Give Your Feet Some Love
Men, women, and schoolchildren worldwide show their love and affection to partners, family members, and friends in February. But how about yourself? Here's a reminder from Anne Arundel County podiatrists Dr. James M. McKee and Dr. Adam Weaver that taking good care of yourself is the first step in taking care of the people who matter to you…and it's always a good idea to start with your feet, ankles, and lower legs. Here is an important suggestion to get you started: check in with your feet periodically. Why?
Many whole-body illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, initially manifest as foot-related symptoms. Be alert to changes, including swelling, numbness, and bluish skin color. Report these symptoms to your podiatrist without delay.
Other changes to your skin might indicate the development of athlete's foot or other skin conditions. Look out for scaly patches, redness, flaking, or scaling. Itchiness is not normal.
A change to the shape of your foot itself is an important sign of trouble. Redness, swelling, or a bony knob where the big toe meets the rest of the foot may be an incipient bunion. A toe that rises up and out of line with the others – whether straight or curled – may be a hammertoe.
Inspecting your feet is easy. Just take a comfortable seat in a chair. Remove your socks and shoes, then cross one ankle over the opposite knee and look. Be sure to check the top of the foot, the sole, and between the toes, then change sides. If flexibility makes this hard for you, you can put a small mirror on the floor, hold your foot above it or ask a family member or friend for assistance.
Of course, the best way to show your feet some love is by seeing your podiatrist once a year for an exam. Your foot doctor is a medical expert with years of specialized education and experience and is the best-qualified medical professional to care for this part of your body. Call the friendly Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. staff at 410-224-4448 or click here to schedule a convenient appointment with James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS, and Adam Weaver, DPM in our modern, comfortable office on Old Solomons Island Road today.