|
PROBLEM |
CAUSE |
SELF-HELP |
|
Ingrown toenail |
Shoe Pressure Improper Nail Trimming Trauma |
Trim toenails straight Do not trim nails too short If you have DIABETES or POOR CIRCULATION, seek professional care |
|
Fungal Nail |
Possible injury to toenail Could indicate medical condition such as: diabetes, arthritis, cancer, or psoriasis |
Keep shoes and socks dry Wash feet with soap and water; dry feet carefully, especially between the toes Change shoes regularly Wear cotton socks |
|
Athlete's Foot |
Fungus lives in warm, dark, moist area like shoes Sometimes from showers and swimming pool locker rooms |
Wash feet with soap and water; dry feet carefully, especially between the toes Change shoes regularly Use Athlete's Foot Powder between toes and in shoes Wear cotton socks Wear flip-flops in public showers |
|
Warts |
Caused by viruses which invade the skin through small cuts and abrasions |
Avoid walking barefoot Change shoes daily Keep feet clean and dry |
|
Blisters |
Ill fitting shoes Stiff shoes Wrinkled socks against the skin Excessive moisture Foot deformities |
Wear socks to cushion between and shoes Wear properly fitting shoes Only open a blister with a sterilize utensil, then apply antibiotic cream and cover with a bandage immediately If red and painful, may be infected; Get Professional Help |
|
Calluses/Corns |
Friction and pressure from skin rubbing against shoe or enlarged bone |
Wear supportive shoes with wide toe box Avoiding medicated callus/corn removers Soak feet in warm water; file with pumice stone (AVOID if DIABETIC or have POOR CIRCULATION), |
|
Bunions |
Inherit tendency to develop Poor fitting shoes Inflammatory joint disease Congenital deformities |
Wear proper fitting shoes Avoid tight fitting Apply cold compresses Soak the foot in lukewarm water to relieve pain Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory |
|
Flat feet |
A structural deformity usually inherited; sometimes referred to as "fallen arches" |
Wear supportive shoes |
|
Foot Odor |
Increased perspiration Closed shoes |
Keep shoes and socks dry Wash feet with soap and water; drying feet carefully, especially between the toes Change shoes regularly Wear cotton socks |
|
Hammertoes |
Inherit tendency to develop Poor fitting shoes Inflammatory joint disease Congenital deformities |
Wear a supportive shoe with a deep toe box Apply cold compresses Soak the foot in lukewarm water to relieve pain Always wear proper shoes for work and activity |
|
Neuroma |
Benign growth of nerve between the third and fourth toes Improper or ill-fitting shoes |
Avoid tight-fitting shoes, socks and hosiery Wear supportive shoes with wide toe box Avoid heating pads Apply cool compresses or ice |
|
Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Spur Syndrome |
Increased physical activity Worn out shoes Weight gain |
Warm up and stretch properly before exercise Do not go barefoot Wear shoes with supportive arch and heel |
|
Stress Fracture |
Increased standing or walking without support Medical conditions such as osteoporosis Medications such as steroids |
Wear firm soled shoes Use cold compresses or ice Rest |
|
Arthritis |
Heredity Viral and bacterial infections Excessive weight Ill-fitting shoes Trauma |
Wear supportive shoes Pool exercises Use ice packs or hot packs Soak feet in lukewarm water Wear shock-retarding insoles |
|
Diabetic Ulcers |
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus Vascular insufficiency Lack of feeling Ill-fitting shoes |
Consult a podiatric physician immediately Alert the doctor's office that you are a diabetic with a foot sore Self-treatment NOT recommended for this serious condition |