5 Indications That Your Feet Need A Podiatrist Right Away

Your feet are probably one of the most overworked yet under appreciated parts of the body. You may not realize how important they are until they suffer from dysfunction, discomfort or pain. Suddenly, even walking may seem like an uphill task. Most people do not see a podiatrist until the problem becomes unbearable. But this delay can spell trouble for your feet, and at times, even to your overall health. Here are five indications that need the immediate attention of a podiatrist:

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      1. Conditions affecting your normal activity:

If you experience pain in your feet every time you move around to perform normal activities, you may have a foot injury that has not healed properly. Without prompt and proper treatment, this injury can get worse over time and may make it increasingly difficult to live your normal, active life.

      2. Structural problems with bones, muscles and more:

Structural problems with bones, muscles and different connective tissues do not heal themselves. Instead, they only get worse if left untreated. These problems often happen due to mechanical dysfunctions that can lead to protruding bony prominence and gradual shift in the bone alignment. Once these things happen in one part of your body, they can impact other areas significantly, especially when they are connected just like how your feet, knees, ankles, and hips are. These appendages can trigger crucial discomfort in your overall health, since you walk upright on the feet.

      3. Numbness, tingling or burning sensations:

These things can be symptoms of neuropathy that can trigger decreased sensation in the feet. If your feet feel numb rarely, it should not be a big cause for concern. But if they are happening quite regularly, you should head straight to a podiatrist. If the numbness is accompanied by burning or tingling sensation, it can be a sign of nerve damage – a condition that diabetics are particularly susceptible to. Diabetic neuropathy is something that needs immediate attention of a podiatrist. Or else, it can put you at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers.

      4. Sore or wounds that refuse to heal

If you have a wound or an open sore on the ankle or foot, you should see your podiatrist. This is  particularly important if you have diabetes because such conditions would then take longer to heal. You will have a better chance of timely healing if you consult a podiatrist immediately and get the recommended treatment started. If you have an open sore for a prolonged time, your risk of getting a bone or skin infection increases.

      5. A lump/bump/mole that grows or hurts

A mole that bleeds, gets bigger, or changes color needs to be examined by a podiatrist closely to identify the key reason. A bump or lump that hurts and grows should also be looked at by a podiatrist. It may turn out to be a sort of cyst, but there is also a probability of it being something more hazardous like a tumor. Though tumors in the feet are rare, they do occur sometimes.

The health of the feet is crucial to your overall wellbeing. Podiatrists have years of professional training under their belts, making them highly qualified to care for your feet. No matter how small your ankle or foot condition is, if you observe any of these conditions, it is important to have your podiatrist diagnose the problem right away so as  to that ensure your quality of life doesn’t get comprised.

Know how Nutrition Affects Foot Conditions

Nutrition is often associated with weight loss or heart problem. However, the fact is diet can affect any of your body parts and feet are no exception too. This is simply because the foot is connected to the rest of your body. Thus, what you intake either strengthens or weakens the foot. So, if you are really worried about constant foot problems then it is time to take a look at your diet chart.

When it comes to foot ailments, inflammation and pain are quite common. People often experience heel pain which is caused by inflammation of the plantar fasciitis i.e., a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot connecting heel bone to your toes.  Then there are many who suffer from arch pain/ strain and also heel spur. According to expert podiatrists, painful foot and inflammation can result from excessive intake of some specific foods like:-

• Junk or baked items that contain refined grains, trans-fat and sugar
• Red meat which is rich in saturated fat
• Vegetable oils that are commonly used as cooking media like corn, sunflower or soybean oils; these contain high level of Omega-6 fats
• Sweets, pasta and white flour that directly impact blood sugar level

Excessive intake of sugar, saturated or Omega-6 fat can play havoc with the body system thus directly impacting your feet. Those suffering from high blood sugar might experience foot swelling and pain. Foot inflammation can also occur from some food related chronic allergic reactions. As per a recent study, obesity too has some connection with foot pain/inflammation. So, it is very important to follow a healthy diet chart that should ideally include:-

• Green vegetables and fresh fruits
• Whole grains
• Legumes/ beans
• Nuts and seeds
• Lean meats
• Fatty fishes like salmon or fish oil supplements that are rich in omega-3 fats

As is evident from the above chart, the main emphasis is on a wholesome and balanced diet. Green vegetables and Omega-3 work as anti-inflammatory agents. Then Omega-3 is highly effective in preventing peripheral artery disease. Food items like whole grains, beans or lean meat work best for diabetic patients.

If in doubt whether your foot problem has direct connection with your food habit, then the best way to affirm is by consulting any renowned podiatrist. He will help in preparing the right diet chart after assessing your specific foot conditions.

