Ulcers/Sores

They spend much of the year hidden away. So it's hardly surprising that most of us are unaware of how our feet can provide important clues to the state of our health.

Three out of four adults complain of problems ranging from joint pain and infections to incorrect posture. And, according to podiatrists (foot doctors)
many such conditions first reveal themselves in the feet.

Ulcers/sores
If you notice spots or blemishes that develop into red ulcers anywhere on your feet - especially if they won't go away or keep coming back - you may have diabetes, a disease suffered by 1.4 million people in Britain.

Ulcers that refuse to heal often indicate the first signs of diabetes. This is because people with diabetes often have sluggish blood - due to high glucose levels in the blood. Blood weighed down by glucose means not enough oxygen is reaching the nerve tissue in the feet - needed to heal the ulcers or sores.

Also, when someone is diabetic, the body is less able to produce the white blood cells needed to fight off infection - which is when ulcers start to form and become infected.
Treatment
Visit your doctor who will test you for diabetes and prescribe the relevant course of drugs.

Discoloured feet
A podiatrist can detect circulatory problems by looking at the colour of the feet. A bluish colour indicates poor circulation, sometimes caused by the side-effects of smoking. This is because the effects of nicotine can severely narrow the arteries in the legs and feet. This means not enough blood and oxygen reaches the tissues in the leg which can turn the feet blue.

Treatment
Apart from giving up smoking, regular exercise improves muscle function and encourages oxygen flow to the foot muscles. Doctors may prescribe a drug designed to improve oxygen delivery to the arteries.

Source: dailymail

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

Foot and Ankle Podiatry

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