Dealing with health issues can put a significant damper on your everyday activities. Did you know that proper care of your feet can help prevent other health issues from slowing you down? Ensuring that your feet are in good shape is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Untreated foot conditions can negatively affect your overall health, leaving you in pain and off balance. Practicing good foot hygiene and having regular checkups with a podiatrist are two good ways to prevent an untreated foot condition from making you sick.
How Do Foot Conditions Affect My Health?
There are several foot pain warning signs that may signal another health condition that needs help.
- Numbness or tingling – Sometimes this type of sensation just means you’ve been sitting in one position for too long. But if you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your feet on a consistent basis, it may be a sign of another health condition.
- Injuries from slips and falls – If you have recently fallen and injured your foot, there is a good chance you may have also injured other places on your body. Pay close attention to body aches or head pain that could signal a concussion. Any unusual symptoms or unexplained pain after a fall should be checked out by a doctor.
- Improper footwear – If your shoes are old and worn out and do not provide adequate support for your feet, you may be putting yourself at risk for other health conditions. When the foot muscles and bones are not properly supported, it can cause dysfunction in the back, neck, and knee muscles and bones as well. If something feels out of place, make an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible before more serious health challenges arise.
- Gout – When uric acid builds up in your body, it most often affects your feet first. It causes intense pain and sometimes prevents you from walking. This could be a sign of more significant health complications when left untreated.
- Morton’s neuroma – The tingling and painful sensations associated with Morton’s neuromas may be related to peripheral neuropathy, spinal stenosis, diabetes, or B12 deficiency. Neuromas in your feet could also indicate spinal issues. They have the potential to develop into degenerative spine conditions if not treated right away.
- Discolored toenails – There are a few different reasons you may have discolored toenails, but all of them require treatment. Whether it’s a hematoma (bleeding under the nails), toenail fungus, or the result of bruising from an injury, you should be checked out as soon as possible by a podiatrist.
Find a Foot Doctor for Untreated Foot Conditions in Manhattan, New York City (NYC)
If you have any of these conditions or another untreated foot concern, it is important that you visit a podiatrist as soon as possible to mitigate any potential issues. Even a few days can be critical in ensuring that untreated foot conditions do not seriously affect your overall health. Best Foot Doctor has offices in Manhattan to serve the area and make sure your feet are well taken care of. Give our offices a call today to schedule an appointment.