Enjoy Foot Health Awareness Month with These Tips
April is Foot Health Awareness Month! What will you do to enjoy the celebration? You might not want to throw a party or go out for dinner, but there’s still plenty you can do to make it an enjoyable time of year for your feet, ankles, and lower legs. Here are three ideas from Anne Arundel County podiatrist Dr. James M. McKee:
Schedule a visit with your foot doctor. Your podiatrist is a medical specialist with years of education and experience and is the best-qualified doctor to care for this part of your body. Everyone – children, adolescents, adults, and seniors – should see their foot doctor once a year for an examination and any necessary treatment. This is especially important for people with diabetes, who are at risk of podiatric complications from their illness.
Take good care of your toenails. Inspect them for unusual coloring, which could indicate fungal infection. Trim them at home with a clipper, not scissors, and don’t round the corners. This is the best way to prevent ingrown toenails. If you enjoy a spa pedicure, protect yourself from Athlete’s foot and other skin conditions of the feet. Be alert to hygiene practices.
Stop ignoring discomfort, especially after a fall, or if you are feeling heel pain first thing in the morning, which can indicate plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that runs the length of the sole. Foot pain is not a normal and unavoidable part of the aging process and you do not have to suffer. Depending on the diagnosis, your podiatrist will suggest numerous options available to treat your foot pain, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, temporary immobilization with a cast or boot, custom orthotics for cushioning and support, and even foot and ankle surgery.
Are you concerned about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs? James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS and the friendly, professional staff of Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. can help. Call 410-224-4448 or click here to schedule a convenient appointment in our modern, comfortable office on Solomons Island Road today.