetes, infection or another seemingly mild condition, can develop into a serious concern.
By the time the average person reaches the age of 50, he or she has walked the equivalent of several trips around the world. Many aspects of daily life including various professions may create additional strain on the feet. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or water, pressure form shoes, long periods of sitting, or smoking can reduce blood flow to the feet. Even sitting with legs crossed or wearing tight, elastic garters or socks can affect circulation.
Podiatrists encourage individuals of any age to practice some simple steps to prevent or reduce foot ailments. Foot width may increase with age. When purchasing shoes, always get measured and try on both shoes. Buy shoes toward the end of the day, so they will remain comfortable when feet swell. On a general basis, individuals who are seated a lot should raise their feet to ease circulation, as well as taking a break to walk and stretch. Walking and other forms of exercise promote good circulation. A gentle massage and warm foot baths can also increase circulation to the feet.
Various foot problems can occur at any time of the year, depending on an individual's activities and specific footwear throughout the year. The more common foot problems include the following:
- Fungal and bacterial conditions - including athlete's foot - occur because the feet are usually enclosed in a dark, damp, warm environment. These infections can cause redness, blisters, peeling and itching. While these problems can seem very common, if they are not treated promptly, infections can become chronic and difficult to cure.
- Dry skin can cause itching and burning. Mild soap should be used sparingly and a body lotion used on legs and feet daily. Choose moisturizers that contain petroleum jelly or lanolin.
- Corns and calluses are caused by friction and pressure of bony areas rubbing against shoes. While numerous over-the-counter medications care available to reduce or destroy the tissue, they do not take care of the cause. It can even be dangerous for corn sufferers to treat themselves especially if they have circulation problems.
- Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. They are sometimes painful and if untreated, may spread. Since over-the-counter medications rarely provide a cure, a physician can provide proper medications or remove it permanently.
- Bunions develop when big toe joints are out of line and become swollen and tender. Poor fitting shoes may cause or add to the problem. A physician can provide relief through injection of certain medication or make corrections surgically.
- Ingrown toenails are caused by improperly trimmed nails and cause a break in the skin.
- Hammertoes are caused when the tendons that control toe movements begin to shorten. The toe knuckle draws the toe back, becoming enlarged and stiff as it rubs the shoe.
Foot problems that were previously untreatable can now be eliminated. Today, podiatrists can eliminate many problems and prevent many others with regular treatment and lifestyles.
For more information, contact Dr. Asef at 953-1003.
|
