April is National Foot Health Awareness Month. By empowering patients to focus on prevention, podiatrists can help patients take control of their foot health. One method of prevention is to pay close attention to changes on your feet or ankles. It starts with a daily habit of inspecting your feet. The doctors at West Hartford Podiatry Associates want to help patients know the difference between what is considered normal and when it’s time to make an appointment. Here are three changes you shouldn’t ignore:

Person Looking At The Sole Of The Foot In A Mirror.Redness

Unless it’s toenail polish, red is not a color you want to see on your feet. Redness is often a sign of irritation or infection, especially for an ingrown toenail. It can sometimes come along with additional pain or swelling. If you notice this new color on your feet or ankles, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist.

Wounds

When our bodies are working their best, a scratch or a bruise will heal on its own. If you notice that your wound is still there, make an appointment with your podiatrist. Non-healing wounds or ulcers may be a sign of poor circulation issues or diabetes. Wounds that go unnoticed or without treatment can become infected. Act fast.

Pain

Contrary to popular opinions, foot or ankle pain is not normal. You don’t need to break in a pair of shoes by walking in pain. You won’t outgrow your pain either. Pain is alerting you that an area of your body needs attention. Don’t miss this sign and schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. A foot and ankle specialist may recommend a new pair of shoes, custom orthotics, physical therapy, and other treatment options.

At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us at (860) 236-2564 for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.