| ||||||||||||||||||||
Last year, Stephanie Wu, DPM, MSc, FACFAS, dean of Dr. William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, became the first woman podiatric physician inducted into the Podiatry Hall of Fame. Elected by her peers nationwide, Dr. Wu was awarded the Podiatry Management magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her cutting-edge work in treating diabetic wounds and limb preservation. March is Women's History Month and a good time to honor Dr. Wu and to offer some tips on promoting healthy feet for women. These four tips will help all women walk their paths successfully! 1. Choose shoes wisely - the vast majority of podiatric problems that women suffer from more than men are related to footwear choices. Spending prolonged time in high heels with narrow, pointy toe boxes can lead to toe deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. The pressure to the forefoot caused by forcing the foot forward can also lead to neuromas and sesamoiditis. Fashion boots can be another cause of foot pain because many of them do not have good arch support which can cause heel pain. The bottom line: be sure you are wearing shoes that fit, are well made, and provide the support and cushioning your feet need. 2. Limit time in pantyhose - wearing tight hose for extended periods can impede your circulation. It also tends to squeeze toes together which can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. Your feet also perspire more in pantyhose and this can create an environment where fungal infections like athlete's foot and fungal toenails flourish. 3. Get enough calcium - bone strength is a key component of foot health - especially since nearly 25% of the bones in your body are found in your feet. If the obvious sources of dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese don't appeal to you, consider adding more dark leafy greens, canned salmon and sardines, almonds, and lentils to your menus. 4. Inspect feet regularly - perhaps the best way to ensure good podiatric health is to pay attention to your feet and examine them daily. Changes in skin color, growths or bumps, bruises, swelling or cuts that seem slow to heal may all indicate a potential foot problem developing. Most disorders are more easily and quickly treated in their early stages, so report anything unusual to your podiatrist promptly. If you're experiencing any foot pain or concerns, give us a call today to make an appointment. We want to keep you strong and healthy! | ||||||||||||||||||||
  
| ||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
