If Your Feet Could Talk
Have you ever wondered what your feet would say to you if they could talk? At Goldsmith Podiatry, we have a good idea based on the foot and ankle issues we frequently treat in our Manhattan patients. Below are some "talking points" we're sure your feet want to share.
“Stop consulting Dr. Google.”
Your foot or ankle hurts, or you notice a strange rash or blemish on your foot. Is your first response to head to the computer to figure out what it is? A wealth of information is available on the internet—much of it is misleading or inaccurate. When foot discomfort strikes, your best bet is to contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 and let one of our real podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff handle the evaluation.
“Wear shoes that fit properly.”
It's estimated that as many as 90% of people wear shoes that are the wrong size for their feet. Your feet can get larger as you age or if you gain weight. It's also not uncommon for feet to swell more in the summer heat, which can cause shoes to feel tight. Shoes too small for your feet can lead to problems such as bunions, ingrown toenails, and hammertoes. Wearing shoes that are too large or stretched out is also potentially harmful. The friction caused by your foot sliding can lead to blisters or, worse, an ankle sprain or fall. Get your feet professionally measured periodically and toss shoes that no longer fit.
“Don’t overdo it when starting a new exercise program.”
Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. Your feet will certainly appreciate all the benefits of regular exercise, but if you are too aggressive at the start of a new program, you can cause injuries. Shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures can result from doing too much too soon when working out.
“It’s worth it to lose those extra 5 pounds.”
You may not think a few pounds up or down will make much of a difference, but the stress is magnified in your feet, which carry the weight of your entire body. Each pound you gain or lose adds 3-5 pounds of strain to your lower extremities. Many common foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis and sesamoiditis, are exacerbated by being overweight.
Ultimately your feet perform mighty feats. The average person will walk approximately 75,000 miles in a lifetime—the equivalent of circling the globe three times. So be sure to show your feet some love and care for all the good they do for you! "We love you and are happy to serve."