How To Combat Common Foot Problems

Most problems associated with our feet can result in knee and back problems, making life a lot harder than necessary. We’ve put together a list of some of the most common foot concerns, their causes and how to treat them.

Athlete’s foot

A condition usually spread through wet socks, dirty bathrooms or swimming pools. The skin between the toes gets infected with fungus which then spreads out and is a cause of painful discomfort and itching. 

REMEDIES: To avoid this condition, keep your feet clean and dry. If you are already suffering from this condition, the best remedy is to dip your feet in a basin filled with warm water and containing either a few pods of crushed garlic or crushed ginger. Let your feet soak in this mixture for about 10 minutes and then dry them thoroughly. Repeat 2-3 times a day. This provides immense relief.

Most medical stores have antifungal sprays, powders, and lotions that can help treat this condition. If the fungus continues to spread or worsens, then see a doctor.

Bunions

This is a condition when a big toe-joint appears to stick out from the the underside of the toe, thus making the toe turn inwards. While this condition may occur because of hereditary issues, some other reasons behind this could be trauma, arthritis or congenital deformities.

REMEDIES: When suffering from this condition please be sure to never wear shoes that hinder the natural movement of your toes. You can also buy a bunion pad at a shoe store or drugstore that protects the bunion from extra pressure. Medical surgery is often the most effective method to treat this condition.  

Blisters

Blisters are soft pockets of raised skin which are filled with clear fluid, often appearing if the feet have become excessively sweaty, which is usually due to walking or running for overly long periods of time.

REMEDIES: The best and most effective way to handle a blister is to carefully use a sterilized needle to open the blister gently, drain out the liquid, put some antibiotic ointment, and cover the area with a bandage.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and Calluses are thick, hard layers of skin that form on the surface of your skin when it tries to protect itself from friction and pressure. This is caused by various reasons such as wearing extremely tight footwear that leaves little room for movement.

REMEDIES: There is an absolutely unique way to treat corns! Just before bedtime, soak your feet in a bucket full of warm water for 20 minutes to tenderise the corns. Then use a square piece that is cut out from a pineapple peel, place the inner side of this directly on the corn and use a tape to stick it. Pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain that softens and breaks down dead skin. Cover the foot with a sock and leave it on overnight. Repeat this process for four to five nights consecutively.

Another way would be to take a few liquorice sticks and smash them into powder. Put a little mustard oil in this powder and rub the paste on the corns and the hardened skin.

Corn plasters are also available over the counter in medical stores. They relieve pressure on the corn and allow it time to heal. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgical removal.

Shoe Bite

When you buy a new pair of shoes or any other footwear, you try them on with a lot of excitement. However, if that excitement turns out to be short-lived due to  a shoe bite, the following home remedies can save you from hating those beautiful pair of brand new shoes.

REMEDIES

Rice:Take half a cup of rice, pound it to a powder and then add enough water to help create a thick paste. Slowly rub this paste on the shoe bite. Leave it on till it dries and then gently wash it with luke-warm water. After this dry your feet thoroughly.

Neem and turmeric paste: To a tablespoon of turmeric powder, add a few clean and fresh leaves of neem. Add a little water and put it into a blender to form a thick paste. Apply this paste on the shoe bite.

And the next time you buy a new pair of shoes, use the following measures to prevent a shoe bite:

Leave on a little petroleum jelly overnight in the inside of your shoes. Clean it off with a warm cloth before wearing the shoes for the first time

Apply coconut oil inside your shoes for three consecutive nights to soften them before wearing. You could apply castor oil too.

Heel Spur

A heel spur is a pointed outgrowth of calcaneus bone, which occurs when calcium deposits are accumulated beneath the heel bone for a period of several months. This is common amongst athletes who participate in rigorous physical training and usually causes heel pain.

REMEDIES: Heel spurs can be treated by rubbing your feet against ice packs. Remember to take breaks while playing a sport or working out. If the condition persists, you might have to opt for surgery.

Gout

Gout refers to an arthritis problem which is caused as a result of uric acid accumulated in joint tissues and joint fluid. This happens when your body fails to maintain the right level of uric acid. This type of condition is triggered by food items containing purine in high values, red meat and alcohol.

REMEDIES: The best way to stay away from Gout is to avoid food containing purine in high values, red meat and alcohol. 

Take a look at How To Keep Your Feet Healthy