Eau Claire, Wis. – Look down at any time and you’ll be reminded your feet are the foundation for the entire body. They provide support, balance, posture and overall well-being, yet foot health is often one of the last things we think of until pain occurs.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, approximately 20% of the U.S. population has at least one foot problem annually, which can affect how you walk, sit and stand. This misalignment can cause back pain, reduce knee function and alter your spine, among other complications.

April is Foot Health Awareness Month and podiatrists at Prevea Health are offering six recommendations to maintain an  active lifestyle by focusing on your feet.

1. Always wear well-fitted shoes. Uncomfortable shoes or shoes that are incorrectly sized may cause blisters that can lead to infection or other concerns. Choose shoes that give your feet and ankles proper support. Consider consulting with a podiatrist or physical therapist to ensure the best fit.
2. Inspect feet regularly. Look for cracked skin, redness, blisters or other sores to mitigate problems early. Never ignore a problem with your feet, especially if you have diabetes.
3. Keep blood sugar in check. High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, resulting in loss of skin sensation in your feet. Reduced blood flow can also make it harder to recover from an injury or infection.
4. Clean your feet daily; wear clean, dry socks. Don’t assume your feet are getting clean just because they’re exposed to water during a shower or bath. Use a soft washcloth or sponge with gentle soap and lukewarm water  to clean feet and in-between toes. Wear dry socks to prevent bacteria and infection.
5. Moisturize at night. To prevent itching or cracking, use a gentle moisturizer regularly before bed. This keeps skin soft and healthy and gives your feet time to recover while you sleep.
6. Trim nails regularly and carefully. Cut nails straight across, then file the edges. Nails cut too short can become ingrown, cause soreness or lead to infection if not properly treated.

Dr. Zachariah Seelman, a podiatrist, and foot and ankle surgeon with Prevea, says you should also avoid walking barefoot to protect your feet from injury and infection.

“As summer approaches, it’s often tempting to kick off your shoes and enjoy the freedom of being barefoot, especially around pools and lakes,” says Seelman. “But many unseen dangers, such as fungus like athlete’s foot, can be easily picked up in public places when it’s hot and humid.”

Dr. Seelman says it’s important to see a podiatrist if you notice changes to the skin or nails of the feet, including itchiness, color changes or changes to the foot’s texture.

Dr. Seelman sees patients at Prevea health centers in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Ladysmith and Rice Lake. To schedule an appointment, please call 715-717-4775.

###

About Prevea Health

Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across Northern, Eastern and Western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.