UNDERSTANDING FOOT PROBLEMS

A regular visit to a podiatrist can help to control or prevent foot problems.

In supporting the weight of the body, the feet have to take considerable strain. To cope with this, they have a complex structure of bones, muscles, sinews and nerves. Each foot contains 26 small, delicate bones - the highest concentration of bones of any structure in the human body. To keep them in their correct position and provide elasticity, there are four times as many ligaments and muscles as there are bones. All these need to be looked after if they are to work properly.

The ankle bones form a tripod (triangular) shape, which gives you balance and mobility. The main strength of the foot comes from the big toe, and your true centre of balance is the ball of the foot.

Apart from bearing the body weight, the feet have a great deal of work to do. In spite of this, they are - together with the hands - among the most neglected parts of the body. Any disturbance or inhibition of the foot's structure may result in general health problems, some of the most common being; fallen arches; high arches; weak ankles; bunions; hammer toes; corns; and pain under the heels, arches or toe joints.














Sensible orthopaedic shoes help to minimize foot disorders.


For this reason, feet need to be properly supported, and balanced, and protected by good shoes, which are the key to healthy feet. (See the coming post for how to choose shoes). Basic foot care and an occasional pedicure can also help. There are also many reasons to visit a nail technician; she can smooth your calluses (not to mention your nerves), cleanse your feet, rev up your circulation and shape your toenails.

If a foot is not functioning correctly, it can affect the alignment and function of the knees, hips, spine and shoulders, causing pain or loss of mobility. The body is very delicately balanced; a slight impairment of proper function in the foot will throw everything else out of balance. Over time, this may result in damage to joints, bones and tendons.

Fatigue and irritability - even headaches - can be related to problems with your feet. Other health conditions requiring foot care include diabetes, arthritis, poor circulation, differences in the length of your legs, work and sporting injuries, and nervous conditions such as spasticity and cerebral palsy.

Poor circulation, for example, requires special foot care as it slows the healing process so small irritations such as cuts, bruises, blisters, corns or calluses, have the potential to become infections, open sores an ulcers. Never try harsh home treatments such as cutting corns and calluses, which could cause bleeding.

Diabetics cannot process carbohydrates effectively, resulting in abnormal blood sugar levels. They often suffer from athlete's foot as their perspiration is sweet from increased blood sugar, providing a breeding ground for fungus. Diabetics should visit a foot specialist at least twice a year in order to prevent minor problems becoming major ones, particularly as they may experience gradual loss of nerve function in the legs and feet. This decreases their capacity to notice if the foot is injured, or if ulcers are forming.

If you ignore foot problems, they may deteriorate and require more invasive treatment. Remember that prevention is better than cure and that regular visits to a podiatrist or foot specialist will stand you in good stead for years to come.

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TIPS FOR HEALTHY FEET

*Wear shoes that fit properly, with enough space not to constrict your toes (see coming post).

*Watch the way your shoes are wearing on the soles and heels. If this is uneven, it could indicate a problem with your gait.

*Exercise and massage your feet each day.

*Take a daily walk in lace-up footwear that is well balanced and supportive. Wear cotton or wool socks rather than manmade fibres; they will keep feet fresh for longer, help prevent blisters, and reduce the risk of fungal growth.

*Examine your feet regularly, checking for corns, calluses, athlete's foot, swelling in any of the bones or joints, abnormalities or wounds in the skin, and ingrown toenails.