Assess Your Foot Health
You probably already know that a board-certified podiatrist like Dr. James M. McKee is the best-qualified medical professional to examine, diagnose, and treat all illnesses and injuries related to your feet, ankles, and lower legs. In between visits to your foot doctor, there is much that you can do to stay safe and well, but it all starts with an understanding of your baseline podiatric health. Here are some questions from Dr. McKee to help you cultivate the knowledge that you need for good health.
Do you have diabetes? While diabetes is a whole body illness, it poses particular risks to foot health. Be alert to numbness and to small nicks and cuts which can easily become infected and turn into ulcerated wounds.
How many hours do you spend on your feet each day? If you spend much of the day standing, your risk of circulation issues goes up. Keep an eye out for bulging veins and for very dry skin, both of which can indicated chronic venous insufficiency or phlebitis.
How is your general health? Do you eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat sources of calcium? Do you drink plenty of water every day? Do you limit consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and sugary beverages? Do you engage in regular physical activity? Have you quit smoking or other tobacco use? Answering no to any of these questions can jeopardize foot health.
Do you have osteoporosis? People with this illness, or its precursor osteopenia, have weakened bones and are vulnerable to fractures. With 26 bones and 33 joints in each of the feet, they are at particular risk.
The best thing that you can do to preserve the health and wellness of your feet is to see a board-certified podiatrist like James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS regularly. Schedule a visit in the modern, comfortable Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. office on Solomons Island Road. Call our friendly staff at 410-224-4448 or click here to get started today.