National Nutrition Month is here and at Westchester Podiatric Healing Medicine, P.C., in Yonkers, NY, we would like to raise awareness about dietary habits and their impact on foot health. Our feet carry the bulk of our body weight and allow us movement. Our eating habits influence the health of our lower extremities. A healthy weight can ensure that our feet are not overly burdened. Dr. John C. Marzano, our podiatrist at Westchester Podiatric Healing Medicine, P.C., has combined a list of ways we can incorporate a healthy routine to keep our feet fit.
FIT FEET GAME PLAN
- Start moving: Physical activity is the best way to maintain your health. Even 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference. However, start slow and steady in the beginning. Gradually increase your pace and workout intensity. Your feet and ankles should be warmed up and fit for walking or exercise sessions.
- Nutritious food intake: Your bones and muscles should be in good shape to aid you in physical activity. Make sure that you consume ample nutrients. Sometimes we don’t get enough nutrients from the foods we eat. Regularly take multi-vitamins with calcium, vitamin D, and iron to ensure strong bones and muscles.
- Use custom orthotics: Our podiatrist recommends custom orthotics to support the arch and heel of the foot. They provide more support than over-the-counter inserts as they are customized to fit the shape of your feet. Custom orthotics support your feet by redistributing pressure on your feet and correcting the gait and posture.
- Keep an eye on your feet: Examine your feet regularly for any signs of swelling, discoloration, nail distortion, numbness, redness, thickening of the skin, and others. Poor circulation due to diabetes can cause numbness in the feet and can be a sign of neuropathy (nerve damage). Swelling in the feet can indicate high blood pressure or water retention. Any changes in texture, redness, and discoloration of the skin and nails are a sign of an infection. Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these symptoms and signs.
Some of the first signs of diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and poor circulation are spotted in the feet yet often overlooked due to inattention to the lower appendages. Connect with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. John C. Marzano, to talk about your concerns and the preventive measures you can take to safeguard your general health as well as that of your feet. Dr. Marzano has extensive experience in treating various foot problems like sports injuries, management of the diabetic foot, neuropathy, fungal nails, corns and calluses, ankle and foot pains, and fractures. For more information and to book your appointment with us, contact us at (914) 423-0600. We are located at 984 N. Broadway, Suite LL03, Yonkers, NY 10701.