One of the most common and taken for granted parts of the body is our feet. Maybe it’s because we use them every day without thinking that we just don’t always put a lot of emphasis on them. The truth of the matter, though, is that our feet are one of the most important parts of our body. Without them we’d be stationary, a condition not usually confronted by most people. It is because of their importance, realized or not that taking care of them is very important and should be of concern to everyone.

So how much importance do we put on them, and how do we make sure they are taken care of? Good questions. First, we need to ensure they are in good condition, and the best way to do this is to make an appointment with your podiatrist. Your podiatrist is trained to ensure that your feet are healthy and, if a condition arises, treated properly. While many of us believe we can do this ourselves, this is not always true or best for us.

Reasons to contact your podiatrist include:

• Introductory appointment – if you haven’t seen your podiatrist, make an appointment now and have them diagnose your feet for any unknown issues
• Regular visits – checkups can keep your feet in the best condition
• Continued pain in your feet – pain is abnormal and an indicator there is a problem
• Blisters on your feet – shows an infection or irregular wear may be associated with your footwear or part of a developing problem
• Cracking or peeling of the skin on your feet – can be the sign of a fungus or athlete’s foot
• Changes in the toenails – can be a sign of a fungal infection which can spread or develop into more serious complications
• Diabetes – a very serious condition your podiatrist needs to know about
• When home or over the counter treatments do not work – an obvious sign that more serious medical attention is needed

In any case, seeing your podiatrist is just good common sense. As we get older, we seem to get to know more and more doctors. Why not add your podiatrist to the mix and cover all the bases?

Need some more help and encouragement in caring for your feet or even choosing the right shoes? Schedule an appointment with Clark Podiatry Center to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon A. Macy. He can assess your feet to ensure that there are no issues, making sure that you not only choose the right shoes but also keep your feet healthy. See us at our Clark, New Jersey office today!