6 Common Foot Problems & How To Treat Them
Our feet, the tireless workhorses of our bodies, often get overlooked until pain strikes. Whether you’re an athlete conquering the track or someone enjoying daily walks, foot problems can derail your plans.
But fear not, fellow foot travellers! Understanding common woes and their remedies allows you to keep those toes happy and your feet game-ready.
This blog will explore six common foot problems athletes may face and effective foot treatments to optimise foot care.
6 Common Foot Problems & How to treat them
1. Plantar Fasciitis:
Plantar fasciitis often causes intense pain and can significantly impede mobility. This condition typically arises due to inflammation or tearing of the plantar fascia, a ligament spanning from the heel bone to the toes beneath the foot.
Pregnant women, those with rapid weight gain, long-distance runners, and individuals with jobs involving prolonged standing often face this common foot problem.
Treatment: The approach to treatment for plantar fasciitis varies depending on the severity of the injury and the individual.
Remedies range from simple at-home measures such as rest, 20-minute ice packs, and anti-inflammatories to more specialised interventions like custom orthotics to elevate the foot’s arch and stretch the calf muscles.
2. Fallen Arches:
Fallen arches, also termed Flat feet, occur when the entire foot is nearly parallel to the ground. This condition can result from stretched or torn tendons, arthritis, nerve problems, or birth abnormalities. Pregnancy may also contribute to this issue.
Treatment: Treatment options for fallen arches vary depending on the underlying cause.
Recommendations may range from rest, ice packs, and exercises to alleviate swelling and pain to using custom orthotics for support.
3. Corns & Calluses:
Repetitive friction with shoes or other parts of your feet can result in the development of corns and calluses. The distinction lies in their location, with corns forming on the top or sides of feet and toes, while calluses appear on the soles.
Essentially, the same condition, calluses, due to the pressure on the soles, tend to grow inward rather than on the external skin surface.
Treatment: Numerous over-the-counter solutions exist for addressing this common foot issue. Medicated pads and plasters are among the options applied to the affected area to address corns or calluses.
However, if these prove insufficient, consulting a podiatrist is advisable. Podiatrists have access to alternative forms of treatment that may yield tremendous success compared to readily available over-the-counter remedies.
4. Ingrown Toenails:
Ingrown toenails are one of the most prevalent foot issues podiatrists encounter. Tight-fitting footwear and improper toenail trimming are common culprits contributing to this problem.
If you find yourself grappling with discomfort due to ingrown toenails, seeking the expertise of a qualified podiatrist is highly recommended.
Treatment: Treatment strategies encompass various approaches, from precision toenail trimming to addressing infections associated with ingrown toenails.
A minor surgical intervention known as partial nail avulsion may be suggested in more severe cases. This procedure involves the removal of a segment of the nail and the underlying tissue to alleviate the issue.
5. Diabetic Foot Problems:
Diabetes brings about an increased susceptibility to a variety of prevalent foot problems, mainly due to its potential to induce nerve damage, impair blood circulation, and elevate the risk of infections.
Treatment: Engaging in daily self-checks and paying close attention to alterations is crucial to ensure your feet’ well-being.
Keeping your feet consistently dry and clean is essential, and adherence to the medical advice provided by your GP becomes paramount in managing diabetic foot concerns.
6. Bunions:
Bunions, often inherited, pose a significant source of pain and limitation for many individuals over an extended period.
Dealing with a bunion on a single foot, especially if it’s more prominent than the other, can present challenges in finding well-fitting shoes due to the uneven alignment of the feet.
Treatment: While pain management and thoughtful footwear selections can alleviate symptoms, it’s crucial to recognise that these approaches address the symptoms rather than the root cause of the pain.
Ultimately, surgical intervention is the most effective recourse for bunions, as it directly addresses and rectifies the underlying issue.
Beyond Treatment: Preventive Measures
Foot problems don’t have to crash your party! Here’s how to keep your feet happy and healthy:
- Invest in the proper footwear: Choose well-fitting, supportive shoes specific to your activity.
- Prioritise good foot hygiene: Regularly wash, dry, and moisturise your feet.
- Warm-up and cool down: Stretch your feet before and after exercise.
- Listen to your body: Don’t push through pain. Rest and seek professional help if needed.
By understanding common foot problems and their treatments, you can take control of your foot health and keep moving confidently. Prevention is key, so prioritise good foot care and consult Dr Ehab Kheir, for personalised advice and treatment plans.
Personalised Solution, Expert Care- By Dr Ehab
Dr Ehab Kheir, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, specialises in foot and ankle surgery with expertise in trauma and orthopaedics.
He holds an advanced surgical fellowship from the United Kingdom and is renowned for complicated foot and ankle surgeries.
Dr Ehab offers the latest surgical options and pioneers minimally invasive techniques, ensuring tailored treatment plans for patients to resume normal activities swiftly.
