Agony of de feet

Holy tube socks, Footman! Did you know that each of your feet has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 ligaments, muscles and tendons? It’s no wonder they hurt at the end of the day. But did you also know that the most common cause of foot ailments, and they are many — from bunions, corns and calluses to hammer toes, fallen arches, pinched nerves and uglier things — is your lousy taste in shoes? It’s a fact; ill-fitting shoes cause most of these woes.

Naturally, the first step toward preventing (or relieving) these complaints is having good shoes or boots that are designed not just to comply with worksite requirements, but that are also designed to fit your feet. The good news is that today’s dedicated workboots and shoes are better engineered, more comfortable and healthier to wear than was dreamed possible just a few years ago.

Oh, and don’t forget to wear good cotton socks. Other blends can irritate your feet and not let them breathe.

However, chronic foot problems can be more than just a pain, they can also be symptoms of more serious medical issues, like diabetes or anemia.

An excellent source of advice (and some really grotty pictures, too) is the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon’s Web site at www.orthoinfo.org.

Yeow! Now what?
Regardless of how careful you are or how good your shoes are, accidents happen. When they do, we all know how to handle a foot injury, right? Are you sure? Here’s a test.

True or False:
A. If I can wiggle my toes,
they’re not broken.
B. Breaking a toe is no big deal —
it can wait.
C. Wrapping a sprained ankle is
good enough.
D. If you hurt your foot, soak it in
warm water.

Well?

Yup, they were trick questions: they are ALL false.

In the case of foot and ankle injuries, toss some rice on it before seeing the doctor. That’s right, RICE:
R: Rest. Stop working, get off your feet.
I: Ice it. Gently wrap the injury with an ice pack, 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off. Repeat.
C: Compress it, lightly. Wrap a bandage around the area, but not too tight.
E: Elevate it. Put your foot up and relax. Sitting with your foot elevated higher than your waist reduces swelling and pain.

Then get thee to a doctor.

This article appeared in the December 2007/January 2008 issue of MRO Today magazine. Copyright 2007.