FOOT DISORDER

More and more Americans are facing common foot problems and more serious foot conditions everyday.

The American Podiatric Medical Association recently conducted a study with alarming results – it revealed that some 75% of Americans will undergo some type of foot problems in their lives. Most of these foot-related problems stem from abuse, and some are caused by congenital malformations and disabilities.

Foot Health PictureThe human foot is one of the best-engineered parts of the body. Each foot has 33 joints, eight arches, 26 bones, more than a hundred muscles, ligaments, and tendons that all work together to distribute body weight and allow movement. Unfortunately, many people pay no attention to their feet – until they start to hurt.

Foot disorders must be diagnosed and treated early, before they become very painful and incapacitating. In some cases, some painful foot abnormalities are already warning signs of even more serious ailments such as diabetes, circulatory disorders, and nerve problems.

Do a self-check while it’s early. Below you will find three of the more common foot problems that when treated early will save you from a lot of pain – and possibly even save your life.

Popular Foot Problems

Foot Corns and Calluses

Anybody who has ever worn uncomfortable shoes has probably had foot corns and calluses problems.

Foot Calluses PictureThey turn up when too much pressure is applied on the foot’s skin, such as when the bones of the feet press against tight shoes and also press against each other. Most people get foot corns and calluses on the big toes, fifth toes, and metatarsals, where pressure is particularly rougher.

Fortunately, this type of foot condition is fairly easy to treat. Doctors will prescribe wider shoes or cushion pads to relieve pressure. In some advanced cases though, surgery may be needed.

Infected toe nails

Sometimes, the things you do to ‘clean’ your toenails can do more harm than good. Over-clipping and digging deep into the sides can cause nails to throb, swell, and become infected and may lead to more serious foot problem called ingrown toenails.

Ingrown Toenail PictureThe same happens when you cut your nails improperly – the toenail grows into the corner, causing an ingrown toenail.

Professional help is recommended when treating these infections. Podiatrists usually remove the nail spike/s clean the area. In some cases, you may be required to take antibiotics. In worst case, you may have to go a simple operation to remove the jammed area of the toenail for your foot to heal.

Athlete's foot

Fungi are attracted to warm and moist areas of the body such as the feet – usually between sweaty toes. Unprotected feet can contact fungi from a lot of places, including swimming pools, shared changing areas, etc.

Athletes Foot PictureThe fungi latch onto the foot and casues it to itch, crack and peel. If untreated during the early stages, the fungi can even spread to the toenails and lead to server foot problem called athlete's foot

Luckily, it’s easy to deal with athlete’s foot. There are many over-the-counter antifungal spays, creams, and powder available. Milder cases can be treated by powder. Use spray if the infected foot area is moist and a cream counterpart if the area is dry.

Useful Tips to Keeping Your Feet Healthy

It only takes very little effort to take care of your feet and keep your feet in a healthy shape. Here are some habits you can develop:

• Wear only shoes that fit. Your feet need room to breathe, so do not cramp them inside fashionable but very uncomfortable shoes.
• Keep your feet dry. Make sure that the areas between your toes are completely dry before you put socks on. If you have sweaty feet, consider regularly dabbing them with cotton wool. Some experts also suggest that you avoid wearing the same trainers everyday – allow a pair to dry for 24 hours first before using it again.
• Wash your feet daily. A simple scrub down in the shower does wonders.
• Use clean socks. Never use an unlaundered pair, or you could be inviting fungi.