Your feet are often overlooked when thinking about health and wellness, but they are a big part of your everyday life! They do their jobs day after day to get you where you need to go, and rarely do you think about them until something goes wrong. Pain in your feet will quickly make you realize how important they really are to your active lifestyle! April is recognized as Foot Health Awareness Month, which is an initiative to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of your feet and seeking professional help for any foot-related issues. Here are some key things to keep in mind during Foot Health Awareness Month:
Proper foot care
Taking care of your feet is important to prevent foot-related issues. This includes washing your feet daily, trimming your toenails straight across, wearing comfortable and properly-fitted shoes, and moisturizing your feet regularly.
Foot-related health issues
Foot-related issues can affect anyone, but they are particularly common among older adults and people with chronic conditions like diabetes. Some common foot-related issues include bunions, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and ingrown toenails. It’s important to seek professional help if you experience any foot-related issues or pain.
Preventative measures
There are preventative measures you can take to keep your feet healthy, such as stretching your feet and toes regularly, wearing shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning, and avoiding going barefoot in public places to prevent the spread of infections.
Professional foot care
It is important to seek professional help for any foot-related issues. Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. A pedorthist is a professional who has specialized training to modify footwear and employ supportive devices to address conditions that affect the feet and lower limbs.
By raising awareness about foot health, we can encourage people to take care of their feet and seek professional help when needed. This can help prevent foot-related issues and promote overall health and well-being.
Orthotics and MatScans can help improve foot health in several ways:
MatScans
MatScans, also known as gait analysis, are computerized systems that analyze a person’s gait or walking pattern. This analysis can help identify any issues with foot alignment, pressure points, or other factors that may be contributing to foot-related issues such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or bunions. With this information, podiatrists and pedorthists can create a customized treatment plan, which may include the use of orthotics.
Orthotics
Orthotics are customized shoe inserts or devices that precisely fit a person’s foot and address specific foot-related issues. They can help improve foot alignment, reduce pressure on certain areas of the foot, and provide support and cushioning. Orthotics can be helpful for a range of foot-related issues, including plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, and flat feet.
Orthotics can be either over-the-counter or custom-made, with custom-made orthotics being more expensive but also more effective. They are designed to fit a person’s unique foot shape and are tailored to their specific foot-related issues. Orthotics can be used with or without other treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, and can be an effective way to manage foot-related issues and prevent future problems.
Overall, MatScans and orthotics can play an important role in foot health by providing an accurate diagnosis of foot-related issues and offering customized treatments to improve foot alignment, reduce pressure, and provide support and cushioning. If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, it is important to consult with a specialist to determine the best treatment options for your specific needs. At Visionary Wellness & Imaging Our Board Certified Pedorthist can assess and scan your feet to cast and create custom orthotics. Schedule your consultation today!
