You know your heart needs lots of care. The same goes for your feet. Taking about 5,000 steps a day, your feet are the workhorses of your body. That’s about 2.5 miles! Your feet have to carry the weight of your body at every turn. Additionally, we stuff them into shoes and stand on them for long periods of time. It’s time you pay a little more attention to those hard working feet and engage in a thorough foot care routine. These are the common foot problems people experience-
Corns and Calluses
- What are corns and calluses?
The corns and calluses on your feet are thick, hard patches of skin. Wearing shoes or walking may cause pain if you have them. You may get them from wearing very tight shoes or by standing for too long or by participating in sports like running, which puts too much pressure on your feet.
- How do I prevent corn and calluses?
A few simple strategies of foot care can help you avoid corns and calluses since irritation is the main cause:
Properly fitting shoes are essential.
Don’t wear high heels every day.
Further, reduce pressure on your foot by using gel pad inserts.
Sweaty Feet
- Why do my feet sweat so much?
Some people have very sweaty feet, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. This may be inherited. Many people sweat when it’s hot outside, but people with hyperhidrosis sweat constantly. Men are more likely to suffer from this condition than women and young adults.
You may also sweat more due to stress, medications, hormonal changes, and poor foot care.
- Is there a way to keep my sweaty feet under control?
Good foot care hygiene begins with:
Use antibacterial soap to wash your feet. Ensure that your toes are clean as well.
Apply cornstarch, foot powder, or antifungal powder to your feet.
Wear socks that wick away moisture.
During the day, change socks frequently.
Is it still uncontrollable? Consult a doctor.
Foot Odour
- What causes foot odour?
Your shoes and sweating of the feet are the main culprits. Sweat combines with bacteria in your shoes and socks to create odours.
- How can I control foot odour?
Follow these tips:
Use a mild soap and warm water to wash your feet every day. Thoroughly dry them.
Use baby powder or non medicated foot powder to dust your feet. Apply antibacterial cream as well.
Change your socks and shoes every day.
You should wear shoes that let your feet breathe, such as leather, canvas, and mesh.
Wear a different pair of shoes every day. Rotate pairs of athletic shoes, allowing them to dry for at least 24 hours.
For a week, soak your feet in strong black tea (30 minutes a day) (2 tea bags per pint of water, boiled for 15 minutes, and mixed with half a glass of cool water). Alternatively, use a vinegar-water solution for foot care.
Warts
- What are warts?
A virus causes these small growths of hardened skin. Especially when they appear on the bottom of your feet, they can be painful. They are called plantar warts. You are most likely to catch them if you walk on a dirty, wet surface without shoes. Viruses can enter your body through cuts so small you don’t even notice they exist.
- How can I prevent warts?
Follow these tips:
In locker rooms, showers, and pool areas, wear flip-flops.
Change your socks and shoes every day.
Dry your feet (warts thrive in moist environments).
Do not touch other people’s warts or warts on your own body.
Athlete’s Foot
- What is an athlete’s foot?
This condition is not exclusive to athletes. A fungus causes it, and it thrives in warm, damp, humid environments (think bathrooms, showers, and locker rooms). As your bare feet come into contact with the fungus, it takes up residence on your foot. These conditions usually cause dry skin, itching, burning, scaling, inflammation, blisters, and skin cracking.
- How can I prevent an athlete’s foot?
This requires immense foot care.
Soak your feet in water and soap every day.
Make sure to dry between your toes.
In public places, avoid walking barefoot.
Make sure your feet are dry. Wear breathable shoes, like leather ones, if your feet sweat.
If you have heavy feet, wear socks that wick moisture.
Basic Foot Care
How should I take care of my feet?
You wouldn’t go a day without taking a bath or brushing your teeth, so you shouldn’t neglect your feet either.
- Give attention to those cuts, sores, swelling, and infected toenails.
- Clean them in warm water, but do not soak them because that may dry them out.
- Use oil, cream, or petroleum jelly to moisturize them every day. Avoid moisturizing between the toes. Keep the skin there dry to avoid infection.
- It is best not to wear tight-fitting shoes. Shoes should not be painful to wear.
- Avoid flip-flops and flats. They provide inadequate arch support.
- Change your shoes daily to ensure you’re not wearing the same pair.
- With a nail clipper, cut your toenails straight across. Once the corners have been smoothed, use an emery board or nail file to prevent the nail from growing into your skin.
