Getting your feet checked could save your life. Here's how.
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We here at the SDC always advocate for taking care of your health and well-being, as it's never too late to improve your lifestyle and live a longer, happier life. While on the subject of health, we often forget just how important our feet are, wouldn’t you agree?
Not only do our feet carry us around everywhere we go (literally), but they can also tell us a lot about our overall health and well-being.
For example, did you know that if you're experiencing pain in your feet, it could actually be a sign of an underlying health condition? In fact, studies have shown that ignoring potential foot pain could eventually lead to death.
That's why it's always a good idea to get your feet checked out by a professional at least once a year.
Midwife Neroli Marke-Hutton discovered a medical issue during her trip to the podiatrist. Credit: 7News
According to new research from the Australian Podiatry Association, doing so could end up saving your life. The study found that 39 per cent of people who went to see their podiatrist had serious medical conditions identified during their appointment. That’s a HUGE number.
That includes significant circulatory issues (33 per cent), general heart issues (11 per cent), diabetes (25 per cent) and gout (23 per cent).
One woman found out that she had an underlying medical condition during her routine trip to the podiatrist. Neroli Marke-Hutton, a midwife, was left stunned after doctors discovered she had an irregular heartbeat through the use of a Doppler ultrasound on her legs.
Neroli was immediately referred to a cardiologist. She said she went in, thinking everything would be fine, only to come out and realise that her life was in danger. ‘It was decided that I needed to have a pacemaker.’ She explained. ‘It was a bit of a shock, and I wasn’t expecting that when I went to see the podiatrist.’ Neroli said.
Fortunately, Neroli’s story has a happy ending – but it just goes to show how important it is for people to take care of their feet, as they can be indicative of much more serious underlying health conditions.
Going in for an annual check-up could save your life. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels
Sydney-based podiatrist Charlotte Bodell explained that foot pain is often one of the first signs that something isn't quite right with our bodies. ‘People may not realise just how powerful the foot is when it comes to assessing serious underlying health conditions.’ Charlotte said.
‘We often see patients who have no idea they have an underlying health issue other than experiencing foot pain or discomfort.’ She further explained.
So, dear readers, there you have it. What do you think about this advice? Do you make it a habit to visit your doctors at least once a year? If not, we urge you to do so! If you're experiencing any kind of pain or discomfort in your feet (or anywhere else on your body, for that matter), don't hesitate to make an appointment with your local GP or specialist right away!
If you haven't been given the all-clear by a professional, we recommend getting checked out at least once every 12 months. After all, it could end up saving your life.
Not only do our feet carry us around everywhere we go (literally), but they can also tell us a lot about our overall health and well-being.
For example, did you know that if you're experiencing pain in your feet, it could actually be a sign of an underlying health condition? In fact, studies have shown that ignoring potential foot pain could eventually lead to death.
That's why it's always a good idea to get your feet checked out by a professional at least once a year.
Midwife Neroli Marke-Hutton discovered a medical issue during her trip to the podiatrist. Credit: 7News
According to new research from the Australian Podiatry Association, doing so could end up saving your life. The study found that 39 per cent of people who went to see their podiatrist had serious medical conditions identified during their appointment. That’s a HUGE number.
That includes significant circulatory issues (33 per cent), general heart issues (11 per cent), diabetes (25 per cent) and gout (23 per cent).
One woman found out that she had an underlying medical condition during her routine trip to the podiatrist. Neroli Marke-Hutton, a midwife, was left stunned after doctors discovered she had an irregular heartbeat through the use of a Doppler ultrasound on her legs.
Neroli was immediately referred to a cardiologist. She said she went in, thinking everything would be fine, only to come out and realise that her life was in danger. ‘It was decided that I needed to have a pacemaker.’ She explained. ‘It was a bit of a shock, and I wasn’t expecting that when I went to see the podiatrist.’ Neroli said.
Fortunately, Neroli’s story has a happy ending – but it just goes to show how important it is for people to take care of their feet, as they can be indicative of much more serious underlying health conditions.
Going in for an annual check-up could save your life. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels
Sydney-based podiatrist Charlotte Bodell explained that foot pain is often one of the first signs that something isn't quite right with our bodies. ‘People may not realise just how powerful the foot is when it comes to assessing serious underlying health conditions.’ Charlotte said.
‘We often see patients who have no idea they have an underlying health issue other than experiencing foot pain or discomfort.’ She further explained.
So, dear readers, there you have it. What do you think about this advice? Do you make it a habit to visit your doctors at least once a year? If not, we urge you to do so! If you're experiencing any kind of pain or discomfort in your feet (or anywhere else on your body, for that matter), don't hesitate to make an appointment with your local GP or specialist right away!
If you haven't been given the all-clear by a professional, we recommend getting checked out at least once every 12 months. After all, it could end up saving your life.
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