A good season to go out, spring has arrived. Beginning with plum blossoms, which herald spring, spring flowers bloom all over the country, and flower festivals that have been suspended or reduced due to Corona 19 are scheduled to be held one after another. The warm weather and colorful spring flowers excite the hearts of many. However, it should be noted that the risk of ‘foot disease’ is high during this period.
Increased activity in spring increases risk of foot disease｜Source: Clip Art Korea
Beware of sprained ankles while looking at flowers
When climbing a bumpy mountain road to see spring flowers, be careful of ankle sprains. Ankle sprain, often referred to as a ‘sprain’, refers to a condition in which the ligaments that support the ankle are damaged. It usually occurs when the ankle is severely twisted or sprained. The main symptoms are pain, tenderness, and swelling, and in severe cases, a tearing sound can be heard when the ligament is cut when the ankle is grounded.
When an ankle sprain occurs, there are many cases where no action is taken because it is considered insignificant. However, if you have sprained your ankle, even if the pain is mild, it is necessary to take measures such as applying cold compresses, raising the ankle higher than the heart to relieve swelling, and applying pressure. The pain caused by an ankle sprain usually decreases within 3 to 4 days, but it is highly likely that the ankle is repeatedly sprained when the ligament is stretched. If this condition persists, there is a risk of arthritis and ankle instability. If the pain due to a lump ankle sprain is severe and the swelling persists, you must find a hospital and receive appropriate treatment.
Wearing thin shoes along with clothes, causing ‘plantar fasciitis’
As the weather gets warmer, more people are looking for flat shoes, high heels, and shoes. Although these shoes may look pretty, they are not good for the health of your feet. Because the heel is thin, the impact of walking or running is transmitted directly to the sole of the foot. When impact is continuously applied to the soles of the feet, it can lead to plantar fasciitis, in which the plantar fascia, which maintains the arch of the foot and absorbs shock, becomes inflamed. Also, if you suddenly increase your activity level, your risk of developing plantar fasciitis increases. This is because an abnormal load is applied to the plantar fascia when a person who does not normally exercise suddenly climbs a mountain or stands for a long time.
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp pain in the heel when you wake up in the morning and take your first steps. This occurs when the plantar fascia contracts while sleeping and then suddenly stretches when weight is placed on it in the morning. As the disease progresses, it feels stiff when standing, and pain may occur after walking for a long time.
Plantar fasciitis usually improves naturally by getting enough rest and improving your lifestyle. However, if the pain is severe or persists for more than 6 months, injection therapy or surgical treatment should be considered.
Ttogakttogak… the sound of ‘valgus hallux’
High-heeled shoes and narrow shoes increase the risk of hallux valgus. Hallux valgus is a disease in which the big toe bends inward and the big toe joint protrudes. The protruding joint becomes irritated and red when it moves, and if this condition persists, calluses, pain, and inflammation occur. In severe cases, the shape of the foot may be deformed and pain may appear in the lower back.
If hallux valgus is not severe, symptoms can be controlled by wearing soft shoes with wide cheeks and using implants. If severe deformation is observed and the symptoms are severe and interfere with daily life, it is good to consider surgical treatment to adjust the position of bones and joints.
To keep your feet healthy, you need careful care before and after going out｜Source: Clip Art Korea
Busy ‘foot’ in spring… Care before and after going out is important
In order to keep your busy feet healthy in the spring, it is important to wear comfortable shoes first. Choose shoes that fit the shape of your feet rather than shoes that put pressure on your feet. In addition, it is good to choose a shoe that is well ventilated and has sufficient cushioning for the outsole. On days when a lot of activity is expected, such as hiking, walking, or visiting festivals, you should loosen your ankles sufficiently before going out to prevent injury.
After going out, you should take a close look at your feet. If your feet are tired, it’s good to soak your feet in warm water and massage them. Foot and calf stretches help relieve fatigue in the feet. If you have pain in your feet or ankles, take a closer look at the symptoms, and if the abnormal symptoms persist, you should visit a hospital. In particular, diabetic patients should wash their feet thoroughly after going out and check for wounds. If there is a wound on the foot, it can lead to ‘diabetic foot’, a representative diabetic complication. Diabetic feet can be caused by even a small wound, so it is important to carefully examine them every day.
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