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Healthy feet are necessary for many of life’s daily activities, and even a small foot problem can cause a lot of pain. When walking, standing, and moving at all cause pain, you know you need to act quickly. Even before it gets to that point, however, taking small steps to ensure the health and longevity of your feet is a good investment in your overall health and well-being. From daily foot care to seeking the attention of a foot doctor in Sturgis, mindful prevention and proper treatment are a recipe for strong and healthy feet. Corns, Blisters, and Calluses Friction and pressure are not pleasant for your feet. From short-term blisters due to wet feet, shoes that rub, or other sources of friction to corns and calluses that just won’t go away, protecting your feet on a daily basis is the best prevention for these problems. Sweat-wicking socks, properly-fitted shoes, and general attention to your feet are a good place to start, especially if you are a runner or athlete. Calluses can be treated with medicated pads or can be shaved off by a doctor, and corns and blisters can be relieved with moleskin pads. Warts, Athlete’s Foot, and Nail Fungus Fungal infections such as warts, nail fungus, and athlete’s foot can be transferred through contact, meaning it is a good idea to wear shoes in wet, public areas like pools, locker rooms, and showers. Warts can be treated with salicylic acid, and if that doesn’t work, your doctor can try freezing, burning, laser therapy, or surgery to remove them. Fungus-fighting lotions often work for athlete’s foot, soothing the itching, peeling, and burning that often accompany the infection. For nail fungus problems, creams, pills, and surgery are common solutions. Hammer Toe, Mallet Toe, and Bunions For people whose feet withstand repetitive, jarring motions, another set of problems can present itself. Hammer toe and mallet toe involve tightened ligaments and contracted joints that result in the toe being unable to straighten. Hammer toe involves the middle joint while mallet toe involves the joint at the end of the toe. Both can be caused by arthritis, muscle imbalances, and other foot disorders. Where the joint is bent, the toe often rubs against the top of the shoe, creating further problems. Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the great toe and are most common in women. They can cause the toes to exist at an extreme angle, and in the early stages, they can be soothed by soaking in warm water and wearing forefoot products that can accommodate the deformity. Gout, Heel Pain, and Arthritis Arthritis is a joint disease that affects millions of Americans, and it can manifest in many different ways. Gout, a condition where excess uric acid crystalizes and collects near the big toe, can create a lot of pain during running and walking, and the big toe is often the focal point of the pain. Heel pain can be caused by arthritis, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, or other problems. Arthritis and heel pain should be looked at and treated by a medical professional. Medical Attention Of course, any time you have a problem that persists, long-term pain or swelling, or symptoms that make you nervous, it is prudent to receive medical attention from a foot doctor in Sturgis. A podiatrist will be able to most accurately diagnose the problem and help you find a solution that lasts. When treating the symptoms is no longer enough, getting to the root of the problem and correcting any imbalances, infections, or other issues is the best course of action.
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