Many may not be aware of the connection between diet, health conditions, and the health of their feet. However, there are strong connections between the side effects of diet-related health conditions and foot problems. Our podiatrist in Bethesda, MD, outlines these below.
How Are They Connected?
Diabetes, poor circulation, and gout are prominent cases that can cause foot health issues. Diabetes causes neuropathy, or nerve damage, that puts you at risk for a foot ulcer. If these ulcers become infected, you may have difficulty healing them, causing the infection to spread.
The following factors increase the risk of nerve damage for individuals with diabetes:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Being overweight
- Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
It’s important to control these factors as much as possible to prevent diabetic neuropathy and foot problems. Additionally, exercise, quitting smoking, and healthy eating can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot problems.
Other Complications
Gout—inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup uric acid crystals in the joint—is another foot problem with diet-related risk factors. Gout causes pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling around the joints of the toes. While gout has many causes, some risk factors include:
- Hypertension
- Western diet—including bacon and meat
- Drinking a lot of alcohol
- Obesity
There are specific diets recommended for gout sufferers that reduce uric acid production and lessen joint pain.
Prevent Foot Problems
Complications can quickly arise with diabetes. Make sure to check your feet every day for cuts or ulcers, even if you don’t feel that something is wrong. Contact our podiatrist if you have a cut or sore on your foot that doesn’t heal. This can progress to further issues and, in the most severe cases, lead to foot or leg amputation.
Keep eating healthy and maintain a good exercise regimen. Wash your feet, wear well-fitting shoes, and do not remove corns or calluses on your own.
If gout is something you suffer from, take steps to eat gout-friendly fruits and vegetables and cut back on meat. Watch your feet for worsening of symptoms and always schedule an appointment with our podiatrist if you have any foot concerns.
Contact Our Podiatrist in Bethesda, MD, Today To Schedule An Appointment!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with convenient podiatry offices located in Bethesda, MD, by calling 301.660.8225 or by clicking here.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/features/diabetesfoothealth/index.html
https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20040123/can-diet-give-you-gout#2
