We use our feet to do almost every activity in our daily life. From getting up in the morning to start a busy workday to preparing dinner at night, our feet help us move through the day and get our tasks done. Unfortunately, even though we utilize them every day, few of us pay attention to the health of our feet.
Our feet support our entire body in motion, but they may become diseased or injured if we don’t care for them. In this article, we explain why you need to take better care of your feet.
To Prevent Foot Conditions
Neglecting your feet may lead to foot conditions that can limit your ability to perform your daily activities. These conditions can hinder your movement and lower the quality of your life. Here are some foot conditions that can occur due to overuse and neglect.
Foot Pain
As you get older, you will experience considerable pain in your joints, muscles, and bones. Your feet are not an exception. According to a population-based study, at least one in five people suffer from foot pain and stiffness. The study revealed that foot pain is more prevalent amongst women ages fifty years and above.
Foot pain can ruin a lot of your daily activities, especially those that are physically rigorous. So, it is of utmost importance to prioritize your foot health. A pain-free foot enables you to walk and stand for hours. Without pain, you can lead a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle.
Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to have pain-free feet. A practical option is wearing well-fitting shoes. Only wear shoes that are comfortable for you to move around in. Remember that a perfect shoe fit prevents injury. However, if you’re experiencing chronic foot pain, it’s best to visit a foot doctor.
Rough Skin and Calluses
You may notice a thick section beneath the skin of your feet. This section is called a callus. It forms when there is too much pressure or friction applied to the foot. The rough patch in the skin is our body’s mechanism of protecting the skin from more damage. Calluses may be yellowish or pale in color. The area may be less sensitive to touch.
Although they may seem harmless, eliminating calluses is part of foot care. People with diabetes are very prone to developing calluses, which can become the site of infections and even ulcers.
You should never remove a callus yourself. If your callus becomes too thick or painful, book an appointment with a podiatrist in South Texas. They can safely trim your callus and help prevent another callus from developing. Orthotics such as pads or bandages can reduce the rubbing of your feet against your footwear.
Other Foot Conditions
They say that prevention is better than cure. Other than foot pain and calluses, other minor and major conditions you need to be aware of include:
- Plantar warts
- Bunions
- Athlete’s foot
To Improve Foot Function And Mobility
We enjoy many pleasures in life with the help of our feet. Playing sports, going outdoors, and even dancing are all almost impossible without healthy feet. Our feet support our entire weight as we walk, jump, and run. So, keeping your feet healthy is vital for function and mobility.
If you’re not careful, your foot may become debilitated and immobile. The loss of foot function can have a significant psychological impact on a person. When you lose function in your feet, you may lose your independence and confidence. These can have adverse effects on your mental health.
To live the life you want to the fullest, you have to start paying more attention to your feet.
Foot Care Services In South Texas
If you want to start taking better care of your feet, it’s best to visit a podiatrist in South Texas. We have a group of experts highly specialized in caring for your feet and ankles.
When it comes to preventing major and minor foot conditions, The Podiatry Group of South Texas is here to help. Our 14 clinics are conveniently spread out over the Southern area of Texas. For inquiries or to schedule an appointment, call the office nearest you. You can also request an appointment through our online request form. To keep you and our doctors safe amidst the pandemic, we are also offering telehealth services. We look forward to giving your feet the care they deserve!
