At some point in their lives, 75 percent of Americans will experience some kind of foot problem! Whether you’re currently dealing with an issue or want to know what you can do to avoid one in the future, don’t miss this guide to dealing with four of the most common foot ailments, along with some simple treatment options and tips for avoiding them.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a common type of fungal infection. It usually starts in between the toes or on the bottoms of the feet. Symptoms include:
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Scaly white rash with a red base
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Itching
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Burning
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Peeling
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Slight odor
Older adult men are most likely to be affected by athlete’s foot. However, it can also affect any active person, as well as anyone who spends a lot of time in locker rooms, public showers, swimming pools, or hot tubs.
To prevent athlete’s foot, you should make sure your feet are totally dry before you put on shoes and socks. Alternate your shoes regularly as well so they have time to totally dry out in between wears. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight and wear flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms as well.
In most cases, the best treatment for athlete’s foot is an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream or spray. Sometimes, people combine these treatments with a stronger steroid cream from the pharmacy. After you apply these products to your feet, wash your hands thoroughly so the fungus doesn’t accidentally spread.
Bunions
A bunion occurs when your big-toe joint is crooked and turns inward. Bunions are often genetic, but they can also result from trauma or wearing shoes that are too narrow.
While some people can blame their bunions on genetics, there are also steps you can take to prevent them from occurring, including the following:
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Wear wider shoes that give your toes room to move
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Wear backless, high-heeled shoes sparingly
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Choose shoes that have a strap or lace over the instep
When you’re first diagnosed with a bunion, your podiatrist will likely recommend corrective exercises, special inserts for your shoes (orthoses), and/or special night splints that will hold your toes straight while you sleep.
These steps usually are just meant to relieve pain, rather than cure the actual deformity. Most of the time, surgery is needed for that.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the ligament that connects the toes to the heel bone, becomes inflamed. There are a number of potential causes of this inflammation, including:
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Feet rolling inward when you walk
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High arches or flat feet
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Being overweight
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Wearing ill-fitting or worn out shoes
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Having tight Achilles tendons or calves
To prevent plantar fasciitis, doctors recommend wearing cushioned shoes with good arch supports. You should also stretch your feet and calves regularly and work to maintain a healthy weight.
If you’re currently struggling with plantar fasciitis, there are lots of simple changes you can make to help relieve your pain. Many of the preventive measures mentioned above are effective in treating plantar fasciitis pain. You can also buy shoe inserts (orthotics) or compression socks to improve circulation in the feet and help the fascia heal.
It can be hard to figure out how to choose special socks for plantar fasciitis. In addition to price point, of course, you’ll also want to look for socks that are made of a supportive material that breathes well and resists odors and moisture. You can also find options with a built-in strap to help you stretch your feet while you wear them.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by a uric acid build-up in the joint tissues and joint fluids. Gout often occurs first in the big toe joint, as this is one of the coolest parts of the body.
Before a gout attack occurs, people with the condition will notice that their big toe feels painful, tender, red, and swollen.
Many people are able to successfully prevent gout attacks by identifying things that trigger them. Food and drinks that are high in purine are some of the most common triggers. Some examples include:
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Organ and glandular meats (liver and kidneys)
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High-purine seafood (anchovies, herring, mussels, trout, tuna, and mackerel)
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Alcohol, especially beer and many distilled liquors
Maintaining a healthy and weight and consuming plenty of Vitamin C also helps keep attacks at bay.
Ice, hydration, and rest are the most common recommendations for treating gout attacks. If you do need to be on your feet, you can get special inserts that will help take pressure off the affected area.
If you are currently struggling with any of these common foot conditions, or think you might be at risk and want to avoid them, be sure to keep these tips in mind.