When it comes to foot health, some things are pretty basic but we might not think of them as teens or young adults. Many patients say "If I would have only known..." or "If I could go back in time..." referring to shoe choices or other foot care issues. So to continue this discussion, here are the rest of my Top 10 thoughts on this issue (part 2):
6. “Don’t assume that a rash, an infection, or foot odor will go away on its own.” Most of these conditions require a simple medication, but just waiting does not cure them. Some can be treated with over the counter products, but others require a prescription from a doctor.
6. “Don’t assume that a rash, an infection, or foot odor will go away on its own.” Most of these conditions require a simple medication, but just waiting does not cure them. Some can be treated with over the counter products, but others require a prescription from a doctor.
7. “Don’t buy cheap shoes.” You get what you pay for when it comes to shoes! A $10 pair of shoes does not feel or function the same way a $50 pair of shoes does. This is especially important for children, teens, athletes, diabetics, and anyone else who spends hours on their feet every day…so pretty much almost everyone! A good pair of shoes costs more but will also last longer too, so buying those really cheap shoes don’t really save you that much money in the long run.
8. “Don’t get pedicures at nail salons unless you are sure they are sanitary.” Do your research and make sure they are using the proper solutions to sanitize their instruments. Or bring your own nail clippers and nail files with you. The last thing you want to do is catch a nail fungus or a foot infection from getting a pedicure. And as a podiatrist, let me tell you…it happens all the time!
9. “Don’t try to remove an ingrown toenail yourself.” We call this Bathroom Surgery. Please don’t try to be a bathroom surgeon. We went to school for a long time to learn how to do this, we have the anesthesia and the proper surgical instruments, and we have a better angle than you do. It will hurt a lot less if we do it for you…besides, even if you try to do it yourself, you will probably still need us to fix the damage you caused and do it anyway.
10. “Don’t wait too long to see a foot specialist if you are in pain.” This one is probably more pertinent to the adults, but I thought I’d throw it in anyway. Most kids are pretty good about telling their parents when their foot, heel, ankle, or calf hurts. I’m not sure why some parents keep this information to themselves for so long before bringing their kids in to see us, but sometimes they do. Severe foot pain in a child can be very serious. It can even be cancer. There are some types of bone cancers that show up in kids in foot bones, so please have it checked out! As for the adults with foot pain…your feet are not supposed to hurt on a daily basis. If they do, there is something wrong. Why wait so long to have it evaluated by a foot specialist? Wouldn’t you rather walk around pain free everyday? I know I would! I’m on my feet at work all day, so if my feet hurt all day, I am not a happy camper…and I’m guessing most of you feel the same way. So don’t wait any longer. Pain-free is the way to be!
Remember, my book is titled "Your Feet Are NOT Supposed to Hurt!" for a reason. :)
To request a free copy, visit my website http://www.footdoc.moogo.com/
Michele Summers Colon, DPM
3503 Lexington Ave.
El Monte, CA 91731
(626) 442-1223
