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Healthy Home
Beautiful Feet
by Diane H. Pitts, R.N., P.T. (Diane's bio)
IMPORTANT!: Please read our legal notice regarding this health column by clicking here.
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Lisa limped down the driveway. "Hey, what's wrong," I asked my walking buddy. "I guess I've done something to my heel." Lisa's complaint is not uncommon. She has joined the ranks of the 75% of Americans who experience foot pain at some time in their lives.
But why the pain and what to do about it? Let's take a closer look at a visible but often ignored part of the body, the foot.
The foot boasts 26 bones and 33 joints interspersed with 126 muscles, ligaments, and nerves. The small but mighty foot incurs a tremendous amount of abuse:
-takes 5,000 to 10,000 steps each day
-walks 50,000 miles in a lifetime
-supports a force 50% greater than an individual's body weight
-serves as shock absorber and balancing agent for the body
Despite use and sometimes abuse, the "normal" foot generally does not fatigue with moderate activity levels. Therefore, persistent pain or foot fatigue even after rest should alert you to a possible problem.
In considering foot pain:
-The heel is the most common site and affects about two million Americans each year.
-Poorly fitting shoes are the major cause of general foot pain.
-Various medical conditions, particularly diabetes, can be the primary source of serious pain.
When faced with foot pain, the primary goal must be to determine the cause; your local health care professionals can help. The American Podiatric Medical Association gives the following general tips:
1. Inspect feet for any changes in color/temperature, nail thickening/ discoloration,or skin integrity.
2. Wash and dry feet regularly and thoroughly with special attention between the toes.
3. Trim toenails straight across.
4. Check for proper shoe fit and support.
5. Avoid walking barefoot for safety as well as postural considerations.
6. Use home remedies with caution. Keep your medical conditions monitored carefully.
So, if you "hit the floor running" or "walk a mile in my shoes", take care of those feet. They're the only ones
you have.
Further Resources:
Podiatric medicine help site: http://foottalk.com/faqpod.htm
Physical therapy help site: http://www.ptcentral.com/
For Your Soul Consideration:
Want beautiful feet? God calls your feet beautiful when, wherever you go, you bring glad tidings of good things. (Romans 10:15)
Copyright 2002, Diane H. Pitts. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
THE CONTENT OF THE "HEALTHY HOME" COLUMN IS PRESENTED IN SUMMARY FORM, IS GENERAL IN NATURE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT IS NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR FACE-TO-FACE, IN-PERSON, PROFESSIONAL, MEDICAL, PSYCHIATRIC, OR PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH CARE ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION, HEALTH DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ IN THE "HEALTHY HOME" COLUMN. Please read our full legal notice.
| About Diane H. Pitts, R.N., P.T.: Diane Pitts has practiced in the fields of nursing and physical therapy for twenty-five years. She currently manages the education and escapades of three active boys in addition to pursuing an interest in writing. Healthy Home seeks to provide the reader with practical ways to maintain wholeness in body, mind, and soul. Contact her at healthyhomecol@earthlink.net. |
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