Most people spend a lot of time on their feet, so it’s important to take care of them.
With proper care, you can minimize the stress your feet endure when holding you up and getting you around, according to an expert.
Dr. Ronald Lepow, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, stated: “Common problems that people face include hammertoes, blisters, plantar fasciitis and bunions. Some of these are easily solvable, but others may need the involvement of a specialist.”
Choosing the Right Shoes
Foot issues are most often caused by friction and pressure. Choosing the correct shoe for daily activities can help.
Your shoes should have a toe box that is wide and deep so your toes can freely move. They should be breathable for sweat and odor control.
People who have low or high arches may benefit from shoes with orthotic inserts.
You can find your foot’s arch—the area between your heel and the ball of your foot—by placing your foot on flat ground and taking a photo to examine it.
Lepow explained: “X-rays of the foot reveal what kind of foot arch you have along with the structure of the foot. If you are experiencing pain, knowing these two things will help dictate a care plan.”
Bunions
Bunions can form at the big toe, causing the toe to turn inward.
Some people get bunions because they run in families. Others develop them from arthritis conditions. Pain and severity can increase with improper footwear.
Lepow recommends avoiding shoes that constrict the foot. Opt for wide shoes and avoid high heels. Surgery may be necessary if pain continues, he added.
Hammertoes
Some people will develop hammertoes. These occur when a tendon in the toe contracts and bends at the first joint, causing toes to overlap and rub against each other.
Hammertoes can lead to corns, blisters, or calluses. Toe spacers or toe straighteners can help alleviate this problem, but they’re not a cure.
Foot Odor and Infections
Stinky feet can result from sweaty feet or bacterial infections that form when coming into contact with bacteria at an unsanitary foot salon or on the ground, Lepow said.
Athlete’s foot is a common infection. You may experience itchiness between the toes and stinging skin that can blister.
Nail fungus is another common infection, Lepow said. It causes nail discoloration.
You may use an over-the-counter antifungal treatment. Keeping feet dry with socks made of moisture-wicking material such as Merino wool can prevent fungus from growing. Topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed for severe symptoms.
Age-Related Foot Problems
Older adults may face higher risk of foot issues.
Osteoarthritis, common with age, can cause joint deformations. This allows bone spurs to form in the heel or other parts of the foot.
Shoe inserts or alterations, cortisone injections, physical therapy, and custom-made orthotics may help.
Lepow advised in a Baylor news release: “If you’re experiencing foot pain, visit a specialist so we can examine the pathology of your foot. This gives us a bigger picture of what issues you face and how we can best help you.”
This guidance emphasizes the importance of proper footwear, early intervention for foot problems, and seeking professional help when pain persists, helping people maintain mobility and quality of life through proper foot care.
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