Your Feet Were Made For Talking?
Not Really, But They Can Warn You About Health Problems
It is said that the human foot is a mirror of health. It can reflect
the effects of age, heredity and illness through 300+ different foot
ailments. Some are caused by normal wear and tear, some by neglect or
abuse. In addition, some can actually be symptoms of systemic conditions
(such as diabetes, circulatory disease and arthritis).
Many seniors believe it's normal for their feet to hurt. However, dry
skin, burning/cold sensations, tingling, numbness, discoloration and
brittle nails are not normal. And many of these problems can be treated
successfully. So it's important for seniors to listen to their feet and
team up with their medical professional for treatment and preventative
care.
Your feet may tell you of health problems in their
early stages.
Some Common Foot Problems
- Bacterial & fungal infections – Redness, blisters and
itching that usually occur because feet are in a dark, damp, warm environment.
Can become chronic or difficult to treat, if not treated promptly.
- Blisters – a cyst on the skin filled with fluid and is caused
by fric
- Bunions – Misalignment of a big toe joint which becomes swollen
and tender. Tends to run in families and can be aggravated by shoes
that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe.
- Corns & Calluses – Protective layer of dead, compacted
skin cells that can create pain. Caused by repeated friction of the
skin rubbing against bony areas and ill-fitting shoes.
- Cramping – Tightness and pain that can be caused by arthritis
or poor circulation in the legs. Also common with Parkinson's Disease
and can precede other symptoms (by years).
- Foot odor – The unpleasant smell caused by excessive perspiration
of the feet.
- Hammertoe – Toes bent in a claw-like position. Usually caused
by muscle imbalance and often aggravated by poorly fitting shoes and
socks that cramp the toes. Most common in the second toe, usually when
a bunion slants the big toe under it.
- Heel pain – Bad biomechanics that place too much stress on
the heel bone, ligaments and nerves. Can be caused by walking on hard
surfaces, wearing poorly made shoes, arthritis, gout and poor circulation.
Being overweight can add to the problem.
- Ingrown toenails – Nails with corners or sides that dig into
the skin, often causing infection. Can be caused by improper nail trimming,
shoe pressure, poor foot structure, fungal infections, heredity and
injury.
- Spurs – Calcium growths that develop on the bones. Caused
by muscle strain. Irritated by excessive standing, being overweight
and wearing poor fitting shoes.
(Sources: American Podiatric Medical Assn., NIH)
