Foot health is a very broad subject due to the multitude of problems that can occur in the foot and ankle. As you can see from any of the other articles problems can occur in any different part of the foot. Here are some general, helpful tips to help keep you walking for many years to come.
Athletes foot, or a fungal infection in the feet is an extremely common problem. It can be contracted from walking barefoot in your own house. Also, wearing wet socks can lead to a fungal infection. Often times a small amount of fungus is living in the socks or shoes. Given a warm wet climate this fungus can begin to grow rapidly. For this reason changing your socks often when they are wet due to sweating or any other reason is recommended. Also, wearing shoes in any community area where multiple people walk is recommended. This will decrease the amount of fungus your feet come in contact with.
Though walking is less high impact than running, it can cause damage to the joints. Wearing proper shoe gear and, in some cases, arch supports can decrease the impact on the joints.
With every step a person takes there is a point in which the arch of the foot decreases and moves towards the floor. When this happens the bones in the foot go from a stable congruent construction to a loose and movable construction. The excessive movement of the joints leads to deformities like bunions, or hammertoes. Supporting the arch will keep the bones of the foot in the stable construction and help prevent these deformities.
When the arch of the foot decreases excessively this also takes the knees and hips out of alignment. When these joints are out of alignment one side of the joint takes more pressure than the other. This abnormal distribution of pressure will cause pain when a significant amount of walking is done. Arch supports will help prevent this malaligned of the joints and assist in pain-free walking.
Diabetes is an increasingly regular problem affecting more and more people everyday. Diabetes poses significant health risks for a number of reasons. In the feet diabetes causes a number of problems due to its effect on the vascular system, neurologic system, immune system.
When diabetes starts to affect the nervous system people lose sensation in their feet. This can lead to problems because the person does not know when something is going wrong with their feet. This loss of feeling can lead to ulcerations and possible amputation.
As a diabetic it is important to keep your blood sugars under control. It is also important to check your feet and shoes every day for any signs of problems. Lastly as a diabetic you should be seen regularly by her primary physician and the podiatrist. Small problems can become big problems very quickly with diabetes.