Common Foot Ailments and How to Treat Them

Our feet have to endure all kinds of hardships and ordeals as they propel us through life, and it is hardly surprising that they occasionally develop issues. Foot problems can develop for many different reasons; playing sports regularly that put extreme stress on your feet, as can wearing poorly fitting footwear, and with that in mind, here are a few common feet issues, along with suggestions for treatment.

  • Athlete’s Foot – This is a fungal infection that typically involves pinkish coloured skin forming between the toes, and this condition can cause extreme itchiness. The skin usually peels and is very tender, and if you have this condition, make an appointment with a podiatrist on the Central Coast, where you can receive the correct treatment. You should avoid wearing socks that are made from synthetic material, as this causes the feet to sweat, so try to wear pure cotton socks that will allow your feet to breathe.
  • Bunions – The medical term for bunions is Hallox Abductovalgus, which is an enlargement or misalignment of the joint on the first toe. This can be caused by poorly fitting shoes, a history of bunions in the family, or simply poor foot mechanics that puts excessive pressure on the toe joint, and if left untreated, it can become very painful. The podiatrist can introduce preventative foot exercises that can slow down the development or eradicate the problem altogether.
  • Corns & Callouses – Corns and callouses are the build-up of hardened, dead skin and usually develop in places where excessive pressure is put onto the foot, which causes hardening of the skin. A podiatrist would diagnose the cause and recommend a suitable treatment, such as debridement, which can be carried out by a podiatrist, and unless the underlying cause is identified, there is a chance of repeat problems in the future.
  • Fallen Arches – A common occurrence, fallen arches occur when the natural arch of the foot does not support itself, and with an Archies thongs supplier on the Central Coast, this premier arch support will usually do the trick. The insoles are custom made to perfectly fit the patient’s feet, and by making an appointment with the podiatrist, you can take the first step to eliminating the problem.
  • Ingrown Toenails – This is a very painful condition that could be caused by a foot trauma, tightly fitting shoes, or even a section of the toenail that cuts into the skin, which causes inflammation. Ingrown toenails can easily result in an infection and it can be so painful that walking is not possible. A qualified podiatrist would be able to remove the part of the nail that is causing the problem, plus he can introduce preventative exercises to reduce the chances of a repeat issue in the future.

If you are suffering some discomfort due to a foot issue, the best solution is to see a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and recommend suitable treatment, and if you do not know of a podiatrist in your area, an online search will give you the contact details of the nearest practice.

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