The majority of foot complaints can be avoided by practising good hygiene and using common sense. Existing foot problems can usually be resolved with non-invasive medical care if addressed in their initial stages. A Findlay podiatrist offers the following tips for preventing foot and ankle injuries and diseases.
Wear shoes fit for purpose. Before engaging in any new sport or physical activity, invest in appropriate protective footwear. Hiking through rough terrain in running shoes or taking long walks in thin beach sandals can increase your risk for injuries such as sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.
Reserve glamorous fashion footwear for special occasions. Narrow shoes with high heels and pointed toes are a common cause of blisters, calluses, metatarsalgia and bunions. Drinking and dancing in heels over two inches high greatly increases the risk of ankle injuries. When going out in trendy stilettos, bring along a pair of comfortable flats.
Trim toenails straight across with a nail clipper. To avoid ingrown toenails, do not attempt to round them by cutting down the sides. Be careful not to cut nails too short. If you break the skin of the nail bed, a fungal infection could set in. People with diabetes or poor circulation should have their toenails trimmed by a health care professional.
Regularly check your feet for early signs of disease. A fungal infection called onychomycosis causes the toenails to discolor, thicken and split or crumble. Athlete's foot leads to scaly, flaking skin on the soles and peeling or cracked areas between the toes. Corns and bunions begin as swollen red lumps.
The Findlay podiatrist recommends that people with foot or ankle problems seek medical attention at the earliest opportunity. Home remedies are rarely successful and could even exacerbate the condition. Seemingly minor injuries or infections can progress into serious foot disorders.
Wear shoes fit for purpose. Before engaging in any new sport or physical activity, invest in appropriate protective footwear. Hiking through rough terrain in running shoes or taking long walks in thin beach sandals can increase your risk for injuries such as sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.
Reserve glamorous fashion footwear for special occasions. Narrow shoes with high heels and pointed toes are a common cause of blisters, calluses, metatarsalgia and bunions. Drinking and dancing in heels over two inches high greatly increases the risk of ankle injuries. When going out in trendy stilettos, bring along a pair of comfortable flats.
Trim toenails straight across with a nail clipper. To avoid ingrown toenails, do not attempt to round them by cutting down the sides. Be careful not to cut nails too short. If you break the skin of the nail bed, a fungal infection could set in. People with diabetes or poor circulation should have their toenails trimmed by a health care professional.
Regularly check your feet for early signs of disease. A fungal infection called onychomycosis causes the toenails to discolor, thicken and split or crumble. Athlete's foot leads to scaly, flaking skin on the soles and peeling or cracked areas between the toes. Corns and bunions begin as swollen red lumps.
The Findlay podiatrist recommends that people with foot or ankle problems seek medical attention at the earliest opportunity. Home remedies are rarely successful and could even exacerbate the condition. Seemingly minor injuries or infections can progress into serious foot disorders.
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