Feet are considered by people as the least important part of the body. People usually forget to take care of feet. They find methods to take care of their skin, hair and hands. A healthy foot always makes us active and helps to improve muscles and strengthens bone. If a man has healthy feet, he would not fall and his chances of getting disabled early in adulthood decreases. A proper foot care would prevent the signs of problems of diabetes and poor circulation. Our feet are really important as it carries whole body weight of muscles, ligaments and 26 bones. The problems connected with feet are numerous. There are different types of foot problems, some of them are as follows: foot odour, swollen feet, toe-nail fungus and heel pain. A foot odour is something which is caused due to dirty feet. It is really unpleasant. Bad smell and foot odour can be most embarrassing around a group of people or in office.
Causes of foot problem and treatment
- Foot odour: Foot odour can be caused by many reasons. It is caused when sweat mixes with bacteria of our skin. When people wear socks and shoes, sweat and bacteria joins them and this is the reason of bad foot odour. People who sweat for the whole year face this problem the most. Other causes include stress, certain medications, fungal infection, alcohol and drugs. Women who face hormonal changes during puberty or menopause are likely to get foot odour. One should maintain hygiene to avoid this problem. It can be prevented by the use of creams, disinfecting sprays and socks made of breathable materials. If one do not get relief, a surgery can be prescribed by doctor that would cut the nerve causing sweating. One may use home remedies as well. A tea can be used which has tannic acid, used for drying out feet. Soaking feet in tea for 25 minutes may work. One can also make use of bleach and sodium bicarbonate in warm water to dry out skin and feet. A solution of sodium bicarbonate prevents bacterial growth.
- Toenail fungus: Any part of the body can be affected by fungal infections. Fungi are present with bacteria and when it grows, infection occurs. Fungal infection named Onychomycosis affects the nails. Fungi grow in moist environments and the one which is already present in body causes nail infection. When we wear shoes and socks, the space given to fungi is big enough for its growth. Those persons who have diabetes, wearing artificial nails, having nail injury or weak immune system are most likely to develop toe nail infection. Nail fungus is quite difficult to treat but certain ointments and lotions may provide relief. Doctor may also advise some oral antifungal medications like Terbinafine and Itraconazole. It is recommended to those who have diabetes or any other problems. An antifungal nail polish named ciclopirox can be applied on nails if one experience mild to moderate nail fungus. There are some topical medications as well that may not cure nail fungus but one can take it with oral medications. A doctor would file the nail surface to diminish the infected nail. When the nail infection becomes more severe and painful, doctor would recommend removing whole nail. The new nail will come at the same place slowly. At times surgery along with ciclopirox is performed for treating the nail bed. There is another method which is not widely known for treating nail fungus with laser or photodynamic therapy in which intense light after treatment with acid irradiates. One may switch on to home remedies like vinegar and vicks vaporub. Experts say that vinegar and vicks soak helps in reducing growth of bacteria. One must consult a doctor before using any of the home remedies.
- Swollen feet: A person may face swollen feet and ankles due to various reasons. It is very common problem often caused due to fluid retention. The cause of swelling can be due to injury or any medical problem. A woman may get this problem during her pregnancy days. Any injury on foot or ankle from acute to major can cause swelling. When the ligament holding the ankle in place is stretched beyond its normal range, it may result in a sprained ankle. One must avoid walking or running in swollen feet. Swelling can also be caused due to venous insufficiency in which blood starts moving up the veins from legs back to heart. An infection sometimes may cause swelling. If one sees swollen foot or an infected blister, then he must seek medical advice.
Heel pain: We know that our foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints and 100 tendons and heel is the largest bone in our foot. Heel pain can be caused by any injury. A doctor can diagnose better about the problem. Wearing shoes that does not fit properly often cause pain. One should take rest and should limit his daily movements. Try to apply ice on the heel for about 10 minutes daily. Try not to hit the floor hard as this may enhance heel pain. One can have pain relief medications. If one does not get relief then physical therapy is a good option which helps to strengthen foot muscles and tendons. Anti-inflammatory medications can be injected into foot or taken orally.
To keep feet healthy
One can make use of pedicure as well especially designed for feet. It is basically a cosmetic treatment of toenails and feet. It helps to make feet look beautiful by cleaning nails and also includes lower leg and some foot massage. It is really helpful in removing all dead skin cells that can cause infection. With the exfoliation of feet especially on the heel, it helps in making of new cells that makes feet more beautiful and attractive. There are different types of pedicures like: French, chocolate and wine, stone and express pedicure. One may opt for any of the pedicure according to his pocket. An express pedicure is one of the cheapest pedicure, involving less of foot treatment and having toenails treated. In this pedicure the therapist shapes and files toenails and also paints the nail in beautiful colours. A good pedicure always relives us from stress and provides relaxation to the body and mind. There is fish pedicure also in which breed of small fish naming Garra rufa pedicures feet. The client has to put his feet in tank full of water where Garra fish moves at the feet and removes all the dead skin cells. This pedicure is comparatively expensive than others but it largely helps in making feet smooth and revitalised. Apart from pedicure one should follow some easy steps to make feet look attractive.
- Try to wash feet daily using a scrub or body wash.
- Always clean the web in between toes before sleeping.
- Cut the toenails short as it looks pretty.
- Massaging the foot either with olive or coconut oil is another good option as these oils contain vitamin E which is good for body and feet.
Final words
Feet should be taken care of just like hair and skin. A beautiful foot always catches attention of others. One must consult a doctor before taking any medication for foot problems like swollen feet and heel pains. Cracked heels, spots, scars, wounds and cuts make feet look ugly. A pedicure is a good treatment opted by young girls and ladies to make their foot look smooth, soft and shiny. Not only woman but boys also are conscious of their feet nowadays. So follow the best method and make your feet the centre of attention!
If you think this article was helpful and really shed some light on the feet related issues you might have, please share and spread the word.
Amelia Smith
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