Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Do your feet hurt? Diseases and disorders of the foot affect the quality of life and mobility of millions of Americans. Studies show that 75 percent of Americans will experience foot health problems at some point in their lifetimes. Yet, many people are unaware of the important relationship between foot health and overall health and well being.

Douglas A. Albreski, DPM, assistant professor of dermatology and director of Podiatric Dermatology Services at the UConn Health Center in Farmington, says, “Your feet mirror your general health. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet.”

UConn Podiatrist Samuel Berkowitz, DPM, adds that regular foot care is essential. “Feet are not supposed to hurt. If they do, a podiatrist can help to alleviate the problem.

Walk. It is the best form of exercise for your feet.

Don’t ignore foot pain. It’s not normal. If the pain persists, see a podiatric physician.

Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature of your feet. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet could indicate athlete’s foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.

Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.

Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners and on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.

Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.

Select and wear the right shoe for the activity you are engaged in (i.e. running shoes for running), and don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day.

Avoid walking barefoot. Your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals always use sunblock on your feet.

Seek medical attention at the first sign of foot injury or infection. Use caution if using home remedies for foot ailments as self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.

Consult a podiatric physician regularly. There are over 300 foot ailments, none of which should be neglected. If you have diabetes it is vital that you see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a checkup.