Caring for Your Feet

Caring for Your Feet

Put your best foot forward. The old adage applies well to day-to-day foot care at home and from your podiatrist in Carmel and Indianapolis, proper foot careIN, Dr. Jeffrey Agricola. Skin, nails, connective tissue, joints--they all play important roles in how your feet and ankles walk, run, play sports and keep you moving. At Prestige Podiatry, your podiatric health is the primary concern of Dr. Agricola and his team. They're big on patient education and offer some great tips on keeping your ankles and feet as healthy and functional as possible.

Caring for your feet

If you had a toothache, you'd call your dentist, right? The same idea applies to your feet and ankles. If you are in pain or have a persistent skin condition (such as fungal toenails), don't procrastinate. Call your Carmel and Indianapolis podiatrist for an appointment.

Dr. Agricola will check:

  • How your feet and ankles move when you walk
  • The condition of your skin and nails (taking special care to note sore spots for people with poor circulation)
  • The shape and size of your feet, checking for any abnormalities such as hammertoes or bunions
  • The length of your limbs (is one shorter than the other?)
  • Your muscle strength
  • The wear pattern on your shoes

He'll also discuss with you the specific symptoms you exhibit and when they started. He may order X-rays or other imaging as needed.

What to do at home

Even if you are not experiencing a problem, you should follow these basic steps in routine foot care to stay healthy and mobile:

  1. Wash and dry your feet every day, says the American Podiatric Medical Association. Look at your skin and nails to notice any abnormalities such as cracked skin on the heels or thick nails.
  2. Wear fresh moisture-wicking socks and well-supportive shoes. In warm weather, invest in quality sandals.
  3. Avoid going barefoot outside to prevent skin infections and injuries, especially if you are diabetic.
  4. Keep toenails trimmed. Cut them straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
  5. Wear flip-flops or sandals at the pool or gym locker room to prevent athlete's foot.
  6. Wear sunscreen on your feet, ankles and legs in the warm weather.
  7. Moisturize your feet with a quality lotion just as you would your hands and face.
  8. Choose sensible shoes with a wide toe box and good arch support to ward off bunions, hammertoes and other deformities and inflammatory conditions such as plantar fasciitis.

Call Dr. Agricola

It's a good idea to see your podiatrist at Prestige Podiatry in Indianapolis once a year for a routine examination, particularly if you have diabetes. Trust Dr. Agricola to meet your family's foot care needs in a relaxed and patient-centered atmosphere at our two convenient locations. For an appointment, call Prestige Podiatry in Carmel at (317) 846-4111. In Indianapolis, call (317) 881-0070.