Preventing Foot Trouble

The old saying is...............
When we are in love we may be "swept off our feet." When we don't want to do something, we are said to have "cold feet." A sensible person "has both feet on the ground." Sometimes we even "vote with our feet."

Years of wear and tear can be hard on our feet. So can disease, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails, and wearing shoes that don't fit properly. Problems with our feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders.

Why is a foot massage necessary?
The foot has 12 different muscles. The muscles are designed to support the weight of the body, and provide a movable platform on almost any surface. Having your feet massaged may help you relax, and may improve blood flow to your feet. Tender areas, or areas where muscles are tight or cramping may feel better after being massaged.

Visit our Foot Massagers to help with your feet.

How to Preventing Foot Trouble:
Practice good foot care. Check your feet regularly, or have a member of your family check them. Podiatrists and primary care doctors (internists and family practitioners) are qualified to treat most foot problems. Sometimes the special skills of an orthopedic surgeon or dermatologist are needed.

It also helps to keep blood circulating to your feet as much as possible. Do this by putting your feet up when you are sitting or lying down, stretching if you've had to sit for a long while, walking, having a gentle foot massage, or taking a warm foot bath. Try to avoid pressure from shoes that don't fit right. Try not to expose your feet to cold temperatures. Don't sit for long periods of time (especially with your legs crossed).

Other Resources:

For more information on foot care:

American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society
1216 Pine Street, Suite 201
Seattle, Washington 98101
206-223-1120
206-223-1178 (fax)
aofas@aofas.org (email)http://www.aofas.org/

American Podiatric Medical Association
9312 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
1-800-FOOTCARE www.apma.org

For more information on health and aging:

National Institute on Aging Information Center
P.O. Box 8057
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20898-8057
1-800-222-2225
1-800-222-4225 (TTY)
www.nih.gov/nia

---

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

---

If you have any other suggestions that should be added. Post a comment.

Return Back to Store