The human foot is a complex marvel that is made up of dozens of different parts: muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons. Life would be a whole lot easier if they were interchangeable parts, but of course, it doesn’t work that way. So taking good care of your feet is important.
There are many different health issues that can affect the feet, and many of them develop over many years’ time. Common problems include athletes’ foot, blisters, bunions, hammertoes, corns and callouses, heel spurs, and claw and mallet toes. Some of these issues are considered unsightly, but others can lead to more serious problems, especially if they are left untreated.
Athletes’ foot is one of the more common foot problems. It’s caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, dark and moist environments, such as between the toes and along the bottoms of the feet. It can become inflamed and cause the sufferer a lot of itchy discomfort. Serious cases can migrate to other body parts. By keeping the feet and toes clean and dry, and by changing shoes and socks on a regular basis, the worst of athletes’ foot can be avoided. It can be treated very effectively with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams or sprays.
Another common problem is foot blisters, but they are among the easiest to treat. It comes down to this: if your shoes fit you, you won’t have blisters. If you are bothered by blisters, drain them and smear antibiotic ointment over them, and cover the affected area with a bandage.
Edward A Filcheck is a podiatrist who is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
There are many different health issues that can affect the feet, and many of them develop over many years’ time. Common problems include athletes’ foot, blisters, bunions, hammertoes, corns and callouses, heel spurs, and claw and mallet toes. Some of these issues are considered unsightly, but others can lead to more serious problems, especially if they are left untreated.
Athletes’ foot is one of the more common foot problems. It’s caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, dark and moist environments, such as between the toes and along the bottoms of the feet. It can become inflamed and cause the sufferer a lot of itchy discomfort. Serious cases can migrate to other body parts. By keeping the feet and toes clean and dry, and by changing shoes and socks on a regular basis, the worst of athletes’ foot can be avoided. It can be treated very effectively with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams or sprays.
Another common problem is foot blisters, but they are among the easiest to treat. It comes down to this: if your shoes fit you, you won’t have blisters. If you are bothered by blisters, drain them and smear antibiotic ointment over them, and cover the affected area with a bandage.
Edward A Filcheck is a podiatrist who is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.