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Foot pain is a physical discomfort in the foot usually caused by injury or disease. Foot pain is the body's way of saying that something is wrong. Foot pain can be described
in many ways. It can be a sharp stabbing pain, a discomfort, an ache, a burning pain, an intermittent or a constant pain. Foot pain has many causes, including, but not limited to: Achilles Tendonitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, ill-fitting shoes, flat feet, or sprains. Foot pain serves as an indication to you to seek care from your podiatric physician.
There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some foot ailments are hereditary, but for an aging population, most of these ailments are due to the cumulative effect of years of neglect or abuse of feet. Whether due to neglect or abuse, the normal wear and tear of the years causes changes in feet and can lead to foot pain. As an individual ages, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Gaining weight can affect the bone and ligament structure of the feet, as well as, increase the load the feet have to support and carry
around leading to foot pain.
Preventive Foot Health Care
Preventive foot health care has many benefits, including decreasing or removing foot pain by increasing foot comfort, limiting the possibility of additional medical problems, and reducing the chances of hospitalization due to infection. Following these simple guidelines can help to take care of your feet for a lifetime:
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Wear properly fitted shoes with a firm sole and soft upper (for daily activities) or with safety features built in for work.
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Shop for shoes in the afternoon as feet tend to swell during the day.
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Walk regularly; walking is the best exercise for your feet.
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Wear pantyhose or stockings of the correct size and preferably free of seams.
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Do not wear constricting garters or tie your stockings in knots.
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Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife, or other such instrument; use over-the-counter foot products only with the advice of a podiatrist.
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Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, preferably one containing moisturizers, or use a moisturizer separately. Test the water temperature with your hand.
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Trim or file your toenails straight across.
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Inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your podiatrist.
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Contact your podiatrist when experiencing foot pain and have your feet examined by a podiatric physician at least twice a year.
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