The Foot and Associated Problems of Pain and Discomfort

Overview


•About 75% of people in the United States have foot pain at some time in their lives.

•Most foot pain is caused by shoes that do not fit properly or that force the feet into unnatural shapes (such as pointed-toe, high-heeled shoes).

•Foot pain generally starts in one of three places: the toes, the forefoot, or the hindfoot.

•Nearly all causes of foot pain can be grouped under one of the following:

•Ill-fitting shoes

•Certain medical conditions

•High-impact exercise

Treatment

•The acronym RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation -- the four basic elements of immediate treatment for an injured foot.

•Orthonyxia, a newer surgical technique that implants a small metal brace into the top of the nail, may be as effective as traditional surgical techniques for preventing ingrown toenails from recurring.

•The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) suggests shoe inserts, medications, and stretching as a first line of therapy for heel pain.

Prevention

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers the following tips for preventing foot pain:

•Don't ignore foot pain -- it's not normal.

•Inspect feet regularly.

•Wash feet regularly, especially between the toes, and dry them completely.

•Trim toenails straight across, but not too short.

•Make sure shoes fit properly.

•Wear the right shoe for specific activities (such as running shoes for running).

•Don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.

•Avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk for injury and infection.

•It is critical that people with diabetes see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a checkup.

In future postings I will offer a discussion of specific foot ailments.



Sunday, May 30, 2010

Foot Odor

When you come home after a long days work, are you embarrassed by the smell of your feet? Foot odor is normally the result of bacteria. This is an embarrassing problem that can make you want to keep your shoes on. Foot odor is a very natural and normal problem. Perspiration, dead skin cells, and bacteria will typically cause some degree of it. The good news is that there are preventative measures that can be taken to stop your feet from smelling bad.


So what can you do to prevent food odor?

The source of the problem is bacteria, and bacteria growth. There are many easy solutions to reduce the smell, by simply removing the source of the problem and preventing it from returning. The best way to do this is with better foot hygiene.

Wash your feet thoroughly. You can soak your feet for 5-10 minutes to soften the dead skin on your feet. Use an antibacterial soap and scrub all areas on your feet. Remember to get in between the toes. Dry your feet immediately after washing them. You can use a blow-dryer to finish the job, and make sure no moisture got left between your toes.

Socks and shoes

Buy cotton socks. They are soft and allow good air flow. Change your socks frequently, especially if you are exercising or your feet are perspiring. Shoes should be breathable, so wear shoes that are not plastic. Sandals and flip flops in the summer are good for giving your feet air. Try rotating your shoes regularly also. Do not wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row, to allow them to dry out and cool off.

Try this too!

You can try using talcum powder to keep your toes dry by sprinkling it into your socks. This will keep your toes dryer and reduce the chance of bacterial growth. Also try Benzoyl Peroxide gel to your feet, this will decrease bacteria growth.

Many foot odor problems stem from bacterial infections like athletes foot, a type of ringworm. Solutions for such problems are available at: http://www.ringworminhumans.com

Stop bacterial infection with some of the products found here!

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