PROBLEM

Aching Arches

CAUSE

Walking, Running, or standing more than usual.

TREATMENT

If you are wearing very flat shoes change to shoes with a low heel(2,5 to 3cm heels).

PREVENTION

Use arch supports if weak arches are a continuous problem.

PROBLEM

Athlete’s foot

CAUSE

A fungus that is very contagious and that grow in dark, humid environments.

TREATMENT

Wash feet daily with soap and warm water, dry throughly, especially between the toes. Use antifungal powder on feet,in sockand between toes and an antifungal cream around the toenails.

PREVENTION

Change your shoes and socks often to avoid and lessen moisture buildup. Don’t go barefoot in locker rooms and public showers and pool areas.

PROBLEM

Blisters

CAUSE

Friction from shoes that donot fit properly or socks that are too thight & moisture buildup.

TREATMENT

Try not to break the blister. Instead place a moleskin or bandage over it.

PREVENTION

Wear shoes that fit properly, and change socks that become damp. Socks should be snug (not tight) with no extra fabric to create folds.

PROBLEM

Bunions

CAUSE

Enlarged, misaligned big-toe joints which are caused by heredity and sometimes aggravated by narrow-toe shoes.

TREATMENT

Cover with moleskin or foam pad. Physical therapies, such as whirlpool massage, and use of inner soles, arch supports, or orthopedic inserts may reduce pain: however, surgery may be necessary. For inflamed bunions apply ice for 15 minutes, then soak in warm water for 15 minutes; repeat this three times a day. (You must check with a doctor first.)

PREVENTION

You may be able to delay bunions by avoiding badly fitting shoes. Exercises to strengthen the middle of the foot – such as pointing toes and rising onto the balls of the feet – can also help.

PPROBLEM

Calluses

CAUSE

Repeated fiction

TREATMENT

Soak feet in warm water for 5 or 10 minutes, and rub calluses with a pumice stone. Moleskin or cushioned inner soles can reduce pressure from shoes.

PREVENTION

Keep feet well lubricated with moisturizing lotion.

PROBLEM

Corns

CAUSE

Friction

TREATMENT

For hard corns, use nonmedicated corn pads with an opening that is slightly larger than the diameter of the corn. To soften corns, soak in warm water, rub the top layer with a pumice stone, and then apply lotion or vaseline (petroleum jelly). Repeat once a week. For soft corns between toes, keep toes separated with lambs wool or sponge.

PREVENTION

Eliminate source of friction, keep feet well lubricated.

PROBLEM

Hammertoe

CAUSE

A bent, claw like toe, usually the second toe, which is caused by muscle imbalance, bunions, tight shoes or socks, or may be hereditary

TREATMENT

Surgery to straighten toe may be necessary. For inflamed hammertoe, use ice and warm water treatment as for bunions. Apply ice for 15 minutes, then soak in warm water for 15 minutes; repeat this three times a day. (You must check with a doctor first.)

PREVENTION

Wear proper fitting shoes and socks.

PROBLEM

Ingrown toenails

CAUSE

Toenails that are cut too short; tight fitting shoes; excessive curvature of toenail (inherited)

TREATMENT

If infected, see a doctor. If not, soak foot in warm water. Then, using nail file, insert small wad of cotton wool to lift nail away from sore spot. Repeat twice a day

PREVENTION

Cut toenails straight across, no shorter than the end of the toe. Wear shoes with sufficiently wide toe area.

PROBLEM

Planter warts

CAUSE

Flat, spongy warts on the soles of the feet are caused by a virus

TREATMENT

Warts sometimes disappear spontaneously. If not a chiropodist or doctor can remove them.

PREVENTION

Avoid going barefoot, especially on dirty surfaces or in communal bathing areas.

PROBLEM

Thickened yellowish toe nails

CAUSE

Fungal infections that can spread from athlete’s foot or occur after a getting hurt on the toenail which inturn damages the nail bed

TREATMENT

Requires prescription medication. If desired, file nails for comfort but clean hands and feet afterwards to control spread of fungus

PREVENTION

Keep feet clean and dry; treat athlete’s foot promptly