Your feet take you everywhere you need to go, so it’s pretty clear that they are important body parts. Sometimes we take different aspects of our health for granted, including the importance of having feet that are in good condition so that we can maintain mobility for a lifetime. Technically speaking, feet have 33 joints, 26 bones and approximately 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. It’s pretty amazing when you think about it. The complexity of how feet are structured enables us to function optimally. With that being the case, it’s prudent to care for your feet just as you would for any other body part. It seems as though the priority of personal care depends on what’s most visible. 

There’s a lot of attention paid to the face because it’s literally what’s used to interact with the world. However, when summer rolls around each year, there’s a priority placed on the aesthetics of feet, which is why so many people get pedicures during that time of the year. Your feet have carried you this far and can take you further, so it’s a good prioritize them. You might start by visiting a foot and ankle specialist elmhurst il. 

Different Problems That Can Occur with Your Feet 

There are hundreds of foot ailments that can occur, which is why podiatrists have been growing in popularity over the years. Some of the more common issues are ingrown toenails, hammertoes, heel spurs, flat feet, calluses, bunions and fungal infections. Regardless of the issue that you might be experiencing, it’s important to take note of any potential problems and address them as soon as you can. This is especially important since some problems with feet occur when a person has diabetes. 

Someone with foot problems might experience neuropathy and not understand that the loss of sensation in their feet is caused by a potentially dangerous health condition. They may also experience foot sores that can lead to an infection, which is another issue that must be addressed promptly. When these issues occur, it’s important to consult with a doctor because untreated diabetes can potentially lead to leg or foot amputation, which is an unfortunate reality for many people around the world. 

An element of properly caring for your feet is orthotics and making sure you have the right kind of shoes. Wearing the wrong kind of shoes can sometimes result in plantar fasciitis and other conditions. If you’re a runner, you’re probably familiar with running shoes and how they affect your feet and the way your body feels. Anyone who has experienced “runner’s knee” has learned about the connection between their feet and knees. 

Maintaining a commitment to foot care doesn’t have to be difficult. You can start by simply inspecting your feet on a regular basis to identify any issues, such as scaling soles, infections or undiagnosed pain. Examining your feet can be something that takes place when you wash them on a regular basis. Another important step is drying your feet after every wash to mitigate the potential for infection from moisture.