The Benefits of Regular Foot Exams
You probably visit your primary care physician once a year for your annual checkup and have regular appointments with your eye doctor and dentist. But when was the last time you visited a podiatrist? Despite the significant role our feet play in our everyday lives, they are often overlooked until there is a problem.
Regular foot exams are key to detecting foot issues early on, preventing and treating foot injuries, and supporting overall health. Read on to learn why regular foot exams are important, even if your feet seem to be in good shape.
The Benefits of Regular Foot Exams
- Early Detection of Foot Problems
Detecting foot problems early on can significantly reduce the level of discomfort you experience, the time it takes your foot to heal, and the chances of experiencing complications. Podiatrists can catch conditions like bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar fasciitis early on and start treatment before these conditions become more severe. Podiatrists will also suggest preventive measures to help you avoid common foot problems and any other foot conditions you are at risk for.
- Get a Look into Your Overall Health
Podiatrists can often identify problems with your overall health by just looking at your feet. For example, conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory issues frequently manifest through the feet. Symptoms such as swelling, tingling, or numbness in the feet can indicate these conditions. Podiatrists can spot the warning signs and alert you if your feet may be showing one of these conditions.
- Maintain Foot Hygiene
Podiatrists can help make sure you are properly caring for your feet by checking for conditions like fungal infections, warts, corns, calluses, and toenail problems. If you are experiencing one of these conditions, your podiatrist can help you devise a plan to treat the condition and prevent the condition from returning.
- Aid the Performance of Athletes
Running, jumping, and playing sports put extra stress on your feet. As an athlete, it is important to make sure your joints stay healthy and that you maintain proper mobility in your feet and ankles. Your podiatrist can check to make sure your feet and ankles stay healthy under the stress of your sport. Also, your podiatrist can suggest how to warm up your feet properly and the best footwear to prevent injuries and keep you performing at your best.
- Support Your Feet as You Age
As you get older, issues with foot mobility and balance may arise. Podiatrists can help support your feet as you age by providing exercises to do at home, proper footwear, and other tips to keep your feet healthy. It is also important for those who develop conditions like diabetes and arthritis to make regular trips to the podiatrist to prevent their condition from impacting the health of their feet.
What Should I Expect During a Foot Exam?
A foot exam typically begins with your podiatrist asking you about any foot concerns you may have and your medical history. From there, your podiatrist will likely then visually examine your feet to check for any abnormalities, test your reflexes and range of motion, and observe how you walk or perform other foot movements. If your podiatrist deems it necessary, you may get additional tests such as an x-ray.
After the exam, your podiatrist will inform you of their findings and develop a treatment plan for any issues. Your podiatrist may also give you some recommendations for at-home care on maintaining your feet’ health.
How Often Should I Get a Foot Exam?
A yearly foot exam should suffice if you are not experiencing any pain or problems with your feet. However, if you have diabetes, arthritis, circulatory, or certain foot conditions, you should see a podiatrist more frequently. Ask your podiatrist exactly how often you should stop in for a foot exam.
Regular foot exams are important for people of all ages, even if your feet seem perfectly healthy. Call one of our Family FootCare offices today to schedule an appointment!
Sources:
https://www.modernfootankle.com/resources/foot-care/guides/regular-foot-check-ups
https://www.feetbypody.com/blog/benefits-of-regular-foot-check-ups/
