Foot problems are more common than you may think. One in five people will experience a foot problem in their lifetime. Foot problems can range from minor conditions, such as bunions and corns, to more serious conditions, such as diabetes-related foot ulcers. Read on to learn how to avoid the most common foot problems.
10 Things To Do To Avoid Common Foot Problems
Most of the time, foot problems occur due to wearing ill-fitting shoes or not taking proper care of our feet. However, there are several other reasons that can lead to foot problems. Here are ten tips you can follow to avoid foot problems:
Wear Shoes That Fit Properly
This may seem like an obvious one, but many people still wear shoes that are either too tight or too loose. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to several problems, including bunions, calluses, and blisters. Make sure to measure your feet properly, and always try on shoes before buying them.
Rotate Your Shoes
Even if you have a favourite pair of shoes that you wear all the time, it’s important to rotate them with other pairs. This will give your shoes a chance to air out and dry completely between wearings and will also help prevent problems like athlete’s foot.
Wear The Right Shoes For The Activity
It’s essential to wear the right shoes for the activity you’re participating in. If you’re going for a run, make sure you wear running shoes. If you’re playing tennis, wear tennis shoes. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to injuries, so it’s important to be aware of your activities and the appropriate footwear.
Trim Your Toenails Regularly
This is important for both hygiene and preventing problems like ingrown toenails. Make sure to trim your toenails straight across and file down any sharp edges.
Moisturize Your Feet
Just like the rest of your skin, your feet need to be moisturized to stay healthy. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as dry skin can lead to cracks and open wounds. Use a foot cream or lotion, and apply it liberally to your feet.
Don’t Ignore Foot Pain
If you’re experiencing foot pain, don’t ignore it. It’s essential to take care of problems early on before they worsen. See a podiatrist if you’re having persistent foot pain; they can help diagnose and treat the problem. Podiatrists from The Feet People are more than capable of helping you with any foot problems you may have.
Stretch Your Feet Regularly
Just like the rest of your body, your feet need to be stretched. This helps improve circulation and flexibility and can also help prevent injuries. There are a number of different foot stretches you can do; talk to a podiatrist or physical therapist if you’re not sure where to start.
Give Yourself A Foot Massage
A foot massage is a great way to relax and improve circulation. You can do this yourself, or you can go to a professional. You can also buy devices that will massage your feet for you. Make sure you don’t massage too hard, as this can be painful.
Soak Your Feet
Soaking your feet in warm water can help relieve pain and swelling. You can add Epsom salt to the water to help reduce inflammation. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes, then dry them thoroughly. You can also use a foot bath if you don’t want to soak your entire feet.
Check Your Feet Regularly
It’s important to inspect your feet regularly, especially if you have diabetes. Look for cuts, blisters, bruises, or any other problems. It’s also a good idea to check between your toes for things like athlete’s foot. If you have trouble reaching your feet, ask someone else to help you.
See A Podiatrist Regularly
It’s also good practice to see a podiatrist at least once a year, even if you don’t have any foot problems. They can help check for any problems that you may not be aware of, and can give you advice on how to take care of your feet. Make sure to always follow your podiatrist’s instructions.
These are just a few tips to avoid common foot problems. Remember, your feet are important, so take care of them! If you have any concerns, make sure to see a podiatrist.
What Are Some of the Most Common Foot Problems That People Encounter?
Now that you know how important it is to take care of your feet, you may be wondering what some of the most common foot problems are that people encounter. Here are 10 of the most common issues:
Bunions: A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint and can cause the big toe to point inwards towards the other toes. This can cause pain and difficulty when walking or wearing shoes.
Corns and Calluses: Corns and calluses are hardened areas of skin that develop from rubbing or pressure. They often occur on the feet but can also form on the hands and other parts of the body.
Ingrown Toenails: An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the flesh of the toe. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
Athlete’s Foot: Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itchiness, redness, and blistering on the feet. It is often spread in locker rooms and public showers.
Plantar Warts: Plantar warts are warts that occur on the soles of the feet. They often cause pain when walking or standing.
Conclusion
Avoiding foot problems is easy if you take some simple precautions. By following the tips above, you can keep your feet healthy and avoid common issues like blisters, bunions, and heel pain. Taking a proactive approach to foot care will help you enjoy life more and prevent pain down the road.
Infographic provided by Dansko, a provider of booties for women
