Feet play a crucial role in your overall health and well-being, but many people don’t pay attention to their feet until they have a problem. The feet serve as the foundation for your body, and their function or dysfunction can provide valuable insights into your overall well-being.
Paying attention to your feet’s structure, movement, changes in appearance, or any pain that comes up can have a direct impact on your short and long-term health. Read on to learn about foot anatomy, problems to look out for, and where to seek help if you’re having pain or other concerns about your feet.
The Structure and Function of Feet
Feet are remarkable structures that contain 25% of the bones in your entire body, plus 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons, all working together to keep you upright.
The foot’s intricate anatomy serves as your foundation, supporting body weight and facilitating movement in daily activities. Their physical structure enables a wide range of motion, allowing you to walk, run, jump, and maintain balance, as well as supporting upper body movements.
William Shakespeare called the feet “a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” Very true, but most individuals don’t pay much attention to their feet until a problem arises.
Foot Function and Pain
Physical imbalances in one’s foot structure or gait can affect the alignment of the spine and may cause joint pain in the knees, hips, or back. In addition, changes in the appearance or texture of the feet can be signs of underlying health issues elsewhere in the body.
Noticeable shifts in your feet’s appearance, structure, function, or the onset of pain are signals that you may need to seek medical attention. Ignoring these issues can have a direct impact on your quality of life and your ability to participate in daily activities.
Issues in the Body that are Reflected in the Feet
The condition of your feet is intricately connected to your overall health. Signs of underlying health issues (such as diabetes, arthritis, vascular problems, or nerve disorders) may include:
- Swelling
- Tingling
- Burning pain
- Dull ache
- Loss of Feeling
- Neuropathy
- Stiffness
- Discoloration
- Numbness or
- Weakness
- Changes in color or shape
- Ulcers or wounds that don’t heal
- Pain in the ankles or foot joints
- Pain when resting
When left unaddressed or simply ignored, these symptoms can lead to further complications and declining health. If you’re experiencing any of the above problems, see your WWMG primary care provider or one of our Podiatrists for a thorough assessment of your condition.
Foot Issues Can Cause Joint Pain and Injuries
Foot issues can have a big impact on the musculoskeletal system in other areas of the body. Imbalances in foot structure or gait (the way you walk) can affect the alignment of the spine and may cause joint pain in the knees, hips, or back.
When the feet are not properly cared for, injuries or other common problems can result. Problems with the feet may contribute to injuries such as:
- Fractures
- Falls
- Ankle sprains
- Tendonitis
- Achilles tear
- and more
Foot pain, injuries, and conditions like plantar fasciitis can negatively affect your ability to participate at home, work, play, or out in the world. Addressing foot issues when they come up is important, because early intervention is key to maintaining your health, activity level, and ability to work and enjoy life.
If you’re experiencing foot pain or joint pain, have an injury or concerns about your feet, it’s important to seek expert medical care to address the problem before it gets worse. By taking care of your feet, you can maintain independence in your daily activities, and stay healthy and active for many years.
Where to Seek Help for Foot Issues or Pain
Recognizing the link between foot health and overall health, and addressing any issues promptly, is crucial to supporting your continued well-being. Our Podiatrists are specialists at working with patients to correct improper gait, improve body mechanics, and help maximize performance. In addition, they can provide expert guidance to help patients prevent future injuries.
Outside of work, our Podiatrists are athletes and coaches, so they personally understand the importance of keeping their patients living active and healthy lifestyles at any age.
Contact WWMG Podiatry to request an appointment today. We strive to improve the overall health and well-being of patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions of the foot and ankle, so you can get back to life.