THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR FEET
Feet are pretty spectacular, they are our means of balance, support, and movement. A poor foundation of can cause problems throughout the whole body, affecting posture and balance which is the common cause of pain in the hips, knees, lower back and even all the way up to the head, and are a contributing factor to trips and falls.
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FEET are more important than people give them credit. They are often said to be a mirror of the body, the blood vessels and nerves extend from the heart and the brain, branching out through the whole body, ending at the feet. So, if something is wrong it is usually first noticed in the feet, so it makes sense that we pay attention to them regularly.
FOOT CARE
Tips for healthy feet:
Good personal foot care can help prevent or even cure foot problems, and taking care of them is quite simple:
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Wash the feet daily with water and mild soap, washing between the toes.
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Dry the feet ensuring in-between each toe is thoroughly dried.
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Moisturise the feet at least one a day.
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Trim the toenails straight across.
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File the toenails to smooth any sharp edges.
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Inspect the feet regularly, check the soles and between the toes.
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Seek medical advice for infections, pain or symptoms that last longer 2 – 3 days, or if you experience continuous swelling, discolouration of nails and skin, slow heeling sores, changing moles, embedded foreign objects.
COMMON ISSUES EXPLAINED
Throughout our lives the feet do a lot of work and are put under constant strain; so it makes sense to take good care of them. Listed below are the common conditions which regularly affect the foot, its important to treat these conditions and get them under control to avoid pain, discomfort and infection.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are yellowish thickened hard skin found on the sole of the feet and toes, mainly caused mechanical stress of incorrect fitted footwear / ill walking. Overtime they can become painful and will need treatment.
Treatment:
Callus can easily be reduced by pairing and smoothing the callus, corns are removed using a scalpel method for instant relief, which is usually pain free. Padding and ointment can be applied to protect the area.
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Fungal Conditions
Fungal conditions can appear on the skin and nails. Athletes foot is a common fungal condition, and usually causes itching, cracking and peeling skin. It thrives in warm moist places and can effect your nails and progress to a fungal nail infection effecting the appearance and structure of the nail.
Treatment:
Thorough cleansing of the feet and anti-fungal preparation. Nail solutions are available, nail cutting and reduction may relieve pressure in the shoes. Personal care advice given. A Doctor can prescribe medication for worsening or spreading conditions.
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Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail penetrates the skin surrounding the nail causing discomfort and infection. Ill-fitting footwear, incorrectly cut nails, and short trauma can all cause a nail to in-grow.
Treatment:
Removal of the offending nail is necessary and can sometimes be painful. If infection is present this will need to be drained, antiseptic applied and a sterile dressing to avoid infection. Antibiotics may be needed from GP.
These are a few common problems that can be regularly treated by a foot care practitioner. There are many other conditions that can effect the feet, such as Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions, Neuropathy, Blisters, Heel Spur, Claw Foot, Flat Foot, and many more, for some problems you may have to be referred to a podiatrist.