January is Thyroid Disease Awareness Month. The staff at Westchester Podiatric Healing Medicine, P.C., is taking this opportunity to raise patient awareness regarding thyroid disorders and their impact on foot health. According to American Thyroid Association (ATA), an estimated twenty (20) million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. And women are five times more likely to develop thyroid disorders. Even more alarming is that around sixty (60) percent of Americans are unaware of their thyroid condition.
The thyroid is a small organ wrapped around the trachea (windpipe) located in the throat. It is a butterfly-shaped gland responsible for controlling and releasing the thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism. The whole body is affected if the thyroid gland is not working correctly. The over-production of thyroid hormone is termed hyperthyroidism. The under activity of the thyroid gland is known as hypothyroidism. Both conditions can wreak havoc on your health and require you to be treated by a healthcare provider.
Here are a few symptoms of hypothyroidism, the more common of the two disorders, to make it easy for you to spot the condition:
People with hypothyroidism must consult a podiatrist to monitor and treat and their symptoms. Patients with hypothyroidism often complain about dry, itchy, and cracked skin of the feet and foot aches. Between the visits to your doctor, adhering to a good footwear choice to minimize discomfort and pain is advised. Here are a few suggestions to stick to:
AVOID HIGH HEELS
Shoes with high heels and narrow toe boxes can aggravate your foot pain. They are no support for the already strained muscles and ligaments of the foot affected by the thyroid disorder. Instead, opt for shoes with sturdy, comfortable soles, and roomy toe boxes.
PROTECT YOUR FEET
Make sure you protect your feet against weather elements, especially during winter. Wear well-insulated shoes and wool socks to protect your toes from the chill.
CONSULT A PODIATRIST
Consult your podiatrist for orthotics. These custom insoles can provide your feet with added support and cushioning.
If you are concerned about your thyroid disorder or other foot condition, contact the office of Dr. John Marzano of Westchester Podiatric Healing Medicine, P.C., in Yonkers, NY, to schedule a consultation. We have a team of experts to cater to your podiatric needs. You can visit our office at 984 N. Broadway, Suite LL03, Yonkers, NY 10701, or call us at (914) 423-0600.