Feet is a complicated structure that is extremely acceptable for any negative effect. Uncomfortable shoes, fungi, and different medical conditions can make our feet look unpleasant. That’s why it is important to take care of your feet daily and note the smallest changes in them. In order to keep your feet healthy and beautiful, we gathered these seven alarming signs that your feet need more attention.
1. Unpleasant odor
There are a lot of reasons why your feet can have an unpleasant smell. If you have noticed a sweet smell after exercising, it is completely normal. However, an unpleasant odor can be a sign of fungi that occupied your feet. This condition is also called athlete’s foot. It can cause not only an unpleasant smell but also to lead to blisters and wounds. Most fungi are harmless until their spores penetrate the skin through microcracks. Most often, fungi affect the near toenails. If left untreated, the nail plate can even detach from the toe. The fungal infection also leads to nail thickening and discoloration.
2. Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails usually occur if you have an arched nail shape and prefer narrow shoes. The most common cause of an ingrown toenail is incorrect nail cutting. In addition, nail injuries and fungal infections can also lead to nail ingrowth.
A narrow toe box causes additional pressure to the nail that becomes grows inside your skin. When the nail grows into your skin, this can lead to injury and inflammation. Moreover, many harmful bacteria and dirt can easily penetrate your bloodstream through the wound. In addition to severe pain that occurs as a result of an ingrown toenail, this condition also creates an unpleasant look. That’s why regular pedicures and attention to your feet’ condition are essential.
3. Feet swelling
Despite the fact that mild feet swelling that occurs after a long heavy day can be considered normal, severe swelling that occurs regularly can manifest dangerous health issues. For example, lymphocytosis, kidney disease, allergic reactions, thrombophlebitis, and diabetes can cause constant feet swelling. You should also know that high heels may provoke feet swelling as well. While wearing high heels, your feet take an unnatural position that interferes with the normal blood flow. So, Relax your feet with a foot massage at home after a long day. The calming effects of foot massage improved blood circulation, muscle stimulation, and tension reduction.
4. Bunions
Bunions usually occur near the big toe when the joint shifts outside and can cause a number of complications. If you have this condition, you are probably familiar with pain, discomfort, and difficulty while choosing shoes. Bunions are also called a disease of celebrities. Despite the fact that this condition is hereditary, wring shoe choice can also promote their development. High heels, narrow toe box, and prolonged pressure combined make the big toe joint shift. If the bunion causes severe pain and interferes with normal walking, it is better to visit a foot doctor.
5. Heel pain
Heel pain can occur as a natural reaction of your feet to completely flat shoe soles. If you don’t have any so-called “cushion” (like a little heel) between your heel and the ground, it can create microcracks in the heel bones due to constant hits while walking. In this case, it is crucial to give your feet a lot of rest and buy orthotic insoles.
However, heel pain can also be caused by such conditions as heel spur and plantar fasciitis. A heel spur is a bone growth in the lower part of the calcaneus due to the deposition of calcium salts. Plantar fasciitis means inflammatory and degenerative changes in the plantar fascia (the ligament that connects the calcaneus to the bones of the metatarsus). Both these conditions are quite painful are require proper medical attention.
6. Corns and calluses
Almost every person in the world gets corns or calluses at least one time during life. Despite the fact that they are not extremely dangerous, both corns and calluses can cause discomfort and spoil the smooth foot skin. Their formation is a protective reaction of the body to pressure or rubbing, which damages the skin. While corns most often affect heels and toes, calluses tend to develop on soles. The main causes of corns and calluses are excessive or prolonged tension and wearing uncomfortable, tight, or large shoes.
7. Feet deformation
Feet deformation is not only a cosmetic issue. It is one of the most dangerous feet condition that causes a lot of inconvenience and pain. The foot is the most complicated bone structure in the human body. It has 33 joints, 20 muscles, and more than 100 ligaments. If the ligaments and muscles lack the strength to support the feet, the foot deformation occurs. If you have noticed any changes in your feet, it is essential to seek medical help as soon as possible.
