Orange CA Podiatry

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Give Yourself a Foot Exam

At Orange CA Podiatry, it is the job of our staff members to ensure that your foot health is in its most optimal state. Most of us know that foot exams can be lifesaving for patients with diabetes, but realistically they are important when it comes to diagnosing any serious foot condition. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your feet healthy. Here are just a few things to look for when self-examining yours.



  • Balance – a good test for balance involves standing on one foot, with your arms out to the side and your eyes close. If you are less than 30 years old, you should be able to balance for 15 seconds, 30 to 40 years old for 12 seconds, 40 to 50 years old for 10 seconds and over 50 years old for seven seconds. This can be improved with exercises.

  • Circulation. Look at the color of your toes. Do they look like a normal nail color or are they leaning towards red, white, purple, or blue? Press down on the nail of your big toe until the color blanches. Now let go and allow the blood flow to return to your toe. The return of normal color should take 2 to 5 seconds in a person with average circulation.

  • Flexibility. How flexible are your toes? Try to pick up a marble or a small dish towel with your toes. To test your ankle flexibility, hang your heel off of a stair. Now let the heel go below the level of the stair. If this causes pain, stop the test. If your heel goes below the level of the stair without causing strain in your calf, that is a good sign.

  • Check your skin for calluses, blisters, or areas of irritation.


If you notice any abnormalities on your feet, please give us a call. To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at the office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

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