High blood pressure is a disease that can impact several areas of your life, including your feet. Uncontrolled blood pressure can cause pain and pressure in the feet, as well as a variety of other health concerns. If you have high blood pressure, learn about some of the things you should keep in mind to keep your feet healthy.
Try On Shoes Carefully
A common issue people with high blood pressure deal with is swelling, especially if they are not following a low-sodium diet. When a person with high blood pressure doesn't properly manage their condition, their feet can swell. If you do not have on a properly fitting shoe, wearing the shoe can become painful as your foot expands.
To avoid this, you should monitor your sodium levels and take your medication as prescribed. However, you should also go shoe shopping towards the end of the day, when your feet are likely to be their largest to ensure the shoe fits well.
Exercise Regularly
Make it a point to exercise regularly. Exercise is not only a great way to lower your weight and better regulate your blood pressure, but it's also important to ensure proper circulation to your foot. High blood pressure and poor circulation often go hand-in-hand.
A lack of blood flood puts your feet at a greater risk of infection and makes it harder for your feet to heal. If you are dealing with either of these issues, avoid exercise until you get clearance from your podiatrist. Regular exercise helps keep blood flowing to your feet by stimulating blood flow, while also improving your range of motion and flexibility, which are also important to foot health.
Know the Red Flags
Make sure you know some of the red flags of high blood pressure that might show up in your feet. First, contact your provider right away if you notice that the color of your feet is changing. A change in color, particularly if your feet are darker, can be a sign of infection. A foot that feels warmer than the rest of the body could mean the same thing.
Also, look out for swelling that does not go away. This issue could be a sign that your high blood pressure has progressed to heart disease.
If you have concerns about your foot health, don't hesitate to contact a podiatry clinic. The podiatrist will help you monitor your blood pressure and your foot health to get ahead of any concerns.
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