subject: Stop Foot Problems Before They Begin With Proper Prevention [print this page] Understanding how your feet work and how you can protect them daily is important in helping you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. By becoming educated about different problems that can occur in the foot, many foot problems can be prevented. Majority of foot complications are caused by abuse and neglect, but you can put an end to that. With proper preventive measures, your feet will be healthy and happy, helping you to continue your daily activities.
Newborns, Infants and Those Over 50
Your children should have their feet checked by a podiatrist if any problems with walking are observed, including frequent tripping or in-toeing that are noted early in life. Many pediatricians do not routinely evaluate the feet as part of a normal checkup, so a trip to your podiatrist is proven to be beneficial for the proper development of your child's feet.
If you are 50 years of age or older, you should also have a foot examination to insure that any foot problem is anticipated and corrected before the problem worsens, affecting your ability to walk or run. Considering that your feet are not supposed to hurt during your lifetime, it is important to report any pain or discomfort experienced in your feet to your podiatrist, especially if the problem appears to be progressive or you are unable to walk on your foot.
Exercise and Your Feet
Walking is an excellent way to exercise provided you do not have diabetes or vascular problems with your feet. Contributing to your general health, walking helps to improve circulation, contributing to weight reduction and promoting all-around well-being. In regards to sports, especially with children younger than age 10, proper technique is vital. My maintaining proper techniques and wearing proper shoes, you can further protect your feet from damage. In addition, be sure to stretch prior to participating in sports or other exercise because a cold muscle is more prone to injury. Warming up before participating in sports is important for all ages.
If Your Feet Hurt, Try Orthotics
If you are an athlete or an active runner or walker the last thing you want to feel is pain in your feet. When pain occurs in your feet it often prevents you from participating in your favorite sport or finishing your morning jog. Orthotics prescribed by your podiatrist work to balance the foot in a neutral position, cushioning the foot from excessive pounding. A variety of orthotics are available for different foot problems.
With hundreds of ligaments and bony structures in each foot working together to support, balance and bear the weight of the entire body, many people experience foot pain and problems at some point during his or her lifetime. Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, custom-made orthotics are built from molds of your feet in order to meet your unique needs.
Talk to your podiatrist in East Haven, CT for more information on proper prevention techniques to further protect your feet this season. Remember, pain is never good, so visit your podiatrist immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
