Mahaska Health Partnership Urges Proper Foot Care
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – When thinking about overall health, most people don’t think of their feet. However, they are just as important as the rest of your body! Mahaska Health Partnership encourages you to take your foot health seriously.
According to MHP Podiatrist Dr. Mark Beers, many health conditions are reflected in your feet. “I have patients come to me with sores that won’t heal or pain that is often stemming from another health condition. It’s important to make keeping your feet healthy a priority!”
One of the most common causes of foot health issues is diabetes. “Overly dry skin on the feet or wounds that won’t heal can be the first signs of diabetes,” Dr. Beers explained. “Sweat and oil glands can under produce, causing extreme dryness that no amount of lotion will solve.”
Other changes to look for include thinning or shiny skin and loss of hair on your toes indicating possible plaque buildup in your arteries or changes in color that may mean skin cancer.
Another way to keep your feet healthy is to keep them dry. “Toe fungus is a fairly common issue many people face,” Dr. Beers said. “While it can be treated with anti-fungal medications, the reoccurrence rate is fairly high. Fungus thrives in dark, moist environments, so make sure to change out of sweaty socks and keep your feet as dry as possible.”
Along with dry feet, Dr. Beers recommends protecting your feet in public places. “Public showers and restrooms are often used while camping, at college or on vacation. These areas are breeding grounds for all types of fungus, so make sure to wear shower shoes.”
Avoiding certain footwear can also benefit your feet. “Unfortunately, many shoes do not provide proper support, and may actually cause damage to your feet,” Dr. Beers explained. “Ladies, those narrow and high-heeled shoes are not doing your feet any favors! By pushing your big toe towards the rest of your toes, you can not only develop blisters and irritation, but bunions can also form. Look for shoes with a wide toe base and a heel under two inches.”
Flat and tight shoes can also cause issues. “Look for sandals and shoes with arch support that also fit properly. If possible, find some made of quality, soft leather with a strap across the back to provide support and prevent blistering. By taking care of your feet now, you can keep yourself moving for years to come!” Dr. Beers warned.
Podiatrist Dr. Mark Beers, DPM, practices full time in the MHP Medical Group. He has been caring for feet in the Oskaloosa area for more than 25 years. Dr. Beers partners closely with the Certified Diabetes Education and Wound Ostomy Care professionals on campus, providing an all-encompassing approach to foot health. In his spare time, Dr. Beers enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, hunting and trap shooting. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Beers, call 641.672.3450.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
