Some of the most common foot problems:

1. Ankle pain – strains and sprains

Ankle sprains are very common and can occur when the foot is forced in an unnatural position. Usually it happens when doing sports or some activities. Sprained ankle feels tender to touch, it is bruised and swollen. In such cases it is advisable to visit the doctor who will evaluate the severity of the problem.

Treatment:

• Plenty of rest for the foot
• Ice packs to reduce swelling
• Bandages to reduce motion
• Elevate the foot as much as possible

2. Heel pain

Heel pain often begins without an injury and it is felt under the heel, while walking or standing. It is caused by inflammation of the tissues connected to the heel bone. Most common causes of this problem are:

• Ill fitting shoes
• Obesity
• Gout
• Rheumatoid arthritis

The best treatments for this condition are special insoles. You can also try cold presses or ice packs, foot massage, stretching the foot, cushioning heel pads.

3. Athletes foot

This is a skin infection in the foot caused by fungus. The symptoms include itching and burning feet. The skin peels and in more severe cases there may be cracking, pain and bleeding.

Recommended treatment:

• Bathe the foot at least once a day with sop and warm water
• Buy socks from wool and cotton
• Choose spacious shoes from natural materials – leather
• Let feet breathe throughout the day
• Wear open toe shoes when possible

4. Corns and calluses

They are caused by pressure on the skin of your foot. They may occur when bones of the foot press against the shoe or when two bones press together. Common sites for calluses are on the big toe, the 5th toe and underneath the ends of the foot bones.

Treatment:

• Wear wide toed, low heeled shoes
• Moisturize the foot daily
• Use pads for the affected area

5. Foot blisters

They occur when your shoes or socks don’t fit well and rub uncomfortably against your skin. People who are very active can get blisters when hiking or cycling. Blister is a bubble of fluid under the outer layer of the skin. To prevent blisters:

• Make sure your shoes fit well
• Don’t wear wet shoes or socks
• Put athletic tape or bandage over sore spots
• Try wearing two pairs of socks to ease friction against the foot

6. Plantar warts

Warts are growths caused by viruses. They can be painful and if untreated they can spread. Warts are treated with repeated applications of salicylic acid, injections of medicines, freezing them with liquid nitrogen or in very severe cases surgery.

7. Morton’s neuroma

It is a condition that causes pain in the foot due to a swelling of one of the small nerves of the foot. It is caused when wearing too tight shoes. Treatment usually involves wider shoes and taking oral medications to decrease the swelling around the nerve. A pad on the sole of the foot to spread the bones is often helpful. In some cases surgery to remove the neuroma may be suggested.

We have only introduced some of the problems that you may have with your feet and how to treat them. Basically the message is take care of your feet and wear proper shoes. If you are active or your job is mostly standing you should be even more careful because the stress on your feet is bigger.