By the time we’re 50, estimates are we’ve trekked 75,000 miles–roughly three times around the globe. No wonder our feet hurt. According to a recent survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association, more than four in 10 Americans think occasional foot pain is normal. That belief can be costly. Each year, people with diabetes undergo 86,000 lower-extremity amputations. Many of these could have been avoided through early identification and treatment of foot pain. Even problems like athlete’s foot, bunions, corns and ingrown toenails can force us off our feet. That needn’t happen if we follow a few simple foot-care tips.
Inspect your feet and lower legs regularly. Be especially alert to persistent changes in color, temperature and appearance, including swelling, shiny skin and loss of hair. All are signs of possible circulatory problems, which greatly increase the risk of complications from infections. As part of your inspection, look closely at your toenails. Are they discolored or thickened, indicating perhaps a fungal or other infection? Are any ingrown–digging into the soft tissue of the nail grooves? Toenails are also harbingers of more general health problems. Nails rounding inward instead of outward, for example, may be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia. Whatever your foot inventory reveals, if you’re puzzled by what you see or if it persists and gets worse, consult your doctor or a foot-care specialist. This is a must for people with diabetes.
Practice prevention. Putting socks and shoes on wet feet, for example, creates a friendly environment for bacteria and fungi. Proper shoe selection is vital, too. Match the shoe to the activity: boating shoes may be fine for low-impact activities, but use them for a serious walk and you’re asking for trouble.
Stay informed. Check out the American Podiatric Medical Association’s site (apma.org). Other sources of advice include the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (aapsm.org) and the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine (acfaom.org). Take their tips and you’ll be ready for the next 75,000 miles.