How to Prevent Foot Problems During Summer

Summer, the month of excruciating heat and uncomfortable sweat, brings with it itching skin problems. However, very few know that this is the season when several foot conditions raise their heads too. Your foot remains sweaty most of the time which results in infections like athlete’s foot or warts. Blisters are also quite common during summer. Thus it is very important to know how to keep your feet in proper shape during warmest months of the year.

Be careful of hard or cracked skin

If you have this idea that cracked skin happens in winter only, then think again! Those who love to wear back-open sandals or flip-flops might develop hard or cracked skin around the heels.  The only cure of this problem is to rub away the hard skin and then moisturize it thoroughly to soften the heel area.

Banish those Blisters

Painful blisters often strike during summer; mainly caused by continuous rubbing of sandals or flip-flops between toes. Thus the best way to prevent summer blisters is by keeping your feet dry and wearing sandals that fit well. Also try to give your tired foot ample rest and protect it from the extreme weather.

Trim your Toe Nails

Trim or file your toenails regularly. While doing so, don’t make it too short or cut it too down at the corner. This might lead to ingrown toenails.

Change Socks or Alter your Footwear Regularly

Blame it on wet socks or soggy footwear, your foot remains damp most of the time during summer. This in turn results in several foot conditions. Thus it is highly advisable to change your socks and footwear, if possible on daily basis.

Let Go of your Flip-flops

While it is a natural tendency to look for lightweight footwear like flip-flops or flimsy sandals in the hot weather, the fact is that these don’t provide enough support to your feet. Thus you start experiencing arch and heel pain after wearing the flip-flop for long.

Prevent Sweat

For many sweaty feet is indeed a problem. As the mercury starts rising, it is their foot which seems to catch the heat first. So, if your foot perspires too often then it is important to follow a proper foot care regime. Wash your foot daily with warm water. Use an antibacterial or mild soap for your feet. Then wipe thoroughly and apply some talcum powder. This routine not only helps keep your feet dry throughout the day but prevents smelly feet too.

As is evident from the above discussion, your foot health basically depends on maintaining regular hygienic routine like cutting nails, washing feet or wearing proper footwear. The problem is that some foot conditions may take severe shape, especially for those suffering from other ailments like diabetes. So, if you are really irked by persistent foot problems then it is highly advisable to seek opinion of an experienced podiatrist. Keep in mind that any delay in treatment often augments the problem. On the other hand, timely cure can keep your feet in good shape throughout the year.

Timely treatments for foot conditions related to diabetic neuropathy

Diabetes is one silent killer which affects different body organs slowly, till the patient condition turns irrecoverable. According to data released by the National Diabetes Fact Sheet in the year 2011, a total of 25.8 million children and adults, i.e., 8.3% of the total United States population is affected with this scary disease. It indeed sounds quite intimidating! The worst thing is that diabetes brings along with it several unwanted health conditions like peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy. Patients get easily exposed to infections which can’t be cured easily.

What is diabetic neuropathy?

It is basically a kind of nerve disorder which is caused due to diabetes. With rising glucose level, nerves throughout the body fail to function properly. While nerve problems can affect any body organ but foot conditions are quite prevalent among aged diabetic patients. Again the risk level is higher for those suffering from diabetes since long. A study shows that approximately 60 to 70% of diabetic patients are suffering from some kind of neuropathy. 

Diabetic neuropathy is classified into four basic types, i.e., peripheral, autonomic, proximal and focal. While the peripheral neuropathy can be directly associated with feet, legs and toe problems, proximal neuropathy basically affects thighs, hips or buttock portion thus causing weakness in legs. Peripheral nerves of the body which connect brain and spinal cord to muscles, internal organs, glands and skin are impaired due to peripheral neuropathy, which is why this type of neuropathy is dreaded the most.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy

Patients who have gone through this condition complain of numbness and loss of feeling, especially in feet and hands. Sometimes it may start as pin or needle pricking sensation which is followed by a burning feeling. You may feel as if your foot is on fire!  Even the slightest touch leads to screams of agony. Many patients complain of electric shock kind of sensation or as if they are walking on broken glass.  Does this sound agonizing? Yes, this is what patients have to say about severe foot conditions arising out of diabetic neuropathy. 

Loss of normal sensation of the foot makes patients susceptible to frequent cuts, blisters, scrapes or pressure sores. If not treated in time, minor injuries can turn into ulcers or conditions even more serious. 

How to overcome diabetic neuropathy

The best answer is to control diabetes i.e. blood sugar and blood pressure levels. By following proper diet and healthy lifestyle it is possible to keep your diabetes at check. Those who are prone to foot injuries should keep a close watch on their feet. If the pain is too much, then doctors may suggest painkillers, though these are not long term solutions.

Take a closer look at your footwear. Is it comfortable enough or enhancing feet irritation and pain? If so then shift to comfortable footwear or foot orthotic, designed for diabetic foot care. If foot conditions prevail then it is always advisable to get in touch with an expert podiatrist. Leave it up to the expert to decide what will be the best treatment for your diabetic feet.