Patients in Columbus have likely been hearing a lot from their healthcare providers about heart health as February ends. As a podiatrist, I want my patients know that their feet are an indicator of their overall health and can play an important role in their heart health. According to an American Podiatric Medical Association study, 72% of Americans report that their feet hurt and prevent them from exercising. If you want to lose weight or improve your overall health, foot problems that prevent you from exercising are a major problem.
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Orthotics, also known as “arch supports”, can be very useful in relieving pain experienced during exercise. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause for pain in runners and other athletes. Plantar fasciitis, which is caused by inflammation of the ligament stretching from the heel to the bottom of your foot, the plantar-aponeurosis, can be treated with orthotics. All patients who visit a doctor of podiatric medical should be able to exercise comfortably without pain. To check for heart disease, the feet should be examined.
Edema, which is swelling in the ankle and foot, can be a sign that you have congestive heart disease. If the heart is not pumping as well as it should, blood can pool in the lower body, particularly the ankle and foot. This swelling may be an indication of heart disease but it could also indicate other conditions such as trauma, insect bites, and other circulatory problems like venous stasis.
Do This!
To reduce swelling, patients should elevate their legs above their hearts. They can also apply mild pressure using support stockings. If swelling in the feet persists, becomes painful, or worsens, a podiatrist should consult you. It is important to consider the possible effects of medications and treatments on feet of patients with heart conditions. Congestive heart disease can cause swelling.
Blood pressure lowering drugs that are often used by heart patients can also cause swelling. Lisinopril, a drug that is used to treat high blood sugar and heart failure, can have an unexpected effect on the foot. Gout can sometimes be caused by this drug. Gout occurs when the amino acid and protein breakdown products build up in a joint.
Remember
Usually, it is the one at the base the big toe. Gouty attacks are very painful and can occur at night. The affected joint is tender, red, and swollen. Your foot health is an important component of total health. Foot health and heart health are intertwined in a surprising way. Without healthy feet, it can be difficult for a healthy heart to exist.