Our feet are complex and delicate anatomical structures with many tiny bones. These structures are prone to sustaining damage and are vulnerable to wear, highlighting the importance of podiatry, especially those who work on their feet.
Our feet require expert’s care as they are stabilizers, shock absorbers, and propulsion engines of the body. Let’s talk in detail about the importance of having your feet checked regularly and where you can go in Naples, FL, for outstanding podiatry care.
What is Podiatry
Podiatry refers to assessing, diagnosing, and treating foot and ankle conditions. A podiatrist can help you with treat and diagnose abnormal conditions of the feet and even the lower limbs, ingrown toenails, or bunions.
They also help you prevent and correct feet deformity to help decrease immobility using corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings. They also help correct walking patterns and balance.
Benefits of Podiatry
The feet and limbs are instrumental in overall well-being and physical health. Podiatrists can help solve and reduce day-to-day foot and ankle problems such as:
- Foot pain
- Sports injuries
- Blisters
- Verrucas
- Foot odor
- Toenail problems
- Athlete’s foot
- Corns and calluses
- Walking patterns
- Heel spurs
A podiatrist can help assess, examine, and treat your foot and ankle problems that come from other conditions, such as swelling due to diabetes, or developmental concerns, such as flat feet or club feet.
How to Keep Your Feet Healthy
Your feet have dozens of bones, over a hundred ligaments, and thousands of nerves. These tissues can sustain damage due to various diseases, lack of activity, or too much activity. Here are some tips to keeping your feet healthy:
Be Active
Physical activity has significant benefits for your feet, such as strengthening your bones and muscles. Simple foot and ankle stretch 2-3 times a day could loosen the muscles of your feet.
Visit Your Foot Doctor
Your feet might not connect directly to other parts of your body, but your overall health affects them. Some diseases, such as diabetes, can cause foot and ankle conditions. Regular visits to your foot doctor can help you diagnose the disease.
Check your Hygiene
Good hygiene helps curb the growth of bacteria and fungi on your feet, improving your foot health.
Choose the Right Shoes
Choosing the appropriate footwear for you is one of the primary things to keep your feet healthy. Good shoes should:
- Fit snugly
- Support your arches
- Feel comfortable
- Not dig into your skin or push your toes together
It’s also critical to choose shoes depending on your activity. For example, flat shoes aren’t ideal for people who need to be on their feet for a long time.
Podiatry for People Who Work on Their Feet
People who have to be standing for most of their day must always take care of their feet.
Athletes
Athletes are always active and typically engaged in intense physical activity, making their foot health important. An athlete’s foot takes a lot of wear and tear and tends to be susceptible to tendonitis, heel pain, and injuries from impacts.
People Who Work in Food and Retail
Workers in the food and retail sector are almost always on their feet while on duty, leading to muscle fatigue. Prolonged standing and walking also increase the wear and tear of tissues in their feet.
Health Care Workers
Nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers often stand, especially during more intense activities like surgery. The lack of movement can inhibit circulation and cause muscle fatigue. Prolonged standing leads to soreness and sometimes fluid buildup in the feet.
Podiatrist in Naples, FL
Standing for too long can cause various foot problems, the least of which is sore feet. More severe conditions could include muscle fatigue or tendonitis in the case of professional athletes.
Checking in with a podiatrist is vital, especially for people who always work on their feet. The experts at the Joint Replacement Institute of Naples, FL, are ready to serve you and your feet.
To know more about the treatment options or schedule a consultation, call us today at (239) 261-2663 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!