Foot Health

Foot health involves maintaining the well-being of your feet, treating diseases and injuries, and supporting mobility. You might encounter issues like blisters, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, and athlete’s foot, as well as conditions that affect the bones, ligaments, and tendons. Treatment varies based on the specific condition and may include orthotics, medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Maintaining proper foot hygiene, trimming toenails, and wearing well-fitted, supportive footwear are essential for foot health.

Common Questions & Answers

What are some common foot problems?

Common foot problems include athlete’s foot, blisters, corns, calluses, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and ingrown toenails. Arthritis and gout often affect the feet. Toe problems like hammer, mallet, and claw toes are also common.

To prevent fungal infections on your feet, keep them dry, wear breathable shoes, and be sure to keep your socks and footwear clean and dry between uses. Talcum powder and moisture-wicking socks can help keep your feet dry.

Overuse and strain on the plantar fascia ligament can cause plantar fasciitis. Obesity, regular running, excessive heel pressure, the shape of your foot, how you walk, incorrect footwear, diabetes, and arthritis may contribute to plantar fasciitis risk.

Orthotics fit inside shoes to provide support and correct foot alignment. They can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent further injuries. Speak to a foot care specialist about the right type and fit of orthotic for you.

A balanced, nutritious diet supports bone and tissue health everywhere in the body, including the feet. If you have diabetes, consistently raised blood sugar can affect the feet, so avoiding dietary blood sugar spikes may reduce your foot complication risk.

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Resources
  1. Foot Health. MedlinePlus. July 13, 2023.

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