Feet suffer from many disorders on a daily basis when walking, running, jumping and climbing depending on the conditions of the environment, and are therefore naturally exposed to various types of diseases.
Inappropriate footwear, diabetes and ageing are some of the main factors that cause various diseases to appear in the foot, mainly on the sole.
There are many diseases and conditions that can affect the feet, some of the most common are:
Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin between the toes.
Causes of athlete’s foot
It is caused by an overgrowth of fungus on warm, moist skin.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot
Symptoms include itching, redness, scaling and blisters.
Tips for preventing athlete’s foot
To prevent and avoid this foot disease, it is recommended to keep feet dry, avoid sharing toiletries, wear sandals in swimming pools and changing rooms, and change socks and shoes daily.
Treatment for athlete’s foot
Treatment includes:
- Applying antifungal creams.
- Wearing ventilated socks and shoes to keep feet dry.
In severe cases, oral medication may be necessary.
It is important to treat athlete’s foot properly to prevent its spread and complications. It is recommended to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Bunions
Bunions are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe, which can cause pain, pressure and deformity.
Cause of bunions
They occur when the bone and soft tissue at the front of the foot shift forward and outward, creating a visible bump.
Risk factors include genes, diseases that affect bone structure, prolonged use of uncomfortable shoes, and flat or high-arched feet.
Symptoms of bunions
Symptoms include pain, swelling, calluses and difficulty walking or wearing shoes normally.
Treatment for bunions
Treatment includes:
- Rest.
- Applying ice.
- Taking medication to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Changing to comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to correct the deformity.
Proper treatment of bunions is essential to prevent complications and improve quality of life. Consultation with a physician is recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in the feet are damaged due to diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy
It can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and a burning or prickling sensation in the feet.
Causes of diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is caused by too much sugar in the blood, which damages the nerves. Risk factors include having diabetes for a long time, having high blood sugar levels, and having kidney or heart disease.
Treatment for diabetic neuropathy
Treatment includes:
- Controlling blood sugar levels.
- Taking medication to relieve pain and swelling.
- Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve circulation.
It is also important to keep your feet clean and dry and to check them frequently for injury or infection.
It is important to treat diabetic neuropathy to prevent complications and improve quality of life. It is recommended to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails are a painful condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and pain. This can occur in any of the toes, but is most common in the big toe.
Causes of ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails can be caused by a variety of factors, including wearing tight or uncomfortable shoes, cutting the nail incorrectly, having thick or brittle nails, and having incorrect posture when walking or running.
Treatment for ingrown toenails
Treatment includes:
- Resting the affected foot.
- Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and pain.
- Lifting the affected nail to prevent further build-up of tissue on the skin.
In severe cases, a procedure to remove the ingrown toenail may be necessary.
It is important to treat ingrown toenails properly to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
It is recommended to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain on the bottom of the foot, specifically in the central or front part of the arch.
Causes of plantar fasciitis
It occurs when the tissue called the plantar fascia, which connects the heel to the toe, becomes inflamed and painful.
Risk factors include age, being overweight, repetitive walking or running, having flat or high-arched feet, and wearing improper shoes.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Symptoms include pain when walking, especially in the morning, pain in the heel or front of the foot, and difficulty walking or running.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis
Treatment for plantar fasciitis includes:
- Rest.
- applying ice
- Taking medication to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
It may also be helpful to use an insole or splint to help support the arch of the foot.
It is important to treat plantar fasciitis properly to prevent complications and improve quality of life. It is recommended to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Blisters
Blisters are fluid-filled bumps that form on the skin as a result of repetitive friction or a burn.
They can be uncomfortable and painful, and can occur anywhere on the body, including the feet.
Causes of foot blisters
Foot blisters can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including wearing uncomfortable or tight shoes, walking or running for long periods of time, and having dry or sweaty skin.
Treating blisters on the feet
Treatment for blisters on the feet includes:
- Protecting the blister with an adhesive dressing.
- Resting the affected foot.
- Applying cold compresses to reduce pain and swelling.
In severe cases, the blister may need to be drained and protected with a bandage.
It is important to treat blisters properly to prevent further complications and improve quality of life. It is recommended to consult a doctor if the blister is large or infected.
Corns
Corns on the feet can be caused by a variety of factors, including wearing uncomfortable or tight-fitting shoes, walking or running for long periods of time, and having dry or soft skin.
Treatment for corns on the feet
Treatment for foot corns includes:
- Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
- Applying an exfoliating cream to soften the hard skin.
- Gently trimming the callus with nail clippers or a nail file, although it is recommended that you see a podiatrist whenever possible.
It is important to avoid cutting or scraping the callus too deeply, as this may cause further injury and/or infection.
In severe cases, it may be necessary to consult a doctor for more advanced treatment, such as removing a callus or performing a procedure to reduce pressure on the affected area with or without surgery.
It is important and advisable to treat corns properly to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Did you know about any of these diseases affecting the foot at work? Leave us a comment.
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