Our feet are the base and the foundation of our body and are responsible for enabling us to walk, run, jump, and even perform various movements comfortably. Each day, our feet support up to 120% of our body weight when walking, and upwards of 200% of our body weight when running. Because of this, injuries will occur if our feet are not cared for well enough. According to an American Podiatric Medical Association study, approximately 77% of people between the ages of 18 and 65 have suffered from foot pain at some time in life, and half of them find that the pain restricted their daily activities. To prevent this, you should go for a foot health screening regularly. Here are some benefits of going for foot health screening:
1. Early detection of foot problems
Regular foot health screenings can help detect foot problems early before they become severe. This can include issues like bunions, clawed toes, corns and calluses, and other minor issues that, if neglected, can lead to more significant problems.
2. Prevention of injuries
Foot health screenings can help you identify any issues with your feet that could put you at risk of developing foot injuries. Such issues are usually determined by assessing your foot posture and gait pattern. For example, if you have flat feet, you may be more prone to developing conditions such as plantar fasciitis or posterior tibial tendonitis. By identifying these issues early, you can take steps to prevent injuries from occurring.
3. Management of chronic conditions
If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or arthritis, regular foot health screenings are crucial. This is because foot health screening can help you manage and monitor any foot complications arising from these conditions. Diabetes, for example, can cause nerve damage and reduced circulation in the feet. As a result, it can cause numbness of the feet and poor wound healing. Regular foot health screenings can help you identify these issues early so that you can take steps to manage them.
4. Improved lower limb mobility
Foot problems impact your ability to move around comfortably. By identifying and addressing foot issues early, you can improve your mobility and enjoy doing your favourite sport. For elderlies, improving mobility means a reduced risk of falls.
5. Professional footwear advice
Foot health screenings can help you identify the best type of footwear for your feet. Through the assessment, your Podiatrist can provide a range of recommended footwear that would likely suit your feet. This can help reduce the risk of foot problems and improve your overall foot health.
Go For A Foot Health Screening Today
Overall, foot health screenings are essential to maintaining good overall health. This is because they can help you identify any foot problems early, prevent injuries, manage chronic conditions, improve mobility, and help choose the best footwear for your feet.
If you are experiencing any discomfort or have any concerns regarding your foot or lower limb, look for our Podiatrists at Straits Podiatry to assist you! Read more if you need help finding the best podiatrist near you in Singapore.
