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Your feet and ankles are a barometer of your overall health,
and they deserve attention by a qualified professional. Symptoms of vascular
disease and diabetes often appear first in lower extremities. Common problems,
such as heel pain and ingrown toenails, can prevent you from enjoying your
usual lifestyle. Foot health is also essential for success in sports and
regular daily activities.
The parts of the feet and ankles that are commonly exposed to injury
during regular exercise and sports activities are:
• Bones
• Ligaments
• Muscles
• Tendons
• Nerves
• Joints
Experience shows that about 75% of us experiences a foot problem. And
it’s no wonder! Our feet carry us an average of 70,000 miles during
a lifetime, all the while suffering from ill-fitting shoes, concrete
floors, fungus, and a host of other problems.
Common problems can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines:
• Inspect your feet daily
• Give your feet some sun and air, but avoid exposing them to rain, cold,
or excessive sun
• Avoid walking barefoot
• Wash feet every day with warm water and bath soap
• Wear proper fitting shoes – even at home
• Wear shoes appropriate to the activity or sport in which you participate
• Alternate shoes instead of wearing the same pair everyday
• Don’t ignore foot or ankle pain
• Trim toenails straight across, avoid cutting the corners
• Use home remedies with caution
• Walk for exercise
Foot and ankle specialists provide complete care for the foot and ankle.
Contact a podiatric physician near you if you are experiencing any of
the following:
• Heel pain
• Diabetes-related foot problems
• Ingrown or painful toenails
• Bunions, Hammertoes, or other changes in shape
• Sports injuries
• Sprains or fractures
• Nerve or circulatory conditions
• Corns, calluses or warts
• Arch pain
• Skin problems
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