“An average, healthy person should aim to take 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. That covers several miles and adds up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime. By age 70, the average person will have walked the equivalent of 4 times around the globe” (Podiatry Facts & Statistics).
“Shopping for shoes is best done in the afternoon. Your feet tend to swell a little during the day, and it’s best to buy shoes to fit them then. Have your feet measured every time you purchase shoes, and do it while you’re standing. When you try on shoes, try them on both feet; many people have one foot larger than the other, and it’s best to fit the larger one” (Podiatry Facts & Statistics).
Your feet are a big part of your everyday life and it’s important to take care of them.
Below I’m going to list common foot problems and what to do.
- Corn and calluses are caused by pressure and friction when the bony parts of your feet rub against your shoe. Many times wearing better fitting shoes or pads can solve the problem. If not relieved by that, telling your doctor about the problem maybe in your best interest.
- Bunions happen when the joints of your big toe no longer fit together. When that happens it may become swollen and tender. If not severe, wearing shoes that have a wide toe and instep, wearing pads that cushion the bunion may help with the pain. Notifying your doctor of any problems or concerns can lead to further treatment.
- Fungal or Bacterial conditions such as athletes foot occurs when your feet spend a lot of time in shoes, especially when they are warm, dark, and humid which is a good place for fungus to grow. These kinds of conditions can cause redness, itching, blisters, dry feet and peeling. If not treated the infection may become hard to cure. If not treated the correct way it may reoccur. To prevent these infections keep your feet clean and dry especially in between your toes. It may help to apply foot powder daily. Talk with your doctor with any concerns that may arise.
Stepping Stone provides wellness clinic every Thursday at 12:30, services provided at that time are toe nail clipping and blood pressure checks. Please sign up with Georgette for the next available spot!
~ Deanna DeVos, RN and Stepping Stone Home Health Care
References:
8 Common Problems. (2003, March 4). Retrieved July 22, 2014, from Medicine Net: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22536
Podiatry Facts & Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2014, from Illinois Podiatric Medical Association: http://ipma.net/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=15