Did You Know That April is National Foot Health Awareness Month?

April is designated as National Foot Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to think about how much you count on your feet each day, and how important it is to develop healthy habits to keep them free of pain. Today Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists, in Bellevue, WA, is observing the month with important foot-healthy tips.

What Your Symptoms Can Really Mean

Almost half of us will feel some type of foot pain. Because the foot is such a complex structure that has more bones than any part of the human body, it’s no surprise that so many people experience foot pain.

But this pain is often a sign of a more serious underlying issue. And because many symptoms show up in the feet first, they are excellent for identifying both common and more serious medical conditions such as the following.

• Toenails that are stained may be an indication of a more serious underlying disorder, such as diabetes, fungus, or liver issues.
• Most corns and blisters can be caused by wearing shoes that fit too tightly, but they can also be a sign of a more serious problem, like diabetes.
• Swollen joints can be a sign of osteoarthritis, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Painful, inflamed feet can be an indication of something much more serious such as heart, thyroid, or kidney problems.
• A loss of hair on your toes can be a sign of poor circulation and/or diabetes.
• Cracking on the heels can also be a sign of a thyroid problem or diabetes.

Foot-Healthy Tips

The following are some tips to help keep feet healthy.

• Examine your feet each day.
• Always keep them dry and clean.
• Support your arches.
• Be on the lookout for age-related changes in your feet, such as arthritis-related stiffness.
• Wear shoes that fit correctly and match your activity

If you are experiencing any of these issues on an ongoing basis, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA today at (425) 455-0936 to book your visit or schedule an appointment online.