Put Your Best Foot Forward

When it comes to your health, a ground-up approach that includes good foot care and regular foot checks can often be a key to overall well-being and quality of life.

To help people understand proper foot care and how to help prevent or treat foot injuries and disorders, Griffin Hospital presents "Steps to Proper Foot Care" on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division Street, Derby. Hosted by Podiatrist Dr. Luke Jeffries, this free talk is especially important for those with diabetes, as the disease causes poor blood flow to the legs and feet, which makes it difficult for a sore or infection to heal. To register or for more information, call 203.732.1511 or click here.

Common Foot Problems

With 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments in each foot, there are a lot of things that can go wrong with your feet. Common issues include:

• Bunions - hard, painful bumps on the big toe joint
• Calluses and corns - thickened skin from friction or pressure
• Plantar warts - warts on the soles of your feet
• Fallen arches - also called flat feet
• Skin conditions, such as rashes and eczema
• Toe nail fungus
• Fractures and sprains, especially in toes and ankles

Usually deviation from normal arches and toe position cause foot problems, but ill-fitting shoes are also a regular culprit. Aging and being overweight also increase your chances of having foot issues.

Proper Foot Care

To keep your feet healthy, you should:

• Examine your feet regularly for pressure spots, cuts and bruises, redness, or ulcerations.
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly.
• Change shoes at least once a day.
• Wash your feet daily with soap and lukewarm water.
• Trim your toenails straight across, being careful not to cut them too short.
• Limit your time barefoot so as to avoid cuts and bruises.
• Avoid using corn removers.
• Avoid cutting calluses or corns.
• Ask your physician to check your feet.

Your Feet May Be Telling You Something

Did you know that your foot health can be a warning sign for other health issues? Joint stiffness could suggest arthritis; tingling or numbness could be a sign of diabetes; and swelling might indicate kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure.

To find out more about foot health and proper foot care, come to "Steps to Proper Foot Care" on May 14. To register or for more information, click here or call 203.732.1511. You can find out about upcoming Tuesday Talks and events at Griffin Hospital at griffinhealth.org/ProgramsEvents.

About Tuesday Talks

"Steps to Proper Foot Care" is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U "Tuesday Talks," a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.