Why Daily Foot Inspections Are Important

Our guess is that, no matter who you are, you spend at least a little time in front of the mirror every day. Whether your routine involves putting on a lot of makeup or just a quick moment to brush or comb your bed hair into submission, we all want to make sure we look presentable before we’re ready to face the outside world.

We wonder: do you check your feet as rigorously? Most don’t, but it’s quite important. Your feet are your foundation, but because they’re usually “out of sight, out of mind” we’re often slower to notice and address problems.

A daily foot inspection is especially important for those with diabetes or other conditions that can affect nerve function, circulation, or immune response. Compromised nerves can blunt your pain response, meaning injuries might not be detected, and slow circulation inhibits healing, meaning even seemingly minor issues like cuts or bleeding can lead to severe infections, tissue death, even amputation. Carefully checking your entire foot at least once a day, and contacting our office as soon as you notice any problems, can stop these complications before they start.

Even if you don’t have diabetes, it’s still wise to pay close attention to your feet. Identifying an ingrown toenail in its early stages, for example, can help you head off a stubborn fungal nail infection and stop the pain before it starts. Or on a more serious note, regularly checking your feet can help you detect a potential lethal skin cancer like malignant melanoma months or even years before you might have otherwise.

Most people take their feet for granted—until they start to hurt or break down. Don’t let that happen to you! Keep checking your feet every day, and if you notice any problems, contact the experts at the Kansas Foot Center for a prompt examination and treatment options. You can reach us today by filling out a form online, or by dialing 866.222.5177.