Did you ever explore what movements are possible with the 33 joints in your feet? When was the last time you even took time looking at your feet? It doesn’t take long. Take a moment right now to really be aware of your feet. Feel them. Take off your shoes. How far can you spread your toes? How far to turn the ankle? What does the skin feel like on your heels, on your toes? Is there a song playing that you like? Try what it’s like to dance with just your feet.

Feet are our foundation. They come into contact with our environment more often than any other part of the body. And yet we rarely feel and see them. Most of us have even learned to actively look away and to feel away when our feet ache from standing for too long. When shoes are too tight.

We developed these videos for World Diabetes Day on November 14th. Constantly tingling feet can be an early sign of polyneuropathy, for example in connection with diabetes. With advanced polyneuropathy, the risk of injuries and pressure sores is high.

It is not just diabetes that increases the risk of wounds. Our blood vessels also have a lot to do with our foot health. Some skin changes are part of life and aging. Others can indicate diseased vessels, especially in the feet and legs.

Permanently swollen feet and legs and changes in the color of the skin can be signs that your veins are overloaded. Fluid remains in the legs and can damage the tissue there. “Open legs” can be avoided if the fluid is drained away in a timely manner.

In the course of our work with patients and practitioners, we have heard one thing again and again: most chronic wounds are preventable. But you have to know your body well, recognize the early warning signs and take them seriously.