A recent study by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) reports that an astounding 72% of Americans cite foot pain as the reason they don’t exercise. The same study revealed that while Americans view their feet as the least important body part for their overall health, feet were the number one body part to experience pain.
So how do you know when it’s time to seek the help of a foot professional?
Kathleen Stone, APMA president Kathleen Stone, DPM, says everyone should consider consulting with a podiatrist. “Podiatrists are physicians, surgeons and specialists who treat diseases, injuries, and deformities of the foot and ankle,” Stone said. “We should be a part of everyone’s healthcare team, but it is especially important for those experiencing regular foot pain to seek care from a podiatrist,” she explained.
Here are three signs that your feet are begging for some professional help:
Thickened, Discolored, Loose, or Deformed Toenails
Tonails that have thickened or become discolored, loose or deformed are a sign of a fungal infection. These symptoms usually result from the spread of athlete’s foot, but they can also signal more serious conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.
Consult a podiatrist, who may prescribe medication and other treatments to solve the problem. Keralac gel and Lamasil tablets, two of the most common treatments, carry the APMA Seal of Approval. Both treatments are inexpensive and usually effective.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common reasons for a visit to the podiatrist. Redness, pain and swelling around the toenail are the warning signs of this painful and potentially dangerous condition. Podiatrists point to a variety of causes for ingrown toenails, including improper trimming of toenails, excessive pressure on the feet from tight-fitting shoes, heredity and trauma.
Consult a podiatrist, who can prescribe medication and perhaps perform minor surgery to treat any infection and prevent future problems. Also, avoid tight-fitting shoes and socks, and inspect your toenails daily for symptoms. You can help avoid ingrown toenails by trimming your nails straight across and not rounding their edges.
Heel or Arch Pain
Pain in the bottom of the heel or in the arch of the foot is a warning sign that your feet are bearing excessive pressure. Often caused by weight gain or a sudden increase in activity, plantar fasciitis, the usual culprit for this type of pain, can result from a variety of other causes. A bony overgrowth in the heel, imbalanced muscles, low or high arched feet, and improperly fitting footwear can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Podiatrists are experts in treating plantar fasciitis. In some cases, medication and rest are the appropriate treatment. In other cases, a podiatrist’s examination may uncover the need for orthotics or other treatments.
Conclusion
Podiatrists agree that, whatever the symptoms, Americans fail to pay proper attention to their feet. By paying attention to the warning signs of foot problems, you can forestall more serious health issues and get back to leading an active, pain-free life.
Sources:
http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/Tip-Sheets.aspx
http://www.coastalpodiatry.com/library/1732/WhenToCallaDoctor.html