Maintaining foot and ankle health is crucial to a healthy and active lifestyle. Unfortunately, many people overlook the importance of good foot care until they start experiencing discomfort or pain. The Foot Health Foundation of America offers a simple quiz that can help you spot any warning signs of foot and ankle problems.
The self-assessment quiz consists of twelve questions, covering various aspects of your lifestyle, such as the amount of time you spend on your feet, your age, weight, exercise regimen, previous foot or ankle problems, and family history of diabetes. Each question is scored from 0 to 3, with the total score determining the health of your feet and ankles.
If you score between 0-20 points, congratulations! Your feet and ankles are very healthy, and you can maintain your active lifestyle and/or exercise regimen. With proper attention and care, your feet and ankles should remain healthy. However, you may want to schedule an annual exam with a podiatrist to ensure their long-term health.
If you score between 21-40 points, pay attention. Your feet and ankles are showing signs of wear, placing you in the moderate risk category. Although you can continue your normal activities, you should strongly consider visiting a podiatrist for a check-up. Suppose you participate in a rigorous exercise regimen regularly or plan to or scored points for questions 4, 5, 9, 11, or 12. In that case, you should visit a podiatrist soon to safeguard your foot and ankle health.
If you score 41 points or higher, caution. Your feet and ankles are at high risk for long-term medical problems, and you should contact a podiatrist as soon as possible. If you exercise, you should pay particular attention to your feet and ankles until you are seen by a podiatrist. Suppose you have not begun exercising. In that case, it is advisable to contact a podiatrist before undertaking any type of exercise.
It’s worth noting that even if you score well, this self-assessment is not a substitute for a physical exam. An annual check-up with a podiatrist is recommended to keep your feet and ankles healthy and catch any problems early on.
Suppose you experience any foot or ankle pain, discomfort, or suspect an issue. In that case, it’s important to seek professional medical advice from a podiatrist. Dr Gilbert Huang DPM is an experienced podiatrist who can evaluate, diagnose and provide expert care and treatment for various foot and ankle conditions. He provides customized treatment plans best suited to your needs, aimed at getting you back on your feet as soon as possible.
In conclusion, foot and ankle problems can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. Take the self-assessment quiz to pinpoint any warning signs of foot and ankle problems, and visit Dr Gilbert Huang DPM for expert advice and treatment for foot and ankle conditions. With proper care and attention, your feet and ankles will remain healthy and support you throughout your life.