Without the 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet, an active lifestyle would be virtually impossible. And because your feet serve as the foundation for the rest of your body, it’s no wonder that they can affect your overall health.
Unfortunately, many people don’t understand — or even recognize — the foot-body connection, which allows often-avoidable problems to creep in.
Dr. Kelly Geoghan in Lutherville, Maryland, believes that knowledge is power, especially concerning your health. Here, she and her team shed some light on how your neglected foot problems could wreak havoc on other parts of your body.
Conditions like flat feet, bunions, and plantar fasciitis are painful, and when you subconsciously overcompensate and change how you walk to avoid aggravating your foot pain, you can unknowingly throw off your body’s balance. This creates a misalignment in your spine, hips, and knees.
The result: Pain from a treatable foot problem that turns into a chronic problem in an unrelated area. Also, problems with your arches — they may be very high or flat — mean your feet don’t absorb shock properly, leaving your hips and knees to bear the worst of it.
Some people may find it difficult to stay on their feet on flat surfaces. But if your feet and ankles are wobbly beneath you, it can make you more prone to accidents and falls.
Additionally, foot problems can contribute to poor posture. Maintaining good posture day in and day out can be challenging, but it becomes even more so when your feet can’t handle your body weight properly.
Any pain in your feet that you don’t promptly address can travel up into the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your legs, resulting in calf pain, leg stiffness, soreness, and muscle weakness.
Your feet contain a high concentration of sensory nerves and touch receptors constantly sending messages to your brain. If they shut off because of a condition like peripheral neuropathy, your brain suspects a problem and tries to make adjustments throughout your body, including your organs.
If you suspect you have a foot problem or you’ve been putting off care for a foot issue, don’t wait to make an appointment with us.
We have the treatments necessary to address everything from toenail fungus and warts to heel pain and neuropathy. Our team knows and values the foot-body connection and approaches every treatment plan with the rest of your health and wellness in mind.
Are your feet trying to tell you something? Take your first steps toward improved health from head to toe, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelly Geoghan. Our friendly staff can help you find an appointment time that works for you, or you can request a time through our online booking tool.
