Prevent and Treat the Most Common Foot Problems - Ingrown Toenails, Athlete's Foot, Bunions

The Importance of Healthy Legs and Feet

Our legs and feet are some of the most important parts of our bodies. They bear the brunt of our body weight and help us move around. It's critical that we take proper care of our lower extremities to avoid pain, improve mobility, and prevent injuries.

Some common problems that can affect the legs and feet include arthritis, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns, calluses, and fungal infections like athlete's foot. Left untreated, these conditions can get worse over time and lead to chronic pain and disability.

Fortunately, with some basic preventive care and prompt treatment when problems arise, most foot and leg issues can be effectively managed. Read on to learn about some of the most common foot problems and how to deal with them.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin. They often occur on the big toe and can be quite painful. Some common causes include:

• Cutting your nails too short
• Wearing shoes that are too tight or short
• Injury to the toenail
• Heredity

Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. To treat an ingrown nail at home:

• Soak your foot in warm water to help soften the skin and reduce swelling and pain.
• Gently lift the edges of the toenail out of the skin using a cotton swab, dental floss, or small piece of gauze.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage the toe.
• Wear open, breathable shoes until it heals.
• Trim your toenails straight across to avoid recurrence.

See your doctor if home care doesn't resolve the problem. They can numb the toe and safely remove the ingrown section of toenail.

Athlete's Foot

Athletes foot, also called tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal infection of the feet. It's contracted by touching the infected feet of other people or by walking on contaminated surfaces like locker room floors. Symptoms include:

• Itchy, red, cracked skin, especially between the toes
• Peeling, flaking, or scaling skin
• Burning or stinging sensations
• Blisters containing fluid

To get rid of athletes foot:

• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Change socks regularly.
• Wear breathable shoes like flip flops in public showers or locker rooms.
• Apply over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders daily.
• Use tea tree oil, which has natural antifungal properties.
• Soak your feet in a vinegar solution.

See your doctor if symptoms don't improve with self-care. Prescription oral antifungal medications are also available for severe or recurrent cases.

Bunions

A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. It causes the big toe to lean toward the second toe, forcing the joint to stick out. Bunions tend to run in families and worsen over time. Symptoms include:

• A bulging bump on the side of the big toe joint
• Redness, swelling, or soreness
• Corns or calluses under the big toe
• Big toe leaning toward second toe
• Pain and stiffness when walking or bending the big toe

Bunions can't be cured without surgery, but you can help manage symptoms at home by:

• Wearing wide, low-heeled shoes that don't rub against the bunion
• Using bunion pads, sleeves, or splints to prevent friction
• Doing toe stretches and foot exercises
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Using ice packs to reduce swelling and pain

See a podiatrist if your bunion is painful. They can suggest custom orthotics or specialty shoes and determine if surgery is warranted in severe cases.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are areas of thick, hardened skin that develop in response to friction, pressure, or irritation. They commonly occur on the feet.

Corns are small, dense bits of skin with well-defined edges. They usually develop on the tops or sides of toes. Symptoms include pain and tenderness.

Calluses are larger areas of rough, thickened skin that lack defined edges. They often form under the balls of the feet. Although not usually painful, they can lead to discomfort when standing or walking.

To treat corns and calluses at home:

• Soak your feet to soften the thickened skin.
• Gently rub the area with a pumice stone or foot file.
• Apply petroleum jelly and cover with a bandage overnight.
• Use corn cushions or toe spacers to reduce friction.
• Wear properly fitted shoes.

Never cut corns or calluses yourself. See a podiatrist if they don't respond to self-care. They can safely pare down the thickened skin and provide further treatment options.

Preventing Common Foot Problems

Practicing proper foot care and hygiene is the best way to prevent many common foot problems, including:

• Wash your feet daily - Cleanse with soap and water, dry thoroughly, and apply moisturizing lotion, especially between the toes.
• Trim toenails regularly - Cut them straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
• Wear clean socks - Change them daily to avoid fungal infections.
• Wear proper shoes - Choose supportive, well-fitted, and breathable shoes.
• Alternate shoes - Don't wear the same pair two days in a row.
• Get foot injuries treated promptly - Seek medical care for sprains, fractures, cuts, etc.
• Moisturize feet - Use lotion on dry areas like heels to prevent cracking.
• Exercise feet and ankles - Stretching and strengthening prevents problems.

People with chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis need to be especially diligent about foot care. See your doctor regularly for preventive care and prompt treatment when foot problems develop.

When to See a Podiatrist About Your Feet

Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist promptly if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent foot or ankle pain
• Swelling in the feet or ankles
• Numbness, burning, or tingling in the feet
• Bleeding, openings, or sores on the feet
• Bunions, corns, or calluses that don't improve with self-care
• Ingrown toenails you can't treat at home
• Athlete's foot or plantar warts that won't clear up
• Limping, difficulty walking, or limited joint mobility

Podiatrists can diagnose and treat any foot condition you're experiencing. Early treatment of problems leads to better outcomes. Don't delay seeking professional foot care.

With proper prevention and care for common foot conditions, you can keep your feet healthy and pain-free. Don't take your feet for granted take good care of them so you can stay active and enjoy life!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.