Foot Health Awareness Month in April promotes foot health and highlights the critical role of podiatrists in treating the feet and ankles.
By the time the average American reaches the age of 50, they’ve logged nearly 75,000 miles walking on their feet, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). The muscles, bones, and joints in the feet carry an individual throughout their entire life and are a crucial component to overall health and well-being.
The feet are complex anatomical structures that require expert care. Regular, professional foot care from a certified podiatrist can detect foot and ankle problems early and ensure that the feet and ankles remain healthy.
Foot Health Awareness Month is recognized each April to shed light on foot and ankle health, educate the public on the importance of healthy feet, and to highlight the role podiatrists and surgeons play in keeping Americans healthy, active, and on their feet.
The intricacies of foot health
The feet are an intricate, complex part of the body, with each foot having 26 bones, 33 joints, over 100 muscles and connectors, and a network of nerves and blood vessels, according to the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) ‘News in Health.’
People often go through life without thinking about their feet and ankles until something goes wrong, according to the NIH. Staying alert to foot pain can allow individuals to get critical treatment from an experienced doctor sooner rather than later.
Foot pain is often caused by improper foot function and underlying diseases and medical issues. Common foot issues and diseases, according to APMA, include diabetic foot problems, arthritis, fractures, skin conditions affecting the feet and toenails, tendonitis, structural problems such as hammertoes and bunions, and more.
Podiatrists, or Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs), complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training, similar to the education track of many other types of physicians. Podiatrists can go on to focus on many fields within medicine, including surgery, sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care, and more according to APMA.
Podiatrists may earn further board certifications through advanced training, clinical experience, and by taking an exam administered by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, the certifying boards for the field.
Podiatrists are experienced in treating common foot and ankle conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, foot and ankle issues, muscle and tendon problems, skin disorders, toe joint and nerve disorders, and toenail issues.
Treating ankle and foot issues
Individuals should see a podiatrist as soon as possible if they experience any symptoms or changes in their feet such as pain, discoloration or redness, swelling, a feeling of warmth or heat, or new growth or bumps, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Sudden or chronic foot health issues are often a warning sign to pay closer attention to one’s overall health. Take note of any new or worsening changes in the feet or ankles such as joint stiffness, tingling, numbness, or swelling.
Treatment for foot pain, injury, and health issues often include prescription custom orthotics (specially designed devices to support and comfort the feet), shoe inserts, and surgery when pain or deformity persists in the foot.
Individuals with diabetes should pay special attention to their feet. Most people with diabetes, about 60% to 70% – develop nerve problems, according to the NIH, which can range from mild to severe. Diabetic nerve damage can make certain patients lose feeling in their feet, which can lead to a greater risk of infection and injury.
When visiting a podiatrist for foot pain, chronic illness, or injury, be sure to make a list of all symptoms, previous surgeries, medical conditions, and any questions. Bring any exercise or sports shoes to the appointment if visiting for exercise or walking-related foot issues. According to APMA, preparation can assist a podiatrist in being the most informed possible to treat each patient’s specific conditions.
Maintaining healthy feet for life
Foot health is essential for mobility and well-being, and many healthy practices and behaviors contribute to long-term foot and ankle health. Examine your feet regularly, wear properly fitted, comfortable shoes, wash feet daily with soap and water, and trim toenails straight across and not too short, the National Library of Medicine advises.
Maintaining healthy feet also includes wearing proper footwear for each season of the year, footwear that supports balance and movement, especially for older adults, and choosing footwear designed specifically for certain types of sports including running, basketball, soccer, football and lacrosse. Parents of young children should also ensure their kids are wearing properly sized and fitted shoes to ensure their feet are growing properly. The American Podiatric Medical Association has an online guide to proper footwear that is uniquely tailored to an individual’s specific daily activities, arch height, and health needs.
Foot Health Awareness Month encourages healthy feet and ankles for all Americans. It is recognized in April each year by the American Podiatric Medical Association to emphasize that each person’s feet are unique to them foot health, to communicate with the public about the importance of healthy feet and highlights the critical work of podiatrists in foot and ankle health.
APMA podiatric physicians also approve certain footwear types and brands, as well as shoes, socks, insoles, materials, and equipment with an “APMA Seal of Acceptance,” based on the product’s safety, quality control, and other data so that consumers can make informed, healthy choices that promote proper foot health. Wearing proper shoes and taking care of the feet through illness and injury can bring an individual one step closer to maintaining lifelong healthy feet and ankles.