FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Toronto, ON, May 1, 2018) — Feet are both a critical component of, and a sensitive gauge of our current health status, yet people tend to overlook them until they are in pain. May is Foot Health Awareness Month, a good time to reflect on their importance.
The average person takes about 10,000 steps every day. Pain and discomfort will tempt you to decrease that number, which can begin a cascade affecting general fitness and other areas of health. Conversely, feet often reflect existing health issues, with common symptoms being shown via changes in the skin, muscle tone, flexibility, circulation, water retention, and pain. Arthritis, diabetes, and edema are prime examples of health conditions that are reflected in the state of our feet.
Particularly as we age, we need to pay close attention to the condition of our feet to see what they are telling us about our health and our habits. We need to be ready to make necessary changes, such as a shift in shoe size or just trading in old favourites for safer models with better support.
A simple routine for examining your feet after bathing should include:
- Check skin for bruises, lesions, blisters, or calluses;
- Check the colour of your feet – are your toes bluish? Are there red areas? When you press down on the toenail, how long does it take to return to normal colour?
- Run the bar of soap or a rounded object across and down the sole of your foot.
- Is the sensation even in all quadrants?
- Is there pain? Is it better or worse than your last self-check?
- Check your feet for flexibility. Again, is it better or worse than at the last check?
- Are there puffy areas? Is it better or worse than the last time you checked?
Speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have. Additionally, a visit to a Podiatrist can help identify potential and existing problems.
James Hill, DPM, President of the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) says, “It’s important to have regular evaluations not only to prevent a wide variety of foot problems, but to lessen the complications of what could be a simple problem when caught early.”
For more information about the value of having a Podiatrist on your team of healthcare professionals or to find one in your area, visit the CPMA website at www.podiatrycanada.org
# # #
About the The Canadian Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA)
The Canadian Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) acts as the national voice for podiatrists in Canada, serving as a resource for legislative and policy changes affecting podiatry both provincially and federally. The association also represents podiatrists in Canada at the international level through involvement with the Federation Internationale des Podologues (FIP), the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (UK) (SOCAP).
For more information visit our website at www.podiatrycanada.org