Foot Care - Treating Foot Disorders and Problems

It is estimated that the average person walks at least 70,000 miles (112,500 kilometers) in a lifetime. Even though the feet take most of the strain, they are often the most neglected part of the body- perhaps because they are rarely on show. But your feet deserve some help to cope with all the work they do. Taking good care of them and treating any problems early can also transform the way you feel, because sore and aching feet can literally drag you down.

Ingrown Toenails - Prevention and Treatment tips

These occur when the side of the nail, which grows faster than the center, curls under and grows into the soft nail bed underneath. They can develop if the toe of your shoe is too tight, if you develop a fungal infection, or if your foot is constantly being pushed into the front of the shoe, for instance during vigorous sport or aerobic exercise.

  • Avoid ingrown toenails by cutting the nails straight across rather than with a rounded shape, and keep the nails short.

  • Wear low-heeled, wide-toed shoes that fit properly to avoid pinching.

  • To treat an ingrown toenail, apply warm compresses and soak the foot to ease any pain and swelling.

  • If the surrounding skin becomes red and tender, or you notice any discharge from the area, see your doctor or a podiatrist. Minor surgery may be needed to remove a section of the nail, and antibiotics if the skin has become infected.

Tips For Healthy Feet

Many foot problems are caused by badly fitting shoes or poor hygiene. The following tips can reduce the risk of problems:

  • Buy shoes that fit. Shop late in the day when your feet are at their largest to avoid misjudgments .

  • Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day .

  • Change your socks, hose, or stockings daily to prevent odor and avoid infections .

  • Keep your toenails properly trimmed. If you are not sure how to do this, ask a professional for advice .

  • Walk barefoot around the house as often as possible to give your feet a chance to breathe.

Corns And Calluses

These are thickened, hardened areas of skin that build up as a protective response to repeated friction or pressure, usually from poorly fitting shoes .

  • Corns are hard bumps of skin with a central core of hard keratin, which hurts if forced inward. They most often occur on the upper surfaces of the toe joints and on the soles, just behind the toes.

  • Calluses are larger- they can be 1 in(2.5 cm) long- and consist of a thickened patch of dead skin. They are more likely to appear on the bottom of the feet, especially beneath the heel, on the underside of the big toe, and over a bunion.

Treating Corns And Calluses

Both conditions can often be safely treated at home using products available from pharmacies.

  • Place a corn pad or plaster from the pharmacy over the corn. This helps reduce pressure on the sore area and gives the corn time to heal. Some pads are impregnated with medications that slowly dissolve the hard skin.

  • Scrape calluses gently away, using a pumice stone or special foot scraper. A liquid containing a callus exfoliant can also be applied to the area to help the gradual removal of the hard, dry skin.

  • If self-help remedies fail, consult a podiatrist- a specialist in foot care. A professional can remove corns and calluses using stronger medications or with a scalpel.

Skin Care for Dry Foot

Because the feet have few sebaceous glands, the skin can become very dry. After washing, moisturize your feet with a good body or foot lotion. Some lotions have added ingredients, such as peppermint oil, to soothe tired feet and ease minor aches and pains. There are also foot creams with added granules to exfoliate the skin of the feet. These are much harsher than exfoliators for the face, so make sure you choose a product intended for the feet. Usually you apply the product dry and gently rub it off, along with the dead skin. Then rinse thoroughly and moisturize.

 

 

 

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