Chapped Feet Treatment Options

• Soak chapped feet in a foot bath containing lukewarm water and soap soaked in it. Soaking your feet for sometime softens and loosens the dry skin.  Now using a pedicure brush, scrub the feet and rub the feet gently with a pumice stone. Wash the feet thoroughly, dry them and apply a gentle moisturizer.
• Petroleum jelly is another effective remedy for chapped feet. Apply little amount of jelly on the feet surface and heels; and cover the feet using cotton socks. Leave them overnight and wash the feet the following day. Following this everyday help stave off the chapped feet.
• Frequent pedicures can also help prevent chapped feet. You need to be aware of the pedicure instruments which are being used for you.  They should be sterile and it would be better if you get your own instruments from home and get it done at salon.
• Going barefoot, wearing flip flops or sling back foot wear will increase the risk of chapped feet and should be avoided.

If your feet are severely chapped, you need to get them treated by a podiatrist. This is true in case you are diabetic as diabetics are at higher risk of developing foot infections.  Treatment for foot infections involves topical medications, oral antibiotics or moisturizing lotions.

Severely chapped feet or abnormal looking feet can be an indication of fungal infection. A fungal infection in the feet will also cause toenails to turn green or yellow and thicken. If you observe these symptoms, you need to consult a doctor to get it treated. Topical and oral anti-fungal medications are usually prescribed to rule out the fungal infection.

Steps To Perform A Good Foot bath:

Some of the simple steps to perform a good foot bath are:

• Use a plastic container which can store water up to 8-10 gallons. This container can be used for soaking your feet. Big basins can also be used for the purpose, but water keeps splashing out of them, so it is advisable to use a big container.
• Now find a comfortable place where you can sit and relax. You can sit in-front of your television or in your backyard, anywhere you feel you are comfortable and not be disturbed for next 30-35 minutes.
• Before you start your foot bath, you must place a towel below the containers. This will help in absorbing the water which spills out of the container and will also be useful in wiping your feet once you have completed your foot bath.
• Now fill your container with warm water of adequate temperature. The water you will fill must be in adequate amount so that most part of your feet can soak in easily into it. You can add some sea salt, Epsom salt to the water which will help in cleaning of your feet and will also provide relaxation too.
• You can also add few drops of some essential oil or perfume oil. These will help in relaxing your feet. Addition of some plucked leaves of various seasonal flowers can also be done to the water. These will provide soothing and relaxing effort to your feet. Moreover the smell of the flowers will provide a feel good factor in you.
• Once your water filled container is ready, soak your feet in it and sit quietly with book and a cold beverage or you can perform any activity which you think can entertain you and give total relaxation.

So, above mentioned were the simple steps to Give Yourself A Good Foot bath that will pamper you and provide relaxation as well..

 Foot Care Tips to Avoid and Treat Foot Blisters

• Where the action is, the sweat is- sporty people are likely to develop blisters, but timely preventive measures can help avoid this risk. Reducing chances of friction is largely possible through correct shoe selection. Good shoes need to fit comfortably, allowing about a thumb’s width between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Poor fitting or narrow shoes cause blisters on the big toe and little toe whereas shallow toe boxes lead to blisters on the tops of the toes and loose shoes cause blisters on the toe-tips.
• The sport played should determine the shoe purchase. Foot care experts recommend wearing the same socks, insoles, or orthotic inserts that worn when playing or working out by the user, when going in for a shoe trial.
• Wearing socks decreases friction between the feet and shoes and double layering of socks minimizes shearing forces. Carrying an extra pair of socks to change into ensures a healthy alternative for clean feet in case the socks worn become too damp.
• Using padded insoles helps to decrease friction in a specific area and using drying agents like medicated foot powders and spray antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride also helps decrease moisture and keep blisters at bay.
• To relieve the pain of a foot blister, it has to be restricted from enlarging. This staves off infection as well. However, in case the blister become infected, recurs frequently, forms in unusual locations or is very severe, a doctor needs to treat it. Signs of infection range from pus draining from the blister, very red/warm skin around it and red streaks streaked away from the blister.
• Large, painful and intact blisters on the foot need draining without removal of the roof. Cleaning it by rubbing alcohol/antibiotic soap and water is recommended, followed by heating a straight pin over a flame until it glows red, and allowing it to cool before puncturing a small hole at the edge of the blister. Draining the fluid with gentle pressure is required and application of an antibiotic ointment (bacitracin with polymyxin B) usually helps. Ointments containing neomycin, known to cause allergic reactions, should be avoided.
• A cloth bandage for blister covering needs to be changed daily, especially if it becomes wet, soiled, or loose, will stave infection. Padding made of felt or lamb’s wool applied over the area surrounding the blister is a comfortable option.

