At Darlyne Cange, DPM PA we’re joining in the celebration of National Foot Health Awareness Month. Now is a good time to emphasize that every patient, no matter age or gender, can improve their foot health. Below are some tips for each member of the family.
Men: Learn How to Prevent Gout—did you know that gout (up until the age of 60) is more prevalent among men than women? Gout is an arthritic condition that occurs when uric acid builds up in the body and crystallizes in a joint—most often the big toe joint. This condition is extremely painful. Men can reduce their risk by knowing the foods that tend to bring on gout attacks and steering clear of them. Gout triggers include: red meat, organ meats, shellfish, red wine, beer and brandy.
Women: Show Good Shoe Sense—toe deformities such as bunions and hammertoes can develop or worsen as a result of shoe choice. High heels that force the foot forward and narrow, pointy toe boxes that squeeze toes together lead to painful and disabling foot problems for women. Don’t forsake the health of your feet for fashion. Also, be sure to get your foot measured periodically—your foot size can increase as you age. Some studies show that as many as 90% of women are wearing shoes that are too small for them.
Children: Recognize Signs of Foot Problems—children, especially younger ones, are not always able to articulate that their feet or ankles are bothering them. Parents need to be observant and look for the following non-verbal cues that little feet might be in trouble:
Not wanting to participate in physical activities and games they normally enjoy
Lagging behind peers in outdoor play
Walking on tip toes or in a funny way
Greater frequency of trips and falls
Elderly: Inspect Feet Regularly—as you age, many systemic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, hypertension and peripheral arterial disease may first show symptoms in your feet. Get in the habit of looking your feet over carefully every day. Notice if there are any changes in shape, size, skin color, toenail appearance. Look for growths, bruises, cuts or wounds that don’t seem to be healing, changes in moles, lumps or bumps. Contact our Glen Burnie (410-684-5934) or Ellicott City (410-680-8357) office and report anything suspicious to our podiatrist, Dr. Darlyne Cange for prompt evaluation and treatment.