April Is Foot Health Awareness Month

Get Your Feet In Shape For Spring

BETHESDA, MD -- (INTERNET WIRE) -- 04/01/2002 -- It’s no secret that exercise can work wonders for your physique, but what about your feet, which bear the brunt of impact during a workout? Much of what we do in the name of fitness can detract from foot health. Studies show that 75 percent of Americans will experience foot health problems at some point in their lives. Yet, over half of Americans believe that foot pain is normal and do little to stop or prevent it. That is why the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has declared April as Foot Health Awareness Month—to draw attention to this often-neglected, yet hardworking part of the body.

The APMA estimates that our feet carry us at least 75,000 miles by the age of fifty, and yet a recent survey reveals that a full 70 percent of Americans have never visited a podiatrist to ensure optimal foot health. Foot care is especially important for athletes, whose rigorous physical lifestyle can wreck havoc on their feet.

"Americans engage in a variety of sports and fitness activities that, although beneficial to overall health, accelerate wear-and-tear in the feet and ankles," explains Dr. Robin Ross, association member. “Fortunately, the foot and ankle are well designed to handle this stress and support the body for a lifetime, but certain conditions, if undetected and untreated, can seriously sideline even the most fit individual. With proper detection, intervention and care,” Dr. Ross adds, “most problems can be lessened and even be prevented."

 

How to get healthy feet without sacrificing workouts? Follow these guidelines and get your feet in shape for spring:

       
    - If the shoe fits:  Ensuring that shoes fit properly goes a long 
      way toward preventing many common foot problems.   Podiatric 
      physicians recommend replacing footwear before it gets so old 
      it no longer supports the foot properly. When shopping for 
      shoes, always wear the appropriate type of socks and purchase  
      shoes that have:
       
        - Sturdy, proper fit and width; 
        - Leather or canvas uppers;
        - Flexible soles only at the ball of the foot;
        - Cushioning and arch supports; and 
        - Ample room for toes. 
        
    - Combating athlete’s foot:  Wash feet daily with soap and water 
      and dry them completely, using a hair dryer between toes if a 
      towel doesn’t fit.  Change shoes regularly and keep feet dry in 
      fresh cotton socks.  Always wear a well cushioned sock for 
      reinforcement in athletic shoes, preferably one with a fiber 
      content that can wick away some of the perspiration.
     
    - Conquering odor:  Rub cornstarch or roll-on antiperspirant 
      directly on the soles of the feet, and spray Lysol into shoes.
     
    - Avoiding ingrown nails: An ingrown toenail is a painful 
      condition characterized by the nail digging into the 
      surrounding skin. To prevent ingrown toenails always remember 
      to trim them straight across, and select a shoe with plenty of 
      room in the toe box. 
      
    - Preventing blisters, corns and calluses:  Calluses grow quickly 
      on dry, dead skin, so be sure to use that lotion and pumice 
      stone regularly.  It is also a good idea to wear supportive 
      shoes with a wide toe box and low heel.  Use non-medicated 
      footpads to cushion areas prone to corns, and affix adhesive 
      moleskin to the inside of shoes to buffer areas prone to 
      blisters.  Keeping feet dry in properly fitting shoes and 
      wearing socks as a cushion between feet and shoes also aid in 
      preventing blisters.  Should one develop, never pop it; 
      carefully open a corner of the blister, drain, apply antibiotic 
      cream and cover with a bandage. 
      

"Most Americans have their car tires checked each year, so why not their feet?” asks Dr. Ross. A doctor of podiatric medicine can address all of these conditions, as well as make an important contribution to an athlete’s total health and play a role in the success of a fitness program. For a list of podiatrists in your area, visit the APMA Web site at www.apma.org or call 1-800-FOOTCARE for more foot health information.