Common Foot Problems, Proper Foot Care
Our feet bear quite a burden . . . our bodies. Because they carry
us from place to place for most of our lives, foot problems
are sometimes inevitable. Many problems of the feet are painful,
but most are treatable. Here are some of the more common feet problems
we experience, and ways we can treat them.
- Achilles' tendonitis – Pain in the back of the heel,
often caused by improper warm up before exercise. This foot problem
can be treated with ice, rest and pain medications.
- Athlete's foot – This foot problem is caused by
a fungus that thrives in the warm, moist places between the toes.
It can be treated with OTC medications.
- Blisters – Caused when a spot on the foot is rubbed
raw by tight shoes or repetitive motion. Use antiseptic cream
and bandages to treat this foot problem.
- Bunions – Misaligned big toe joint, caused by forcing
the foot to conform to a certain shape (with poorly fitting shoes,
for example). Treat this foot problem with surgery.
- Corns – Hard growth on the skin caused by repeated
pressure. This common foot problem can be treated with OTC corn
pads and reduced with a pumice stone.
- Fallen arches – Caused when the membrane supporting
the foot arch is stretched out due to injury or obesity. Treat
this foot problem with heat, massage, sensible shoes and exercise.
- Hammertoe – Condition where the toe takes on a
bent, claw-like look. Treat this foot problem by wearing roomy
shoes.
- Heel spurs – Bony growths under the heel bone caused
by excess pulling of the plantar tendon. Proper warm-up and the
right shoe fit can help prevent this foot problem.
- In-grown toe nail – Occurs when the side of the
nails dig into the skin of the toes. Prevent this foot problem
with proper nail trimming.
- Toe nail fungus – Causes the toe nail to thicken,
flake and discolour. Difficult to treat topically, but new prescription
pills may help with this foot problem.
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