Following the above tips can help to treat foot blisters.

Steps To Perform A Good Foot bath

Some of the simple steps to perform a good foot bath are:

• Use a plastic container which can store water upto 8-10 gallons. This container can be used for soaking your feet. Big basins can also be used for the purpose. As the water can splash out of them, so it is advisable to use a big container.
• Now find a comfortable place where you can sit and relax. You can sit in-front of your television or in your backyard, anywhere you feel you are comfortable and not be disturbed for next 30-35 minutes.
• Before you start your foot bath, you must place a towel below the containers. This will help in absorbing the water which spills out of the container and will also be useful in wiping your feet once you have completed your foot bath.
• Now fill your container with warm water of adequate temperature. The water you will fill must be in adequate amount so that most part of your feet can soak in easily into it. You can add some sea salt or Epsom salt to the water which will help in cleaning your feet and will also provide relaxation too.
• You can also add few drops of some essential oil or perfume oil. This will help in relaxing your feet. Addition of some plucked leaves of various seasonal flowers can also be done to the water. These will provide soothing and relaxing effort to your feet. Moreover the smell of the flowers will provide a feel good factor in you.
• Once your water filled container is ready, soak your feet in it and sit quietly with a book and a cold beverage or you can perform any activity which you think can entertain you and give total relaxation.

So, above mentioned were the simple steps to Give Yourself A Good Foot bath that will pamper you and provide relaxation as well..

Bunion is also formed at the base of the little toe, known as tailor’s bunion or bunionette.  This little toe also bends inwardly, forcing the joint to face opposite direction.

Causes of a Bunion

Bunions usually form due to following factors.

• Inheritance – Some bunions run in families, experts do believe this. The inherited shape of the foot forms bunions.
• Walking – Some people have the habit of rolling the foot inwards while walking. Inward roll is normal upto some extent. However, the condition develops when there is too much roll or pronation.
• Flat feet – Flat feet also contributes to bunion formation
• Inappropriate shoes – Wearing tightly fitted shoes is also a factor for this condition.

All of these factors put pressure on the joint of big toe.  This constant pressure overtime forces the big toe out of the alignment bending towards the inner toes.

Symptoms of a Bunion

In some cases, bunions will not cause any symptoms. However, they may develop in some situations, the symptoms include:

• Pain in the big toe
• Irritated or red skin over the bump
• Swelling at the base of big toe
• The big toe that is pointed towards other toes may also cause other problems like hammer toe.

Diagnosis of a Bunion

While examining the bunion, your doctor may come up with many questions. Some of the probable questions include:

• When did bunion arise?
• What other activities made them worse?
• Are any other joints hurting?

The doctor then examines the toe and joints and checks extent of the motion. These motions are checked while you are sitting and standing.

The other tests performed to diagnose bunions are:

• X-rays - Used to check for bone conditions and they help in ruling out the causes o swelling and pain.
• Blood tests and Arthrocentesis (removing fluid from joint and testing) are performed to check for other conditions causing bunions. These conditions may include rheumatoid arthritis, gout or joint infections.

Treatment for a Bunion

There is no perfect conventional treatment for bunions. However, you can treat them at home.

• Medications – Any pain relieving medication can help to get rid of pain
• Foot wear – Wear proper fitting shoes. Avoid narrow shoes or high heels. Wear pads for cushioning the bunion. You can even wear orthotics (shoe inserts).
• Avoid rigorous activities – Avoid activities which put pressure on the foot, especially the big toe. Only perform activities or exercises that do not out any pressure on the foot. Activities like bicycling or swimming can do.

When none of the above treatment options work to treat the bunion, then a surgery is recommended. There are many surgical options and it is your doctor who can decide which goes out well with the condition.

Conventional Treatment for Heel Spurs

Some of the conventional treatments for heel spurs are:

Use Of Orthotics – Orthotics can be used inside the shoes to support the feet while walking. Orthotics also prevent the feet from any kind of damage and also gives relieve from pain and inflammation.

Wear Proper Foot wear – