Common Foot Problems And Their Treatment
- Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 0:01
- Foot Care, Personal Care
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Our feet need loads of attention as they are subjected to daily wear and tear and bear maximum burden. They are also the most neglected part of the body and succumb to an array of foot problems. Some of the most commonly experienced foot problems are:
Calluses: These are thick, hard patches of skin found on the soles of feet. They are caused by exertion of constant pressure or friction on a particular spot. Calluses can be treated by sloughing off the dead skin cells with a pumice stone and massaging the area with castor oil.
Alternatively, you can also massage lanolin on the affected area after taking a bath and follow it up with a good almond based exfoliating scrub. Another natural cure for getting rid of calluses is applying a paste made by mixing equal amount of glycerine, orange peel powder and lemon juice for about half an hour on the callused area.
Bunions: This is a deformity in the structure of the bone and joint around the big toe causing it to turn towards the other toes forming a painful bulge on the side of the foot. The skin around the bunion tends to become inflamed and irritated and the individual may experience pain while walking.
This is primarily caused by wearing ill-fitting pointed shoes. Bunions can be naturally treated by applying a paste comprising of equal amount of iodine and castor oil. Other treatments include surgery, intake of pain-killers and changing footwear.
Corns: This is one of the most common foot problems experienced by individuals that is characterized by painful thickening of skin that is accompanied by a raised central core that is waxy in nature and penetrates into the skin and cuticles. Corns are caused by wearing tight footwear and exertion of constant pressure against the feet that causes friction and irritation.
Dancers who have to practice barefoot also develop corns. Corns can be treated by using a corn cap to loosen the hard canter of the corn. You can dip a cotton bud in lemon juice and keep it on the corn for a few minutes. Saturate and rub gently a couple of times. Application of fresh orange peel helps soften the hard skin of the corn over a period of time.
Athlete’s foot: This is a common fungal infection that is extremely contagious and is known to affect the feet, particularly in between and under the toes. Fungus thrives in a warm and moist environment and can infect those who use common bathing tubs, bath mats, swimming pools etc.
This can be treated by applying an anti-fungal powder or solution on the affected area. Prevention is better than cure. Thus, you must remember to change your socks daily, use separate towels and keep the region in between the toes absolutely dry.
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