subject: The Top 10 Foot Problems You Can Treat And Prevent Yourself [print this page] There are times when foot problems require medical intervention. For example, a problem with feet might be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes. Some foot problems arise from an injury, like a sprained ankle or are caused by a physical impairment present since birth, such as leg length discrepancy. These more serious problems should be assessed by a medical professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
That said, there are many foot problems that occur with feet which you can treat and prevent on your own. When you know what foot ailment you suffer from, you can then find the right remedies and products designed to get you back on those two feet in no time.
Here is a list of the "Top 10 Foot Problems" that can be treated successfully on your own:
#1 - ATHLETE'S FOOT
Dermatophytes is a "lovely" foot fungus that, believe it or not, lives on your feet even when athlete's foot isn't a problem. However, if your feet aren't kept clean and dry, athelete's foot problems will appear. Most over-the-counter treatments will work at curing the condition and there are many helpful foot products aimed at keeping your feet dry.
#2 - BLISTERS
A blister can look so harmless, but as foot problems go, the pain they cause can be excruciating. They can appear for many reasons such as excess friction, shoes being too tight or inadequate cushioning. To treat a blister, it is best to not drain it so that it can be kept clean and not risk being infected. Use cushioned socks not only while treating it, but also to prevent it in the future.
#3 - CALLUSES
Foot problems such as calluses are your feet trying to send you a message that they aren't receiving the cushioning they need, resulting in too much friction. Usually they are caused due to poorly fitting shoes or going barefoot. In most cases, calluses can be treated by frequently soaking the feet to soften the skin, removing skin with a pumice stone, keeping them moisturized and wearing socks. As for prevention, if you like to be barefoot, look for sandals with plenty of cushioning. There are also gel cushions for the balls of the feet or heels, which you can insert in your shoes.
#4 - CORNS
Corn causes, treatment and prevention are very similar to calluses (#3 on the list). The only difference is that they appear on the toes.
#5 - DRY AND CRACKED HEELS
For common causes of dry and cracked heels, such as untreated calluses or dry conditions, treatment is the same as prevention. Routinely soak feet, gently use a pumice stone, hydrate with foot creams specially designed to work on dry, cracked heels and keep feet covered with socks. If practiced routinely, you should start seeing dramatic improvements. However, do take note that there are health conditions that can cause severely cracked heels and, in addition, cracks can get infected. If your condition is severe, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.
#6 - FOOT ODOR AND PERSPIRATION
If your foot problems are causing you embarrassing odor, it is due to perspiration and moist conditions, which provide the perfect environment for bacteria and fungus. You will need to keep your feet dry, wear sandals in hotter weather and consider insoles that reduce a moist environment, which can be discarded easily so shoes don't absorb the odor.
#7 - HEEL PAIN AND SPURS
The most common causes of heel pain and heel spur foot problems are from people who have flat feet, high arches or tight calf muscles. Some are physiological problems and some are caused from not stretching enough during exercise or wearing improper comfortable farm work shoe. No matter the cause, there are many products to assist in preventing the pain such as arch supports, heel cushions and shoes with appropriate support. Ice can also help reduce the pain, inflammation and tension.
#8 - INGROWN TOENAILS
When toenails are improperly cut or trimmed too far, a toe is injured or shoes put too much pressure on toes, ingrown toenails can develop. You can often recognize the signs such as pink, tender skin exposed in addition to pain. Prevention is the key, so be sure to use high quality toe trimming products and wear proper shoes. While healing, avoid exposing area to pressure and friction until your toe recovers.
#9 - THICK AND YELLOW TOENAILS
These foot problems, thick and/or yellow toenails, have one thing in common - nail fungus. How they develop, however, can be in a variety of ways. You can pick up a fungus in a public shower, hot and moist feet can promote fungus to grow or a small injury in the nail can allow fungus in. Treatment can be difficult and may require seeing a podiatrist if at home treatments don't resolve the problem. Initially, try Nonyx nail gel, over the counter fungal treatments and keep your feet clean and dry.
#10 - TIRED, ACHING FEET
Foot problems such as tired and aching feet seem so simple on the surface, but to those who are on their feet all of the time, it can be debilitating and make ambulating difficult. Of course, severe pain or more serious discomfort should be evaluated by a podiatrist. However, for the majority of people, their feet are simply exhausted and not receiving the support they need. Aside from investing in appropriate, supportive shoes or finding helpful inserts to support your feet, be sure to take time to pamper those feet, too. Soak them when you get home, enlist a family member for a foot rub and treat them with all of the TLC you can.
