Common Foot Ailments
December 30, 2008
Our feet though a very important part of our body are often neglected. They bear all the weight and yet they do not get treated as well as they should be.
Read on to educate yourself about some common ailments that your feet may be having.
1. Bad smell
This has happened to almost all men. You must have feared taking off those great shoes in public because inside is something not so great, the smell. Bad smell is the result of bacteria multiplying in the confined sweat within the shoe.
Men who are heavy sweaters or who prefer synthetic socks often have smelly feet. You can prevent this easily by keeping your feet clean. Wash them well and do not leave out the area between your toes. Changing your socks regularly and using a foot powder will help. Give your feet a treat and go for those soft natural material socks. They will absorb sweat better and avoid the smell.
2. Fungus & athlete’s foot
Fungus can be pretty nasty and it affects your skin and nails. When it is in your skin it is called athlete’s foot. When it is in your toenail, it makes ugly discolouration and causes the nail to crumble, not a pretty sight.
Again, the heavy sweaters and also the smokers are at risk. Even diabetics have the risk of developing this condition.
You can get rid of athlete’s foot quite easily, however, not so with toenail fungus. It can even take 12 weeks to heal and it can get so bad that you have say goodbye to your toe. Therefore, avoid walking barefoot on the gym floor and keep your feet dry.
3. Blisters
Blisters are a form of protective measure for your skin. They are fluid filled skin to prevent skin from more friction. You should not pop them.
If you wear inappropriate shoes and participate in friction-intensive sports, you are bound to have them. The best way out is to prevent them in the first place. When wearing new shoes, wear a bandage or use balms.
4. Corns & calluses
Calluses are a hard shell of skin formed to protect against repeated rubbing. If it grows too much, then it will become red and painful, this is a corn.
If you wear tight shoes or have bone protrusions or anything that causes your feet uneven pressure when walking, you are at risk. Use proper footwear and foot emollients.
5. Gout
While it is more common in overweight men, anybody can be affected by it. It strikes the big toe joint, which becomes red, swollen and shiny. Older obese men are at risk. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, high alcohol intake all these are possible risk factors. You can lose weight, reduce alcohol intake and basically reduce intake of foods that create uric acid.
6. Ingrown nails
These are very painful and usually hereditary. The nail curves and grows into the skin. People wearing tight footwear and having chubby toes can also cause the nails to become ingrown.
If you have curved toenails, cut them in a straight line so that corners protrude thereby preventing them from digging into the skin. If you have an ingrown nail, leave the removing to a podiatrist.
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