Everyday your feet work hard by carrying your body weight and giving support to every step you take.Inspite of their importance, foot health is mostly ignored unless any kind of pain or discomfort starts interfering with day to day activities. Several common foot problems starts gradually and it worsens when proper care is not taken.
Knowing the warning signs and getting on time treatment helps in preventing long term complications and keeps your feet healthy.
Take the first step toward healthier feet book an appointment with Magnet Health’s experienced podiatry specialists today!
7 Common Foot Problems You Should Know About
1. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the common reasons that causes heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, is inflamed because of overuse, improper footwear or standing for long time. Most of the peoples get a sharp pain when they take their first step in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
To get relief from symptoms and prohibit recurring pain, it is often advised to do stretching exercises and wear good footwear.
2. Bunions
A bunion is a kind of bony bump that is formed at the base of the big toe, thereby making the joint to protrude in outward direction and the toe shifting inward. Bunions are caused because of inherited foot structure, wearing tight shoes or arthritis. With time, they result in swelling, pain and difficulty in finding comfortable shoe. It is recommended to do early intervention by using wide shoes, orthotics along with proper medical evaluation. It reduces discomfort and slows down its progression.
3. Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occurs when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This condition causes tenderness, swelling, redness and in some cases infection. Wrong nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, along with foot injuries are some of the common causes. Mild cases might improve with right foot care, but persistent or infected ingrown toenails must be treated by a good podiatrist for prevention of complications.
4. Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thick patches of skin that is formed in response to repeated friction or pressure. They develop mostly on soles of your feet or toes because of poor fitting of shoes or abnormal patterns in walking. They might seem harmless, but they become painful when they are left untreated for long time. Wearing shoes with right fit and addressing the underlying cause helps in preventing them from returning.
5. Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a transmissible fungal infection that survives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, swimming pools and too much sweat in feet. Some of the common symptoms are itching, peeling skin, redness, burning and cracking, mainly between the toes. With good foot hygiene, keeping the feet dry and with antifungal treatments, it is possible to clear the infection and prevent recurrence.
6. Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are the bony growths that arises on the underside of the heel bone because of long term strain on foot muscles and ligaments. Even if some people have heel spurs without any symptoms, some experience substantial pain, mainly while walking and standing. They are mostly associated with plantar fasciitis. Treatment involves stretching exercises, supporting footwear and physical therapies for reducing discomfort.
7. Diabetic Foot Problems
People suffering from diabetes are at high risk of getting serious foot complications as high sugar in blood can decrease circulation thereby damaging nerves. Because of this cuts, blisters or sores might go unnoticed and becomes infected. Checking foot on regular basis, right footwear and routine podiatry care are needed for prevention of ulcers, infections and any other serious complications. Anybody with diabetes must get prompt medical attention for any kind of foot injury or any unusual change.
When to See a Podiatrist?
If you are suffering from consistent foot pain, numbness, change in skin colour, swelling or finding difficulty in walking, it is vital to get professional care. Early diagnosis along with treatment helps in preventing minor foot issues from becoming serious and assists you in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
If you are searching for expert foot care, Magnet Health provides exclusive podiatry services for patient of every ages. Their well-experienced specialists do diagnosis and treatment of various foot and ankle conditions, such as heel pain. Diabetic foot complications along with ingrown toenails and sports injuries.
Whether you require preventive care or advance treatment, the team is dedicated to support you move confidently and comfortably.
Conclusion
Foot problems are very common, but they should not become part of your daily life. Giving attention to early days symptoms, wearing supportive footwear and getting professional treatment whenever required can assist in protecting your foot health.
