By Lizzie Weakley
When your feet or toes hurt, it can affect your whole life. You may even change plans previously made, just so you can go home and get off your feet. What you may not know is many common foot ailments can be easily fixed with just a little at-home care. Listed below are five problems that can cause feet or toe pain along with how to treat each one.
1. Plantar Fasciitis
When excessive stress is placed on the arch, a very small tear can occur in the bottom of the foot along the plantar fascia, a thick fibrous band that is attached to the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of things such as: shoes that fit improperly or do not support the foot; weight gain; over-training in sports; and prolonged standing. Shoe arch supports; resting and massaging the foot; applying ice; and stretching the plantar fascia and the calf muscles can treat plantar fasciitis.
2. Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis can occur when the tendon that joins the calf muscles and the heel together is overused due to excessive walking, running or jumping. Once irritated, this tendon can become inflamed and swollen. Arthritis is another common culprit of Achilles tendinitis. Physical therapy, applying ice, resting the foot and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are all treatment options that can help to alleviate the pain of Achilles tendinitis.
3. Calluses and Corns
When the skin on the foot is repeatedly traumatized, a corn or callus can form. Corns can form when toes constantly rub against each other or from friction between the foot and shoe. Calluses on the other hand, usually develop on the ball or sole of the foot due to constant pressure between the foot and ground. Both calluses and corns can be treated by first soaking them for around 10 minutes in soapy, warm water. The problem area can then be abraded with a damp pumice stone until filed down to the healthy skin underneath.
4. Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when a nail curves and grows downward and into the toe itself. This painful condition can cause swelling, pain, redness and eventually infection, if left untreated. To combat this problem, over-the-counter special band-aids are available to help separate the nail from the toe. You can also visit a podiatrist, like the pros at Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic, to get the toenail removed. Antibiotic or ointment cream should also be applied as soon as the discomfort or pain begins. In addition, the toenail needs to be kept free from pressure or strain during healing.
5. Athlete’s Foot
Although called athlete’s foot, this common ailment can actually affect anyone, not just those involved in sports. Athlete’s foot is a fungi easily spread from one person to another via damp, contaminated surfaces such as locker rooms and public shower floors. Symptoms of athlete’s foot can include itching, foul smell, redness, peeling skin, or small fluid-filled bumps that form between the toes. Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams applied to the area and anti-fungal powders or sprays placed or sprayed in the footwear can be used to treat this condition.
To avoid reoccurrence, strive to keep your feet dry and to wear proper footwear in the future. However, if you do develop one of these foot ailments, remember that it does not have to keep you from enjoying life. Just follow these easy to-do-it-yourself tips and stop suffering with achy feet and toes.