When you’re experiencing problems with your feet, it’s important that you address the issue right away. After all, the foot is responsible for a lot of your mobility and for carrying your weight.
That said, it’s important to know the different kinds of foot problems and how you can treat it.
1. Athlete’s Foot
A common foot problem that you might encounter is an athlete’s foot. This fungal infection is mainly affecting the skin and you can find it happening somewhere between your toes most of the time.
You can get athlete’s foot if your feet are contained in tight-fitting shoes and you sweat a lot. If you don’t treat an athlete’s foot, then you’re going to be in discomfort from the itchiness which can lead to pain.
Treatment
To prevent getting athlete’s foot, you should make sure that you keep your feet dry and clean as much as possible. Change footwear often, and use antifungal powder on your feet. Have shoes that are well-ventilated too.
If after two weeks your symptoms don’t improve after an at-home or over-the-counter treatment, then you need to consult with a podiatrist.
2. Bunions
Bunions are another common foot problem that can happen from foot deformities or even just from tight-fitting shoes. Bunions are when you have a bony bump right at the base of your big toe. If it’s a bony bump on the joint of your little toe instead, then you call this a bunionette.
Treatment
One of the ways you can prevent getting bunions or stop its development is by wearing shoes that fit you right. Make sure that no part of the shoe is squeezing your foot.
To improve your situation, you can get bunion pads in any drugstore to help reduce the pressure you get on the bunion.
Applying an ice pack for 10 minutes might help with the inflammation too. Of course, a podiatrist can surgically remove it if the issue becomes a little more problematic.
3. Blisters
A blister is a pocket of fluid that forms on your body, usually on your feet.
There are many reasons why you might get a blister. It can range from insect bites to physical trauma.
If you’ve got blisters on your feet, it can be harder to walk.
Treatment
Instead of picking at your blister, it’s best that you cover it with a bandage until it heals instead. That way, you don’t risk yourself getting an infection.
If you want, you can drain the blister instead. Puncturing the blister with a disinfected needle and letting the fluid drain before applying antibacterial cream then covering it with a bandage is the way to go.
4. Corn
According to Stefan Edwards Podiatric Surgeon, corns on your feet refer to the yellow patches of calluses.
Painful foot corn can occur when your feet experience constant friction in different ways, whether it be from tight-fitting shoes or from standing too long.
Treatment
You can treat foot corn by filing it away. Before you file it away, though, you should soak your feet in a warm bath with some Epsom salts.
Then after toweling it off, make sure that you moisturize it with lotion so that your foot corn softens up. After that, you can try filling the corn away with either a pumice stone or an emery board.
5. Foot Pain
There are different areas of your foot and experiencing foot pain in these different parts can mean different things.
With that said, depending on the foot pain you’re experiencing, the treatment should be different for each.
Pain in the ball of the foot
Pain in the ball of the foot, or the area behind your toes, may be caused by nerve or joint damage. Depending on the true cause of your pain, the treatment will differ.
Treatment
Taking pain medication is a way to help you cope with the pain, but it’s best that you consult with a podiatrist first. Other treatments are orthotic inserts, resting your feet, and wearing comfortable footwear.
Plantar fasciitis
If you’re experiencing pain in your heels, then you might be experiencing Plantar fasciitis. This is caused by the overuse of the surface of your sole. This leads to an inflammation of the tissue that is connecting the heel bone to the base of your toes.
Treatment
Simply resting your feet more often is a great treatment in and of itself. Applying ice on your injury is also a great relief. If the pain is a little more uncomfortable then taking medications is recommended.
Achilles tendon injury
Injuries in your Achilles tendon commonly occurs from the overuse of your tendon. as well as your calf muscles. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body and is quite commonplace in the body for tendonitis.
Treatment
Again, resting your feet is a great help. Medication is also good for the pain. Stretching is also helpful, and foot massage could help bring some relief.