Our feet aren’t facing the same stresses that they were a hundred years ago. Heck, even a decade ago our feet were facing different potential sources of injury than they are today. So what types of modern problems are threatening the safety of our feet? We take a look at four modern foot problems in today’s blog.
21st Century Foot Problems
We’ll be generalizing a bit in this blog, but many of these problems have been academically documented or something we’ve noticed during the course of our practice. Maybe all four don’t apply to you, but odds are you’re at risk for at least one of these modern foot issues.
1. Sport Specialization – Single sport specialization is more common now than ever before. Parents and children sometimes believe that in order to be the best football/basketball/soccer player that they need to play that sport year round, and that if they partake in different sports, they are taking time away from their best sport. Not only can multi-sport participation improve different muscle groups and make you a better all-around athlete, but it also prevents repetitive stress on certain areas of your body. Your feet can take a beating if you only play one sport or you do the same training exercises each week. Vary your athletic routine, and your feet and your body will thank you for it.
2. Overprotective Footwear – Running shoes have made massive advances over the last few decades, but we’ve also found that there can be too much of a good thing. Running shoes with extra padding and cushioning can give the runner the impression that they don’t need to pay attention to how they are landing because they believe their feet will be protected. Studies have shown that many runners in overly-cushioned running shoes land much harder on their feet, which can lead to stress fractures, arch issues and other foot problems. Even if your shoes are designed to protect your feet while you run, don’t ignore your form.
3. Internet Advice – In the old days, you had to consult with a doctor when you wanted professional medical advice. Nowadays you can find medical advice with a couple clicks of your smartphone, and that’s both wonderful and terrifying. Learn how to vet your sources of information so that you are following good advice. Or better yet, just see a specialist in person if you have an issue, because they’ll be able to give you advice based on your specific situation.
4. Diabetic Foot Issues – Diabetes rates have continued to climb for a myriad of reasons that we won’t get into on this blog, but know that diabetic foot problems could be in your future if you don’t work to put your health first. Get regular exercise, mind your diet and work to maintain a healthy weight, and you can help combat diabetes. As always, if you need help with diabetic foot issues, read up on some of our blogs on the subject or reach out to Dr. Silverman.