By Dr. Michael Theodoulou, DPM, FACFAS

Cambridge Health Alliance Podiatric Surgeon

The human foot is an extraordinary tool that gives us the ability to remain mobile. It is estimated that we take 70 million steps in a lifetime, which is the equivalent of walking from Boston to California about 10 times (depending on your height). That is a lot of repetitive loading, and we should expect some wear and tear!

If we combine this with the typical aging process, and then further challenge it with many of the chronic illnesses that affect the human body, you can see why podiatrists keep busy.

Here are 5 ways you can help your patients or clients keep their feet healthy:

1. Maintain a healthy body weight: This is critical. As the body part that comes directly in contact with the ground, heavier loads put undue stress on our bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.

2. Stay active: As the famous line says, "use it or lose it." Disuse can lead to bone density loss, muscle weakening and weakened cardiovascular health.

3. Manage Diabetes: Diabetes can have profound effect on the lower extremities. It puts us at greater risk for reduced blood flow and loss of nerve sensation. It also limits our ability to fight infection. Keeping blood sugars as normal as possible is essential.  Habits such as smoking only worsen these problems.

4. Appropriate Foot Hygiene: By keeping our skin hydrated with moisturizer we will limit cracking and secondary wounds. Nails should be trimmed straight across and not cut into corners.

5. Proper Shoe Fit: Many people ask me about the best shoes to wear. I tell them, from a podiatrist's perspective, the best shoes are flat with short heels, that lace up, have rigid soles, and provide stability and support. The foot weakens over time and so do shoes. Try to replace shoes when needed. And here's a good tip: always buy shoes at the end of the day when your feet are naturally more swollen to ensure good fit. Often I ask my patients with deformity to trace an outline of their foot on a sheet of paper when standing and make sure it conforms well with the structure of the shoe.

In the 1920's Dudley Morton, MD, a famous surgeon and anatomist of the human foot, pointed out that the two greatest maladies that will afflict our society will be dental and foot care. I couldn't agree more! Dentistry has done an excellent job in preventive care and preserving function. We must be as vigilant in the care of our feet.

I hope this will help you discuss foot related issues with your patients or clients. If you have any questions about the information above, feel free to contact me via email at mtheodoulou@challiance.org.