The foods you consume impact every part of your body and your health, including your feet. Whether you have had foot pain lately or simply want to take better care of these hard-working extremities, learn what orthopedic podiatrists want you to know about nutrition and feet health. Below, learn how poor nutrition can impact your feet. 

How Poor Nutrition Can Affect Your Feet

1. Increases Inflammation

Foods with trans fat, sugar, and processed grains create inflammation throughout the body. They exacerbate inflammation-related conditions affecting the feet, such as gout, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and plantar fasciitis. Avoid sugary and processed foods to reduce swollen feet issues. Concentrate on whole foods with omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed and fatty fish, to decrease inflammation.

2. Promotes Diabetic Nerve Pain

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels from poor diets in diabetics can contribute to foot ulcers. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, slows the healing process in infected ulcers, especially when it’s combined with improper foot care and poor habits such as excessive alcohol consumption. If you have diabetic foot ulcers, talk to your orthopedic podiatrist about diabetic footwear and braces in addition to making healthy lifestyle changes.

3. Reduces Bone Density & Strength

Diets low in nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D affects bone health, including the 26 bones and 33 joints in the feet. Those with osteoporosis increase their chances of foot stress fractures as the bones deteriorate. Prevent bone loss in your feet with regular exercise and consuming foods high in calcium and vitamin D, including leafy greens, fatty fish, milk, yogurt, and cheese. Look for low-fat dairy products since full-fat versions contain saturated fat that can increase inflammation.

4. Inflicts Stress

High-fat and high-sugar diets can cause weight gain, and eventually, larger health issues without lifestyle changes. The feet support bodily weight and become stressed when there’s an excess. Foot pain is common among overweight individuals who are also at risk for stress fractures. Consult a physician about a weight loss program to put less stress on your feet and the rest of your body. 

If you have swollen feet or any other foot issue needing professional attention, contact the orthopedic podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Rochester. Featuring two convenient locations in Rochester, NY, the handicap-accessible podiatry offices accept most insurance plans and work with patients of all ages. Call (585) 342-8700 today to schedule an appointment or visit the orthopedic podiatrists online for service information.