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April is Foot Health Awareness Month
Most of us don't often think too much about our feet on a day to day basis. T he feet are a good place to don fancy shoes or to paint pretty toenails. We tend to overlook the fact that our feet are under a lot or pressure every day. On an average day, our feet bear a force equal to several tons of pressure! They also play a huge role in our ability to stay steady and balanced when walking.

This ability to remain mobile is a highly important aspect of the aging population. According to the US National Center for Health Statistics, lower extremity impairments are a leading cause of limited activity and lifestyle impedance. There can be confusion and delay in the diagnosis of foot problems due to the fact that many older persons believe that their feet should hurt as a part of the aging process. There are changes that do mean that pain is to be accepted. Properly fitted shoes are essential to foot health and the importance of them shouldn't be taken lightly.

Properly fitted shoes are not only important for the elderly, but are critically important for the diabetic population. Diabetes can cause a decrease in sensation or even loss of sensation in the feet (neuropathy) as well as bone structure changes that can lead to deformities that require specially fitted shoes.

We have compiled a short list of essential foot care tips for diabetic patients, however, many of them apply to all of us:

1. TAKE CARE OF YOUR DIABETES. Keep your glucose levels within a good range.

2. CHECK YOUR FEET EVERY DAY. Look at your feet for any redness, blisters, cuts or swelling. Use a mirror to check the bottom of your feet if you can't see well.

3. WASH YOUR FEET EVERY DAY. Wash your feet in warm water daily and dry well; including between the toes. DO NOT USE HOT WATER!

4. KEEP THE SKIN OF YOUR FEET SOFT AND SMOOTH. Rub a thin layer of lotion on your feet daily, avoiding the area between the toes.

5. WEAR SHOES AND SOCKS AT ALL TIMES- NEVER WALK BAREFOOT. Wear shoes that fit comfortably and have plenty of room in the toebox area. Make sure that there is nothing in your shoes before your put them on your feet.

6. PROTECT YOUR FEET FROM EXTREME HOT OR COLD SURFACES. Test bath water with your hand before putting your feet in the water. Do not use hot water bottles or heading pads.

7. BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE. Plan a physical activity program with your primary care provider.

8. DON'T SMOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9. CHECK-UPS. Keep in contact with your provider and inform them of any cut, sore, or blister that does not show signs of healing after a few days.

THE BEST TREATMENT OF A PROBLEM IS PREVENTION!!

For further information on foot care and issues related to the feet, please visit the American Podiatric Medical Association’s website at www.apma.org.

- The staff of Apple Hill Vascular Associates