Healthy
Feet for Walking!
Sponsored by:
The
Arizona Institute of Footcare Physicians - 480-834-8804
Foot Fitness Check Up
GIVE YOUR FEET A TEST BEFORE YOU START YOUR WALKING
PROGRAM
Good
foot health is essential in reaching full stride. If your
feet hurt, they are trying to tell you something. Foot
pain is not normal and should not be a part of your walking
program. Here are some problems to look for.
*
HEEL PAIN Whether it occurs in the morning,
after short periods of rest or during walking it doesn't have
to slow you down. New, effective treatments are now available
for painful heels.
*
TIRED, ACHING FEET Controlling foot movement
can solve this problem. There are many options including
insoles, supportive shoes or custom orthotics. The doctor
can determine which is right for you.
*
CORNS AND CALLUSES These protective layers
of dead skin cells are caused by repeated friction and pressure
from skin rubbing on bony areas. Treatments are available,
you don't have to live with pain.
*
DRY SKIN/CRACKED HEELS Putting lotion on these
areas sometimes isn't enough. Your doctor has products
to balance exfoliating and moisturizing properties to relieve
painful dry skin.
*
SWEATY FEET/FOOT ODOR The 250,000 sweat glands
in your feet can produce up to 4 ounces of perspiration in one
day. Ask for remedies to control sweat and/or odor.
*
BURNING, CRAMPING OR NUMBNESS This sensation
is usually caused by an inflammation of the tissues covering
a nerve. If your pain persists, you should see a doctor
because this condition is usually progressive if not treated
early, and there are many new treatments available.
*
BUNIONS Your big toe is the hardest working
toe. Every time your foot pushes off the ground it supports
most of your bodies weight. Any problem can make walking,
even standing painful. Bunions are one of the most common
problems. This, as with all of the other foot ailments
discussed can and should be treated.
*
INGROWN NAILS These are painful and can be
dangerous if an infection occurs. Proper shoe gear can
help avoid this problem. Don't ignore redness, swelling,
drainage or pain around your toenails.
