Podiatrists can attest that foot health has a direct impact on overall well-being. Taking preventive measures to protect your lower limbs—by wearing proper footwear, for example, and addressing minor discomfort before the pain becomes more severe—will protect your health. Neglecting your feet, on the other hand, could hurt the rest of your body in the following ways. 

Radiating Pain 

Each foot must bear the full weight of your body with every step. If they don’t have adequate support, pain and discomfort are more likely.

In severe cases, this pain can radiate up to your back and neck. Naturally, this will have a major impact on your overall quality of life. 

Inadequate support and ill-fitting shoes aren’t the only causes of radiating pain. Foot problems themselves—plantar fasciitis, for example—can also cause symptoms that affect more than just the lower limbs if left untreated. As such, it’s wise to visit a podiatrist at the first sign of trouble. Diagnosing and treating any minor issues promptly could prevent them from becoming major problems. 

Compensating Organs 

Like the body’s other limbs, the feet contain touch receptors and sensory nerves that send messages directly to the central nervous system. If you have a foot disorder, though, these messages may tell the brain to compensate in some way.

Depending on the circumstances, the brain may respond by telling various organs throughout the body to either reduce functioning or kick into overdrive. Naturally, neither is ideal because it won’t fix the underlying problem.

If you’re concerned about your foot health, contact St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samuel T. Wood-DPM. With offices in St. Peters and Florissant, MO, this practice is led by a board-certified podiatrist who’s been in the field for more than 20 years. Dr. Wood is proud to treat patients throughout St. Charles County, and he’s equipped to perform a broad range of procedures, from routine checkups to invasive surgeries. To learn more about the services he provides, visit his website. To make an appointment in St. Peters, call (636) 720-0190. To request an exam in Florissant, call (314) 921-1020.