Are Your Feet and Legs Healthy?

The lower parts of your legs and your feet carry the weight of your body and are strained if you are overweight or if you stand (but do not walk) for long periods.

Varicose veins are a common problem in the legs, especially among women. These twisted, distended veins can be painful.

Swollen ankles may be caused by being on your feet for a long time in warmer weather or by sitting with your feet tucked under your chair (such as during a long plane trip).

However, they can also be a sign of a serious problem such as liver or kidney disease, or even heart failure. If unexplained swelling of your ankles persists, consult your doctor.

Many foot problems are the result of wearing badly fitting shoes or of poor foot hygiene.

However, some problems may be due to a disorder affecting the circulation, such as arteriosclerosis. You also need to be alert to signs of skin cancer.

Monitoring The Foot In Diabetes

People with diabetes often lose their sensation of pain. As a result, they do not feel pressure points from badly fitting shoes that could be damaging their feet.

In addition, their blood vessels tend to become blocked by atherosclerosis.

Also, minor cuts and sores are slow to heal. Diabetes is the most common cause of amputation for gangrene (death of tissues).

If you have diabetes, it is extremely important that you examine your feet regularly for problems, and get immediate medical attention if anything is wrong.

If you think you might have trouble detecting any problems or if you have difficulty trimming your nails, get professional help with your foot care.

Problems That May Affect Your Feet

Most foot problems can be easily prevented by good foot care and hygiene and by making sure that your shoes fit well and provide good support.

Plantar warts

Like all warts, plantar warts are caused by a virus infection of the skin. Be-cause the wart grows on the underside of the foot, it is pushed inward and causes pain when standing and walking.

Athletes' foot

This fungal infection attacks the sole of your foot and the skin between your toes. It begins as a red, scaly, itchy rash. The skin may then crack and peel. The area may have an odor.

Corns and Calluses

Calluses are hard areas of skin produced as a reaction to pressure or friction, usually from shoes that are too tight or fit poorly. A corn is a callus on a toe.

Ingrown toenail

This painful condition may occur if your nail is too wide for the nail bed, is under pressure from your shoes, or has been cut too short. An ingrown nail can easily become infected.

Bunion

This bump on the side of the big toe joint tends to make the toes point to the outside. It is largely a hereditary condition. If your parents have bunions, you are more likely to have them too.

Do you have varicose veins?

Varicose veins, shown below, are more common in women. They often occur after pregnancy. Early signs include swelling and aching and discoloration of the skin. I f you have any of these signs, consult your doctor. He or she may advise you to wear support hose or an elastic bandage (see right).

Do you have "Flat Feet"?

Some people have feet that are naturally flat (that is, the foot lacks an arch so that the sole rests flat on the ground). In most cases, flat feet do not cause any problems. You can determine whether you have high- or low-arched feet by doing the following test using an ink pad.

Items needed

• Ink pad
• Piece of paper larger than your feet

Method

1. Place your foot on the ink pad or use a roller to cover the bottom of your foot with ink.
2. Carefully put your foot on the paper. Evenly distribute your weight between your feet.
3. Remove your foot from the paper, dean the ink from your foot, and repeat with your other foot. Check your results against the diagram.

Foot Care For A Person With Diabetes

Be alert to sores, bruises, and cuts on your feet, which should be reported to your doctor immediately. Have your toenails cut regularly and any calluses pared and treated by your doctor or podiatrist. With good foot care you can prevent serious complications. n

Source : American Medical Associate Bulletin

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• Disease and Treatment