Foot Health
Why is foot health important?
Foot health concerns everybody, not just the elderly or infirm. If foot disorders are ignored they can lead to problems carrying out everyday tasks, due to pain or altered gait. For example a younger person with corns or ingrown toenails caused by ill-fitting trainers may start to limp. The change of movement from limping can put pressure on the knees or the hips as the body adjusts to try to compensate for the foot disorder. Older people who start to walk abnormally are at risk of falls and may lose confidence in going outside. There can be huge effects from foot disorders as people may not exercise due to foot pain and they can become overweight or depressed. Nails can grow very long and start to dig into other toes or be very uncomfortable from the pressure of the shoe as the nails get longer. Many people actually do not realise that there is help out there and suffer in silence. This all sounds a bit dramatic but does happen and some of you reading this may recognise themselves.
What do our feet tell us?
We can tell a lot from the condition of our feet. Vascular or neuropathic disease will often show itself as changes in the feet. If your feet feel cold, numb or are swollen this can be a warning of neurovascular disease and you may need immediate attention.
What about diabetics?
Diabetics are particularly at risk as their condition prevents normal healing and sensation due to poor circulation and nerve damage. They may not feel an injury which may go on to cause an infection or an ulcer.
How can we prevent these problems?
Taking care of your feet should not be difficult. You should check your feet every day for wounds and feel them to make sure there is no loss of sensation, are swollen or that they are very cold in certain areas. If you cannot do this yourself, ask your carer or family member to check your feet for you. Keep your nails short and if you cannot do this yourself, ask someone to do it for you or arrange for a professional Foot Health Practitioner to visit. They will check your feet to make sure they are not affecting your health and look for other clues to Neurovascular disease.
Footwear
Tight shoes can cause ingrown or convulated nails with fungal infection
Feet being squeezed into narrow shoes as we grow up can leave lasting effects
Shoes should have a wide toe box to prevent friction injuries to the toes. An adjustable strap across the instep is important as our feet tend to swell during the day. A well fitting strap will also help to keep your shoes in place, preventing them from slipping around as you walk. A good heel support will also help to maintain a snug fit. Soft insoles add cushioning, keeping sore areas at bay