While some foot issues like blisters and dry heels are actually easy to deal with, there are more complex problems like verrucas and bunions that require specialist intervention.
Let’s take a look at the 10 most common foot issues and how to get rid of them. We’ve collected 10 effective remedies that will make your feet healthy and beautiful again.
1. Dry and cracked heels
Extreme heat and cold can cause dry and cracked heels. Cracks on your heels can trigger infections. Proper moisturizing is necessary to keep heels soft and safe from microorganisms. Try using a urea-containing cream.
2. Verruca
Verruca is a common foot problem, which doesn’t usually hurt when you walk unless you are in a weight-bearing position of the foot. They are vascular, therefore they can bleed easily.
Verruca is common among young people but can occur in anyone of any age. In order to fix these issues, you should visit a podiatrist who can prescribe strong topicals to help you fight the problem.
3. Bunions
A bunion is a bony deformity that occurs at the big toe joint. Bunions can progress over time and even limit the motion of the big toe joint. They can often become painful with tight-fitting shoes and during walking or running.
Bunions are usually inherited, which means it isn’t much you can do to get rid of them but you can still prevent them. It is advisable to wear footwear that fits the width of your foot, with good midfoot and ankle support. It would be also a good idea to massage your bunion to keep your joints flexible.
You can also try wearing cushioning pads. They help alleviate pressure and thus eliminate pain. Bunion surgery is another option that will help you forget about that bump. Talk to an expert to find the best option for you.
4. Athlete’s Foot
An athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that is accompanied by an itchy and scaly rash. It usually occurs because of contact with the organism Trichophyton rubrum which lives in warm, moist environments like gyms and swimming pools.
Athlete’s foot is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Scaly skin
- Itchiness and blistering
- Sweaty feet and odor
Athletes’ feet are usually treated with over-the-counter medications that contain antifungal agents. Visit your doctor to plan the most appropriate treatment.
5. Corns
Corns are hard patches of the skin that occur due to friction and localized pressure. They usually appear on the joints of the toes and sometimes on the ball of the foot. Many people use corn plasters, but they contain strong acids and could burn the toe.
Try using a non-medicated pad to relieve the pressure and you also need to eliminate the root cause of the problem, which is usually a tight shoe. In any case, corn needs to be removed by a foot specialist.
6. Ingrown toenail
Ingrown toenails are very common and are caused by cutting the nails too short. This can lead to an infection. If you catch an ingrown toenail early, you will be able to prevent infection and severe pain.
Soak your foot in saltwater daily for 10 minutes until you see a doctor, and don’t wear tight-fitting footwear. You can avoid ingrown toenails just by cutting your nails properly. Avoid cutting your nails too short as well as scraping and clearing out the nail edges with anything sharp.
7. Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition accompanied by pain in the inside of the heel or in the arch area. To relieve pain and inflammation it is advised to keep your leg elevated as much as possible, wear trainers when walking, and apply anti-inflammatory topicals.
You can also try calf stretching but if you constantly feel pain, talk to your podiatrist who will give you a proper treatment plan.
8. Fungal infections
Fungal infections occur due to improper hygiene. In order to avoid this problem, wear new socks every day, dry thoroughly in between your toes, and don’t forget to change your footwear. Wear shoes made of good materials such as leather and suedes.
If you already have a fungal infection, try anti-fungal topical treatments, wear bamboo socks (they have antimicrobial properties), and eat fewer carbs and sugary foods.
9. Callus
A callus is a thickened skin caused by repeated friction, pressure, or other types of irritation. Use good foot cream containing urea, foot scrub, and foot oil, and of course, visit a podiatrist to remove it safely. Don’t use blades or anything sharp at home.
10. Blisters
Blisters occur in everyone but normally they affect active people and athletes. They don’t require any special treatment until they are painful.
