Discussions regarding proper foot care can be widely diversified. The feet are our “organs for propulsion”, and just like our brain functions to keep our body organized and functioning and the heart keeps our blood circulating, our feet keep us moving. If they are neglected, just as any organ of our body, they can fail. Unfortunately, our feet are the most widely neglected part of our body.
Proper care of our feet is important for us to be able to stand, walk, run, work and enjoy our leisure time. Make sure to wear sensible shoes that fit well and fit the activity you are participating in. Wearing flip-flops to the beach is fine; not for all day shopping at the local mall.
Every-day care:
Our feet are always in contact with a surface and require protection from contaminants located on these surfaces such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and chemicals (to name a few). We protect our feet and body with shoes and good hygiene. Proper bathing of you feet with soap and water on a daily basis, with careful drying, especially between the toes, is necessary. Pathogens love to grow in dark, moist areas, and what is better that damp feet inside of a dark shoe? Application of a cornstarch- based bath powder after bathing would be beneficial. Inspect your feet – top, bottom, and in-between the toes on a daily basis. Take action if redness, itching, blisters, cuts, rashes or bruises are noticed. Wear shoes or sandals routinely.
SHOES and Hosiery
It is common sense to wear shoes that fit, or else they will be uncomfortable and could cause irritation and pain. But it is also important to wear proper fitting hose. Socks that are too tight can cause constriction resulting in swelling. Hose made with some synthetic products in hot climates can cause excess perspiration, resulting in dampness. “Support” hose should be recommended by a medical professional and fit professionally, or could cause circulation problems.
When in doubt, have your shoes fit by a professional. Be sure your shoes are wide enough around the “ball” of your foot (where your toes connect to the rest of your foot) so as to not be constrictive and that when standing you have ½ inch of toe space from your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Make sure the tops of your toes are not rubbing on the shoe, and when trying shoes on be sure you are wearing the type of socks you will be wearing with the shoe you are going to purchase. Walk around the store to make sure they are comfortable. Finally, make sure that the soles of your shoes will match the activity you are wearing them for; shoes with a hard sole with no traction control would not be good if you were working on damp, slippery surfaces.
Common foot problems
Corns, calluses, blisters, rashes (athlete’s foot), warts, ingrown toenails, heel pain, bunions and hammertoes are some of the common foot problems. Injuries can result in strains, sprains, or fractures. Many can be treated effectively with conservative methods, and others need professional (sometimes surgical) care.
CORNS AND CALLUSES
Corns and calluses, if never present before, often follow blistering of an area of the skin of the foot or toes, secondary to irritation from shoes, hose, or abnormal activity. Corns are associated with the toes, whereas calluses are associated with the side or bottom of the foot. Over a period of time the blistered area can harden into a thickening of the skin over an area that was irritated, and becomes painful If the irritation is removed, the corn or callus, and pain, should gradually disappear. If the corn or callus is a chronic condition, it is usually associated by a contraction or deformity of the toe (hammertoe, or a problem with a prominent metatarsal bone. Professional examination and treatment is recommended in these chronic conditions.
RASHES, ATHLETE’S FOOT, WARTS
Rashes and athlete’s foot can be caused by an irritant such as a fungus, chemical, or an allergen (poison ivy or insect bite). Warts are caused by a virus. There are many non-prescription remedies available for these skin conditions, but if no results are seen with a 7-10 days professional assistance is recommended
INGROWN TOENAILS
Ingrown toenails are conditions whereby the edge of the toenail pinches the skin alongside, causing pain and many times infection. Sometimes these are caused by improper nail trimming or a tight shoe, but oftentimes there is an actual nail curvature that causes the nail to grow improperly. Chronic infected, ingrown toenails can easily be treated by your medical professional.
HEEL PAIN
Heel pain is usually associated by plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the plantar fascia or arch ligament) where it attaches to the bottom of the heel bone. Heel pain can also be associated with a heel spur, or an enlargement of the attachment point of the heel bone to the plantar fascia. Sometimes pads help the problem, but oftentimes professional help is needed, and if a chronic problem, orthotics with physical therapy, stretching and icing is necessary. Some situations may need surgical intervention.
BUNIONS
Bunions are dislocation or deviation of the great toe (hallux) at the big toe joint (first metatarsal joint). The medical term for a bunion is “hallux valgus”. This is not a temporary condition; it is a progressive problem that gets worse with time. Bunions can be irritated by improper footgear and result in temporary pain, but usually it is a chronic problem resulting in constant pain (with or without shoes) requiring appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
SPRAINS AND STRAINS
Injuries to the foot and ankle are common, and fortunately our body is able to heal minor injuries quickly. However, if there is considerable swelling, eccymosis (black and blue), and pain either at rest or when bearing weight, should NOT be dismissed as a simple strain or sprain. Professional examination and treatment with X-rays and possible a MRI is necessary to rule out a significant injury. Without proper treatment, an injury passed off as a simple strain or sprain may result in a lifelong problem.
The “common-sense” approach to foot care should result in the prevention of many common foot ailments. Unfortunately, injuries and our environment can cause problems that even the best preventative methods cannot avoid. Contact your local Podiatrist or medical professional whenever there is a foot related issue that persists for any length of time.
