Why Footcare Is Important for Health

There are many reasons you should monitor your foot health:

Reveals Systemic Problems
Your feet can show early signs of systemic health problems. Poor circulation and hardening of the arteries can affect the feet before other parts of the body, says Dr. James R. Hanna, a podiatrist in Lockport, New York, and president of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association. For example, hardening of the arteries can cause pain in the feet or legs when exercising.

Dr. Said Atway, a podiatrist with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, has treated patients with foot conditions that led them to discover they had diabetes.

Prevents You From Exercising
Problems with your feet may stop you from walking and exercising. With the many benefits associated with physical activity, this can negatively affect your overall health.

It Can Develop Into a Bigger Health Issue
Ignoring what may seem like a small foot issue could lead to bigger, more painful problems in the long run, says Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. For instance, chronic ingrown toenails may lead to having the entire nail removed.

Or wrong shoes – like very high heels or shoes that are too narrow – can lead to the development of foot problems such as heel pain, bunions or hammertoes. A hammertoe is a toe with an abnormal bend in the middle joint. Over time it can cause pain and calluses. Bunions – a painful, bony bump that forms on the joint where your big toe meets your foot – are also usually the result of tight, narrow shoes.