Our feet are the endlessly working, thankless body parts that we rarely consider in need of a doctor. Feet are hardy, resilient, we tell ourselves we have evolved over millennia to have our feet harden and cross any surface as some kind of justification as to why they can’t get infected or damaged or sick, like any other part of us.
There are many reasons to see a podiatrist, and most people only start going when something hurts or looks seriously wrong. Visiting a foot posture clinic can save you a lot of time and pain later in life, as feet are not only highly important to us in their own right, but they also show signs of very serious bodily conditions early on, making them great indicators for your overall health.
We have compiled a list of 5 signs that you should see a podiatrist to help you recognise what important afflictions may be plaguing your feet.
Heels
Your heels are the striking point for the way you walk, making them the main shock absorbers for your whole body. Sometimes thickened skin can build up on your heels, whether that’s from the way you walk or the shoes you’re wearing doesn’t matter so much. What does matter is that they can cause problems later down the line if left unchecked.
Podiatrists have valuable information about the causes and treatments for these corns or calluses. As well as this, flaky or discoloured skin around the heel can be a sign of a thyroid condition, which needs to be directly addressed as soon as possible.
Toenails
Your toenails are the place on your feet that you are most likely to see some problems. Because the toes are in close proximity and often in closed-off shoes, fungal infections develop much more easily underneath and around the toenails than anywhere else on the foot. These can quickly become painful and infected, as the toes get less air and light than the rest of your body. Your podiatrist can give you anti-fungal treatments for your feet that will have you right as rain in no time.
Ball
The ball of your foot supports your weight and directly connects in use to your calf muscles. Involved in walking, running, lifting yourself, balancing and fast maneuvering, it’s entirely essential for people in all walks of life. That being said, when was the last time you look at the ball of your feet and said “I need to have a doctor look at this”?
Most likely, the answer will be something along the lines of “I have never said that phrase in my life”, which can mean you have great foot health and you should be happy with your feet. With that said, if you have noticed any pain there, irregularly or otherwise, you should pay a visit. Unchecked foot problems can be just as serious as any other unchecked medical condition, and should be treated as such.
Arches
The arch of your foot, and any problems therein encountered, are most often associated with foot posture and walking style. These are things that could seem minor when compared with more common foot and leg problems. However, over time, the way you walk and the way you position your feet can shift the balance of your entire skeleton, making it a long and hard to reverse process.
Ankles
Finally, we come to the top of the foot, the ankle.
Rolled ankles are very common, and they don’t always require a doctor to look over them, but if they happen with alarming regularity you could have your ankles checked for signs of weakness.
The feet are the foundation for a stable and healthy walk, the basis for better balance, and the body part that allows us to go for effortless and leisurely strolls whenever we like. Taking care of them is of the utmost importance.
