Test Your Foot Fitness

Spotting early signs of foot problems can prevent you from being sidelined. Give your feet this test, created with Cherise Dyal,MD, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx.

SKIN

1. Do your feet have blisters or red spots? Buy shoes in a large enough size and width, and watch for bothersome seams inside.

FOOT CARE

2. Are your toenails trimmed straight across? This will prevent ingrown nails.

3. Do you push back your cuticles? Healthy ones offer protection from bacteria and infection, but they must be kept from overgrowing.

4. Do you use a pumice stone regularly? This will help prevent painful buildup of dead skin and calluses and allow healthy skin underneath to get moisture.

CIRCULATION

5. Are your toes pink? Toes that look red, purple or blue may indicate an infection, injury, or blood flow problem. See your doctor immediately for a diagnosis.

6. Press down on the nail of your big toe until the color blanches, then let go. How long does it take for the color to return? If it takes more than 5 seconds, you may have a circulation problem. Talk to your doctor.

SENSATION

7. Run a pencil eraser along the top, bottom, and sides of your feet. Does it feel the same in all four sides? (The bottoms may tickle.) Poor sensation could be a sign of diabetes or nerve injury and should be evaluated by a doctor.

FLEXIBILITY

8. Can you pick up a small disk towel and a marble with your toes? If not, you can improve flexibility by massaging your feet and toes gently every day. Also, practice doing the towel and marble pickups daily.