Though we know that many foot conditions cause foot pain, such as bunions, sprains, or ingrown toenails, there are some diseases that cause foot pain that are completely separate from the foot. Your feet rely on good blood flow and circulation, and certain conditions prevent this from happening properly. If you or a loved one have been recently diagnosed with any of the following, it is important to see a podiatrist to discuss how to keep your lower extremities healthy.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
When you suffer from Peripheral Arterial Disease, your doctor will likely warn you of foot pain. Plaque builds up in your legs’ arteries, leading to lesser blood flow to your feet. Without proper care, leg cramps, foot pain, and foot wounds can all occur rather easily. Additionally, those with PAD have a higher risk of a stroke or heart attack. Discuss with your doctor, along with a podiatrist, about how to manage your condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout
Ninety percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis will develop pain in their feet and ankles. The joint damage caused to your feet from RA can be extreme; in some cases, surgery is necessary to treat the change. In addition to RA, gout is another type of arthritis that can cause foot pain. This happens due to uric acid deposits collecting in the joints. In general, medications, exercise, and lots of water can help alleviate these symptoms. However, it is still important to see a podiatrist.
Diabetes
Anyone that is diagnosed with diabetes is likely told the importance of proper foot care. As a result of damaged nerves and blood vessels in the foot, there is less blood flow, higher chance of foot infections, numbness in the foot, and more. At Alpine Foot Specialists, we recommend that anyone with diabetes ought to see a podiatrist once every ten weeks and perform daily foot exams on themselves.
Overall, it is extremely important to know what conditions can lead to foot problems so you can be proactive in your foot care. Talk to your doctor and see if you should be seeing a podiatrist, particularly if you have any of the aforementioned diseases. Contact Alpine Foot Specialists today to learn more!
Courtesy of: Everyday Health