What do your feet say about you? Chances are if your feet are starting to hurt, there is a problem. While most people experience foot fatigue at the end of a long day or occasional pain due to ill-fitting shoes, constant pain or damage needs to be checked completely by foot specialists or podiatrists to ensure there is nothing wrong. Read on to learn when should you see a podiatrist
What Do Podiatrists Do?
Your feet go through a lot during the day. They support you and get from A to B, so ensuring they are well cared for and healthy can help you avoid any permanent damage. Your feet need care just like any other area of your body. You have a quarter of the bones in your entire body in your feet, in addition to a variety of muscles, ligaments, and joints in your feet. As a result, they are particularly vulnerable to damage and disease, affecting the entire body.
Podiatrists are medical professionals who are well-versed in the structure and movement of the foot and lower limbs. These professionals can diagnose foot issues, identify systemic general health conditions manifesting in the foot or lower limb discomfort, and recommend appropriate treatment solutions.
A podiatrist will not only examine your foot but will also perform a biomechanical assessment to see whether your gait is influencing other parts of your body, such as your hips (your gait is how you walk).
When Should You See A Podiatrist?
You are not required to be experiencing foot pain to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. A benefit of seeing a Podiatrist is that they can educate you on foot health and help you avoid difficulties in the future. An experienced Podiatrist can provide you with valuable advice even before you have a complaint about your feet, such as preventing the development of foot problems that are preventable in the first place.
In addition, the Podiatrist may educate you on how to take care of your feet on your own; self-care is beneficial when you are armed with the proper information on how to do so safely and successfully.
There are many different types of foot conditions you can be experiencing that would facilitate a trip to see a foot specialist including;
- Verrucas
- Athletes Foot
- Flat Foot
- Gait Issues
- Pain or discomfort
- Ingrown Toenails
- General Nail Care
- Fungal Toenails
- Calluses or Hard Skin
How Best To Care For Your Feet?
You can do different things daily to ensure your feet remain in good condition and are well cared for and supported to reduce problems and pain.
- Wear correctly fitted shoes that are not only the right size but the right width too can be helpful to avoid pain and bunions from shoes that are too small.
- Avoid walking around barefooted, wear slippers and supportive footwear to protect your feet from damage from the floor.
- Clean and dry your feet thoroughly and inspect them weekly for dry, flaky skins, sores, bruises, or anything that looks out of the ordinary so you can rectify any problems before they get too severe.
Now that you know all the factors that can lead you to see a podiatrist, you can keep your feet comfortable and your whole body healthy and performing at its best.
To a Fitter Healthier You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor