Feet Problems

The Most Basic Problems of the Feet

We’re going to go over the most common foot problems people have.

The human feet are like wheels on a car since they are the point of contact with the ground and carry us everywhere. Much like the tires on a car, problems can occur, but most of those problems are easily treatable.

Sometimes all you need is to soak your feet in the hot tub with some Epsom salt and magically, it can solve the most basic of problems. But other more serious issues might require medical treatment.

Cracked Heels

One of the most common foot problems are cracked heels. Cracked heels can be uncomfortable and painful because the skin on the feet doesn’t receive enough moisture. Cracked heels can be treated with simple solutions which everyone has at home like baking soda. A proven, but more expensive treatment could be going to the beauty salon for chiropody. But most of us can use a warm foot tub with baking soda and aromatic oil to treat this issue.

You can also use petroleum jelly for shallow cracks 3 times a day and cover them with a bandage or sock afterward. For deeper cracks that are clean and dry, use 2 layers of otc liquid bandages. Apply more as needed. If your cracks are red or you notice some liquid leaking out you should visit your doctor. Try to prevent dry feet by using moisturizing creme as needed.

Calluses

Another common foot problem are calluses. A callus is actually a skin irritation mostly due to inappropriate shoes. Calluses are generally not harmful but sometimes can lead to infection. Calluses and corns may go away by themselves, once the irritation is constantly avoided. There are creams with salicyl acid for calluses but doctors do not recommend them because theses remedies with salicylic acid may cause burns around the skin where the callus is.

Plantar Warts

Warts that grow on the bottom of the feet are called plantar warts and are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). Left untreated and irritated, they can become painful and unpleasant to look at. They can also develop broken blood vessels which turn black (which has earned them the name seed warts since they black dried blood looks like seeds). https://warts.org/types/plantar-warts

Fungle Infections on the Feet and Toes

Another very common problem on people’s feet is nail fungal infections. This type of problem is not painful but makes your nails look ugly. You can go to treat your fungal infection with a podiatrist who may be able to prescribe medications to treat your nail fungus. Some might also recommend that you use a cream with cortisol that can be purchased online or over the counter. Cortisol has antifungal properties. There are oral antifungal prescriptions, topical balms, and elective treatments. Over the counter creams and salves are accessible, however, they have not demonstrated to be the most effective.

Preventing nail fungus infections requires hand and foot hygiene. Some suggestions include: keeping nails short, dry, and clean. It’s also recommended to wear socks that breathe, and when needed, use antifungal sprays or powders

Neuroma

Another foot problem not all that common is called Neuroma, which basically means enlarged nerve in the foot. This type of problem in the foot is more common in females. This is a condition where two bones are pinching the nerve between them and it feels like a burning, snapping, clicking pain. A neuroma is mostly located at the ball of the foot and it is usually treated with orthotics and injections.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails develop because of pressure on nails usually on the big toe. Thus, edges grow into the skin, which causes pain and infections. This condition mostly occurs if toenails are not cut properly or if the skin is constantly moistened because of sweat. For example, because shoes and socks are made of synthetics, which does not allow airflow or shoes are too small. Pay attention to cut your toenails properly.

How to cut your toenails properly to avoid ingrown toenails: You should cut them in a straight line. Do not cut the edges, but definitely remove all bumps on the edges. If you get an ingrown toenail, make the little cut in the shape of the letter V at the middle of the nail to relieve the pressure from sides. There are also remedies from the kitchen, which you can use for ingrown toenails. Soak your feet into a tub of warm water with 3 teaspoons of Epsom salt. Repeat this 2 times per day for 5 minutes. You should cut the nail only when the inflammation passes.

Cold Feet

Although it is possible that your feet are cold, without any consequences, chronic cold feet may be a sign of poor circulation. Smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can reduce the lung’s function of absorbing oxygen which then leads to the lack of oxygen in the blood. Peripheral arterial disease and several different types of heart disease can reduce the flow of blood into all parts of the body and contribute to poor circulation. If you feel your toes are so cold that they are almost drowsy, contact your doctor.

Feet that itch and Athletes Foot

Feeling an itch, no matter how irritating, is not a sign of a serious medical condition. The most common reason why the foot is itching is a fungal infection called Athletes Foot. This infection usually begins between the toes. Although this infection is contagious, it can be treated with drugs that are bought without a prescription in a pharmacy like sprays and creams.