Look down; it's National Foot Health Awareness Month

Feet take an awful pounding. They provide balance and support. The average person walks the equivalent of five times around the Earth in a lifetime. However, most people give little thought to their feet until problems occur.

The California Podiatric Medical Association wants residents to think about the importance of their feet during National Foot Health Awareness Month.

"Taking care of your feet is always important, particularly as they spend much of their time encased in hot shoes and walking on hard surfaces," said Dr. Ernest J. Hook, president of the California Podiatric Medical Association.

"Basic hygiene and nail cutting may be all that is needed to keep your feet in good health, but when apparently healthy feet start experiencing problems, it is best to seek professional help," said Hook.

Problems can be inherited, dev e l o p from illness or be caused by ill-fitting shoes or boots. Following are some indications of foot disease:

+Hair loss on toes could mean poor circulation.

+Blue thread veins with very white skin could be a sign of vascular or even heart disease. This is common in long-term smokers.

+Swollen feet may mean kidney or heart problems.

+One foot suddenly swelling could indicate blockage of lymph node or deep-vein thrombosis. Seek immediate medical attention.

+Swollen joints might indicate rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. If it persists, seek medical advice.

+Very dry, cracked heels may be linked to some thyroid problems, especially for those who also suffer from weight fluctuations.

+Discolored toenails could indicate bacterial infections, bruising or cancerous melanomas under the nail. A change from normal pink color to white, when coupled with the separation of the nail from the toe, could indicate psoriasis, candida infections, anemia or lung cancer.

+Corns and blisters may be a sign of diabetes as sufferers get numb toes and don't realize their shoes are too tight.

People with these problems should consult a family physician or podiatric specialist. Those with diabetes, arthritis and circulatory problems should see a podiatrist at least once a year.

This story is provided by the California Podiatric Medical Association.