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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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August 25, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
The Right Tool For The Job
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
The importance of a
sturdy, well-fitting shoe is underestimated. Just as you need “the right
tool for the job,” you need the appropriate shoe for the intended use.
Shoes should be chosen for comfort and function, not for style.
The wrong shoe can contribute to injuries and maladies, such as falls or
back, leg, or foot pain. For example, thick, plush and/or spongy soles
can easily throw a person off balance (especially in the elderly) if
they “stick” or grab carpeting. Thin, hard soles have been shown to
provide the best balance. Be sure to check such soles and if they are
polished smooth, rough them up to avoid slips and skids. For safety,
shoes should always be fastened. Shoes should have room for the toes.
Many shoes made today have narrow front ends. Shoes should be
lightweight and supportive. Shoes do not need to be expensive to do the
right job.
Foot aches and pains can really ruin your day. Although most foot
problems are not life-threatening, feet that hurt decrease the quality
of life and can be quite incapacitating. Most foot problems are
relatively easy to correct, or can even be prevented. The four basic
“steps” for foot health are: Wear shoes that fit well with firm soles
and soft, roomy toe space; provide regular exercise for your feet, such
as walking; keep your feet clean and dry; and help tender spots to heal
by using pads, cushions, or heel cup.
If you have a sore or injury on foot, do not let it go untreated. Keep
it clean and make sure it heals. If it does not get better on its own,
seek medical help. Diabetics need to pay special attention to their
feet. Sores that do not heal can lead to very major health problems.
Since the foot is a complex structure of 26 bones, 33 joints, and a
complicated series of tendons, muscles, and ligaments, many target
points are open for trouble. There can be many reasons for foot pain,
although most often, the pain is due to one of seven common foot
problems. They are corns and calluses; bunions; ingrown toenails;
hammertoes; heel pain (heel spurs); fallen arches; Plantar fasciitis; or
Morton's neuroma. Each condition has different symptoms and treatment.
Other foot problems that are not related to skeletal problems include
Athlete's foot; warts; blisters; and fungus.
Who should you consult for trouble with your feet? Doctors usually refer
people to either an orthopedist or a podiatrist. An orthopedist is a
medical doctor who diagnoses and treats bone or joint disorders anywhere
in the body. They can prescribe medicines and perform surgery.
Podiatrists are medical specialists who are trained and licensed to
diagnose and treat foot problems. They can also prescribe drugs and
perform surgery, but just for conditions of the ankle and foot.
For a free copy of the “foot book” and other foot health articles,
District residents (Bethany, Hamden , North Haven and Woodbridge ) can
call QVHD, 248-4528 or request on line,
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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