When your feet hurt, your whole body hurts

What are some of the issues? Ingrown toenails, corns, bunions, cracked heels, sore feet, plantar fascitis, gouty arthritis of the toe(s), stress fracture(s), neuropathy, etc. Losing 10% of your body weight would help your hips, knees, legs and feet feel much better. When you calculate the 10%, take the total number of pounds and set your goals in 7 pound increments. Cut 300 to 500 calories a day and find an exercise that you enjoy that would burn 200 to 300 calories.

Are you wearing the correct size of shoe? Feet grow (lengthen usually) as we age. Our arches begin to fall. Take the time to have your feet measured using a Brannock device. Yes, those metal things that were always used when we were little.

Let’s just get the “but, I like high heels” or “I have to wear” or “I want to wear” out-of-the way right now. Make adjustments with padding at the ball of the foot and the heels too. Take flats with you to wear during the day when you don’t have to “be on.” You definitely need foot massages and pedicures and regular appointments to a podiatrist. Shoes that tilt the feet, such as high heels, may just be the cause of back and joint problems as well as damage to the Achilles tendon, hammer toe, bunions, stress fractures, corns, calluses, and nerve damage. Find well padded shoes.

As we age, the fatty tissue, which cushions the foot, decreases and corns may develop. Foot distortion may also occur. If you have neuropathy, circulation problems, or diabetes, you definitely need a podiatrist on your health care team.

Guys, you too need to heed the above. Some of you have the ingrown toe nails and cracked heels. You think to yourself, “It’s just dry skin” or “It’s just a few cracked places.” Cracked skin allows fungus and bacteria to enter your body. Get a pumice stone and work on smoothing the rough places. Check your feet for cuts, wounds (especially ones that won’t heal) discoloration and any other abnormalities that you observe. Place a mirror on the floor and put your foot above it and take a good look. Have someone else take a good look. Get over the, “Feet, Toes – Yuck!” What is the big deal about feet and toes with some people? I don’t get it and I am sure that is a topic for another day.

Just because you don’t have diabetes, does not mean that you don’t have neuropathy. If you have a “fungus amongus” use an antifungal over-the-counter product for 7 to 10 days. Lamisil or Lotrimin are good (generics are fine too). If it is under a nail, get with your doctor for help. If you need to take a tablet by mouth for the fungal infection–DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while taking the medication and for 3 days after stopping. Most of the time, they use the one week on and 3 weeks off method. Warm epsom salt soaks are good and remember to moisturize your feet. Do not put lotion between your toes. Why you ask? You don’t want to create a warm moist place for a fungus to go and grow.

Flip-flops, crocs, sandals, barefooted – only for a short period of time if at all. Think protection and cushioning. I know a lot of you are thinking to yourself – “I am not giving up _______.” I understand that and I am saying to modify a little at a time and see how it goes. Not all flats are ugly.

For those that have neuropathy, please check your feet daily or at least every other day. You may find a wound or ulcer that needs medical attention. You may find a tack stuck in your foot as my uncle did. No, he didn’t feel it and when it was found, it was too late, because gangrene had set in and he lost his leg from the knee down.

If your hips, knees, legs or feet hurt when you walk figure out if you need new shoes. Low back pain sufferer? It might be aggravated or caused by your foot problems. Your whole body will thank you when you take care of your feet.

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