Our feet and ankles take a beating every day, especially during jobs that require long hours of standing or walking. Leisure activities can also influence the overall health of our feet, but most of us tend to ignore problems until the pain starts bringing us down.
Excessive pain in our feet is not normal and most foot and ankle conditions are easier to treat when diagnosed early. Having diabetes increases the risk of developing a wide range of foot problems, often because of two complications of the disease: nerve damage and poor circulation. The most common symptoms for foot and ankle conditions include:
- Instability (giving way): it may mean that ligaments are torn
- Numbness: may indicate a disease with the nerves
- Pain: a most common symptom associated with plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and ankle sprains
- Popping/snapping: may indicate a condition called subluxation or dislocation of the tendons
- Stiffness: can occur with ankle sprains, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis
- Swelling: common after an injury, such as an ankle sprain
As previously mentioned, you should never ignore foot pain. If pain persists, it is highly important for you to see a physician. Women are more vulnerable to foot problems than men, mainly from years of walking in narrow-fitting shoes and high-heels.
Pain in a child’s foot or ankle is never normal either. There is no such thing as “growing pains”, so keep an eye out for any pains or discomfort your child may be experiencing.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your feet in a healthy condition:
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Do not cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails
- Trim toenails straight across, but not too short
- Note changes in color and temperature, thickness or discoloration of nails, and cracks or cuts in the skin
- Make sure that your shoes fit properly
- Do not wear the same pair of shoes every day, alternate them
- Replace worn-out shoes as soon as possible
- Select and wear the right shoe for your activity
- Inspect your feet regularly
- Remember to use sunscreen on your feet as well as the rest of your body when you are at the beach or wearing sandals
- Use home remedies cautiously
- Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely
Our physicians provide complete and comprehensive care of all foot and ankle problems!
- Achilles Tendon Rupture and Tendonitis Surgeries
- Ankle Sprain and Fracture Surgeries
- Arthritis (Foot and Ankle) Surgeries
- Athlete's Foot Treatment
- Bunionectomy
- Cheilectomy
- Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Foot Callus/Corns Surgery
- Foot Pain Treatments
- Fractures of the Talus Surgery
- Heel Pain Treatments
- Lisfranc Fracture/Dislocation Surgery
- Non-Operative Achilles Tendon Rupture and Tendonitis Treatments
- Non-Operative Ankle Sprain and Fracture Treatments
- Non-Operative Arch Pain Treatment
- Non-Operative Arthritis (Foot and Ankle) Treatment
- Non-Operative Bunion Treatment
- Non-Operative Claw and Hammer Toe Treatments
- Non-Operative Flat Foot Treatments
- Non-Operative Foot and Ankle Treatments
- Non-Operative Foot Callus/Corn Treatment
- Non-Operative Fracture of the Talus Treatment
- Non-Operative Lisfranc Fracture/Dislocation Treatment
- Non-Operative Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Treatment
- Non-Operative Stiff Big Toe
- Non-Operative Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Surgery
- Total Ankle Replacement