Prevention Beat

April 5, 2011

April is Foot Health Awareness Month

"When my feet hurt, I can't think."

-Abraham Lincoln

FEET take an awful pounding. They support our bodies and balance us – and the average person walks the equivalent of five times round the Earth in a lifetime. However, most people give very little thought to their feet until problems occur…they may be meticulous about regular check-ups for their eyes and teeth, but not their feet

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, one in every six people has trouble with their feet. The main cause is very preventable - shoes that do not fit properly. Estimates show that foot problems in the U.S. can result in over $3 billion a year in added health care costs.

You can reduce the risk of foot injury by wearing shoes that fit to the natural shape of your feet, not the other way around. Shoes that do not fit can cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes and other disabling foot disorders. Tips for purchasing shoes that fit properly include:

§ Have your feet measured while you’re standing.

§ Always try on both shoes, and walk around the store.

§ Always buy for the larger foot; feet are seldom precisely the same size.

§ Don’t buy shoes that need a “break-in” period; shoes should be comfortable immediately.

§ Don’t rely on the size of your last pair of shoes. Your feet do get larger, and shoemakers’ sizing molds also vary.

§ Shop for shoes later in the day. Feet tend to swell during the day, and it’s best to be fitted while they are in that state.

§ Be sure that shoes fit well—front, back, and sides—to distribute weight. Be sure the widest part of your foot corresponds to the widest part of the shoe.

§ Select a shoe with a leather upper, stiff heel counter, appropriate cushioning, and flexibility at the ball of the foot.

§ Buy shoes that don’t pinch your toes, either at the tips, or across the toe box.

§ Try on shoes while you’re wearing the same type of socks or stockings you expect to wear with the shoes.

§ If you wear prescription orthotics—biomechanical inserts prescribed by a podiatric physician—you should take them along to shoe fittings.

Diseases, disorders and disabilities of the foot or ankle affect the quality of life and mobility of millions of Americans. However, the general public and even many physicians are unaware of the important relationship between foot health and overall health and well-being. With this in mind, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has offered 10 tips to help keep feet healthy.

§ Don't ignore foot pain—it's not normal. If the pain persists, see a podiatric physician.

§ Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature of your feet. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.

§ Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.

§ Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails. Individuals with diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.

§ Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.

§ Select and wear the right shoe for the activity that you are engaged in (i.e. running shoes for running).

§ Alternate shoes—don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.

§ Avoid walking barefooted—your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals always use sun block on your feet as you would the rest of your body.

§ Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments; self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.

§ If you are an individual with diabetes it is vital that you see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a check-up.

The average American adult walks 8,000 to 10,000 steps each day and thousands of miles in a lifetime. So why ignore foot pain? Take care of your feet to maintain and/or improve your quality of life and mobility.

For more information about foot health, visit the American Podiatric Medical Association at http://www.apma.org/.

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***We are now open Saturdays at our Independence location from 9am – 1pm to serve your occupational medicine and urgent care needs. Our Independence location is open 5pm – 9pm Monday – Friday to serve your after hour needs as well***

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OHS-COMPCARE now featuring Adult Quick Care (Urgent Care Services) has seven (7) area clinical facilities:

Independence Clinical Facility	Johnson County Clinical Facility	St. Joseph Clinical Facility	Grandview Clinical Facility
19000 E. Eastland Center Crt, St. 200	10415 Lackman Road	904 Edmond Street	13830 S Us Highway 71
Independence, MO 64055	Lenexa, KS 66219	St. Joseph, MO 64501	Grandview, MO 64030
816-478-9299	913-495-9905	816-233-7702	816-761-4664
After Hours Available *Now open Saturday 9am – 1pm

KCMO/Broadway Clinical Facility	KCMO/Front Street Clinical Facility	Wyandotte County Clinical Facility
1650 Broadway	6501 East Commerce, Suite 110	1333 Meadowlark Lane, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64108	Kansas City, MO 64120	Kansas City, KS 66102
816-842-2020	816-483-5550	913-596-2774

Adult Quick Care provides Urgent Care to Adults and Adolescents Age 14 and Older.

No appointment is necessary at Adult Quick Care.

When you are sick or have a new injury, Adult Quick Care is your affordable, time saving choice for quality care.

To learn more about Adult Quick Care please call 816-559-6320 or visit www.adultquickcare.com.