Listen to Your Feet
Almost every week, patients come to the office of Anne Arundel County podiatrists Dr. James M. McKee and Dr. Adam Weaver, saying, “My feet are killing me!” Of course, it’s just a way of telling the doctor their feet hurt for most of them. But for a few, these words might not be a metaphor. Sometimes foot pain might indicate a severe illness. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to more serious issues requiring foot and ankle surgery and leading to hospitalization or even causing a fatality. Here are three you should know about:
Diabetes is a whole-body illness in which the pancreas fails to produce enough of the hormone insulin to regulate glucose levels in the bloodstream appropriately. There are risks to the feet, including diabetic neuropathy, a loss of sensation. This numbness can make it hard to perceive small nicks or cuts, and infection can set in.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a dangerous blood clot that can form deep in the lower leg. Left untreated, it can break free and make its way through the body, lodging in the lungs. It is called a pulmonary embolism, and it can be fatal.
Poor foot health can lead to a loss of balance. Falls are common among people in this situation, and foot and ankle injuries can occur.
What can you do to preserve foot health? Eat well, stay hydrated, inspect feet daily for changes, and see a board-certified podiatrist like James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS, and Adam Weaver, DPM at least once a year for an examination, diagnosis of issues, and any necessary treatment and ongoing care. Another visit is appropriate if you experience discomfort or notice any changes to the appearance of your feet between visits.
Schedule a convenient visit to the modern, comfortable Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. office on Old Solomons Island Road today. Call our friendly staff at 410-224-4448 or click here to get started today.