A Lifetime of Steps

Over your lifetime, your feet will carry you more than 216 million steps, or more than 100,000 miles. That’s a lot of time spent on your feet and, as you age, it becomes more important than ever to take good care of them. People unable to move about due to foot problems suffer numerous physical, psychological, and social afflictions as a direct or indirect result of their conditions. Wearing poorly fitting shoes can contribute to corns, calluses, blisters, ingrown nails, and even result in sprains, strains and fractures. Corns and callouses are usually a symptom of underlying mechanical imbalances in the feet that result in abnormal pressure areas on the bottom of the foot during weight bearing or on other foot areas due to the interaction with foot wear. Strength loss and nerve dysfunction can result in balance problems that can increase fall risks. Falls in older people can result in serious, even life threatening injuries. Fall prevention is an important part of a comprehensive podiatry treatment plan. Evaluation and management of underlying conditions and contributing factors by medical care, surgery, physical therapy, orthotics, bracing and shoe gear are part of this comprehensive approach to fall prevention. Falls prevention month is usually in September to coincide with the start of Fall. I am adding spring as a time to focus on fall prevention because now is a time that we all are becoming more active and moving around more. If you or anyone you know is at risk for a fall, come in for an evaluation. We will help keep you safe during the activities you love.