April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and a great month to kick start everything foot and ankle-related. Your feet are complex structures that contain nearly a quarter of all the bones in your body. Good healthy feet are vital for mobility, independence, and overall wellbeing. So, it’s no surprise that when our feet hurt, our entire body hurts! Today Dr. Debra B. Manheim of Step by Step Family Foot Care in Parsippany, New Jersey, encourages everyone to take a step (or steps!) towards happy, healthy feet!
- Inspect your feet daily: Everyday foot exams are essential, especially if you have diabetes. Look for anything unusual such as bumps, cuts, wounds, drainage, skin changes, or discoloration of the toenail. When foot problems are found and treated early, it prevents complications.
- Find the perfect pair: If your favorite shoe is a source of any discomfort, it is time to bid them farewell. Choose shoes that are made for the activity you want to do. Tight and ill-fitted shoes can cause severe damage or even worsen current conditions like hammertoes and bunions. Wear shoes with a wide toe box so that the toes have enough room to move to avoid issues like blisters, corns, deformed toes, neuromas, or calluses.
- Seek professional help: If you notice a foot problem or are unsure of your diagnosis, see a podiatrist immediately. Regular visits to your foot doctor can help you get to the root of the problem and avoid any future pain or issue with your feet or ankles.
Be proactive, and care for your feet every day. Show them some TLC! We have an experienced doctor, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, a board-certified podiatrist to care for all your foot problems. Call (973) 917-3785 or visit our office in Parsippany, New Jersey, to have a thorough check-up and learn some of the best ways to improve your foot and ankle health. Feel free to browse through our patient education library and blog section on our website.