Putting Your Best Foot Forward!

 The month of May is World Foot Health Awareness Month.

Feet are our bodies best means of transport, yet 75% of us never have them serviced. But foot tune-ups are never too late. You can get those, sore, sick, tired, hurting, calloused, or neglected feet back on the road again by having a foot specialist, or podiatrist, help you take good care of your natural set of wheels!

FEET ON THE GROUND

On a typical hectic day most of us hardly see our feet. They are overlooked! Often they are tucked away inside socks and shoes for many hours, yet serve us in many ways we take for granted. They are one of our body’s great mobility assets and need to be kept continually healthy and strong.  An average person will probably walk about 27 000km in a lifetime. That’s about one and a half times around the world- on foot! What a feat!

TALK THE TALK AND WALK THE WALK

Foot problems are on the increase, largely due to the types of lifestyles we lead. The month of May is a good time to learn a little more about foot health. The South African Podiatry Association along with the International Federation of Podiatrists want to get your feet up to speed with proper foot care education. Several workshops, media campaigns, study aids and awareness programs will be held throughout the Month. Contact a podiatrist for details of these activities. Many of them will be happening in your area. So you can even walk there!

 STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Mr Aboobaker Sayed, a foot doctor at Johannesburg’s Sandton Medi Clinic, l advised that “checking one’s feet regularly is as important as looking after one’s teeth.” Podiatrists are highly trained specialists in  the examination, diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle and lower leg ailments or diseases. They can tell your how the condition of your feet can adversely affect other parts or systems of your body and tell you how to prevent this. For example, an untreated cut on the foot of a diabetic can lead to blood poisoning which sometimes may result in an amputation. If we get into to the habit of teaching ourselves and our children about foot care early in life, much discomfort, pain and unnecessary cost can be avoided.

 FOOT FACTS

Mr Sayed further explained that “podiatrists treat common ailments such as athlete’s foot, corns,  plantar warts, ingrowing toenails, wounds, injuries and muscular problems relating to the foot and leg. They also treat bone deformities and can recognize the initial symptoms of serious diseases such as arthritis, diabetes and circulatory disorders, which often appear first in the feet.”

 “Studies show that 75 % of South Africans will experience foot ailments at some point in their lives, but many don‘t seek medical attention until the problem becomes more severe. Our feet are complex instruments, containing 25% of the bones in our bodies. With regular check-ups, you and your podiatrist can keep them running like a well-tuned car” he added.

 FEET FIRST

There is a lot of complex chemistry and biology that makes our feet what they are. We need to show a healthy respect for the fact that or feet are wonderfully created to do the tasks we expect of them. Podiatrists make this study their life’s work. That’s why they can provide medical and surgical treatment that is suitable for your very own pair of feet. So, make an appointment to see your foot doctor today. See how those toes, insteps and ankles are shaping up. Do what’s right for those faithful feet. Then put your feet up and relax!!

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YOUR FEET IN GOOD HANDS