Optimal Foot Health for a Pain-Free Life

Dr. Rostislav Denenburg, a Podiatrist at SIMEDHealth, discusses best practices for optimal foot health. Dr. Denenburg talks about common foot issues, the importance of foot health in relation to diabetes, and when to schedule a visit with a podiatrist.

To learn more about Dr. Denenburg, click here.

To schedule an appointment with SIMEDHealth Podiatry, click here.

1. What are the common foot problems seen by podiatrists?

Patients often come in for generalized foot pain, foot skin and nail conditions, and diabetic foot screening.  Some of the more common foot problems seen by podiatrists include heel pain, bunions, and ingrown toenails.

2. What are some tips to alleviate foot pain?

Some ways to alleviate foot pain include wearing supportive footwear such as athletic sneakers. It is important to wear a shoe with a wide enough toe box to accommodate the foot. The shoe should be two finger breadths longer than the longest toe. It is important to inspect the feet on a regular basis for any lesions or deformities. Regular calf and hamstring stretching exercises can prevent many foot problems.

3. Are there lifestyle changes to improve foot health?

Some lifestyle changes to improve foot health include daily lower extremity strengthening and stretching exercises, and avoiding tight and unsupportive footwear.  Getting urgent medical treatment for any foot pain, rashes, or lesions is important for preventing any complications.  Cessation of smoking is also important, as smoking often results in poor circulation to the feet.

4. For people with diabetes, how can they properly care for their feet?

It is very important for diabetics to inspect their feet daily and avoid barefoot walking. Diabetics should manage their blood glucose levels to keep them in an acceptable range. It is important for diabetics to have a yearly foot screening with a podiatrist in order to address any foot deformities, circulation, or sensation problems. Sometimes therapeutic diabetic shoes are prescribed in order to better accommodate a patient’s unique foot type.

5. When should an individual schedule an appointment with a podiatrist?

An individual should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if they have pain in their feet, swelling, ingrown toenails, skin lesions, rashes, wounds, or deformities.