Common Foot Ailments, Part 1

At AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, we understand that your feet are your true support system, your point of contact with the earth, and the wheels to your proverbial wagon—no wonder they can fall victim to so many injuries, ailments, and diseases. In order to keep your feet (and toes) healthy and strong, it’s important to be able to diagnose and properly treat foot problems, as well as develop healthy foot care habits. Here are some of the most common foot care problems, how to detect them, and how to get your feet back on their feet.

Bunions

Bunions are created when a big toe joint is forced away from the foot over time, causing the big toe itself to turn inward toward the foot, and creating a large bump or sore at the base of the toe. Bunions are often caused by heredity, arthritis, injuries, and developmental foot damage due to activities like ballet dancing. Tight shoes can cause or exacerbate the symptoms of bunions.

In order to relieve the pain and pressure of bunions, wear roomier, more supportive shoes, use non-medicated bunion pads, purchase padded inserts to redistribute weight on your toes in a healthier way, and apply ice directly to your bunions as they become painful and/or inflamed.

Corns

Much like calluses, corns are thick, painful patches of skin that develop on high pressure areas of the foot. These areas can become dry, flaky, inflamed, and tender. Corns are often caused by friction and pressure due to ill-fitting socks and shoes, or constant standing, walking, or running. To treat corns, use over the counter medication containing salicylic acid, which helps whittle down at the excess dry skin of the corn.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is one of the most common foot ailments, and is potentially difficult to cure. Affecting the skin of the feet, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can be spread easily through public locker room and shower spaces. It can be spread to the hands as well.

Signs of athlete’s foot include a burning and itching sensation on the feet and between toes, rapidly developing foot blisters, raw skin on the feet, discoloration, and dying toenails that dislodge from the toe itself.

To treat athlete’s foot, use prescription-strength athlete’s foot medication in recommended intervals, and talk to your podiatrist if symptoms persist, as prolonged athlete’s foot could lead to further bacterial infections and foot pain.

If you’re experiencing any of these foot ailments, then you need the help of AllCare Foot & Ankle Center. Our experienced and friendly podiatrists can handle foot and ankle problems big and small, and our offices in Dallas and Arlington make stopping by AllCare convenient and helpful. Contact us today, and start your journey to better foot health!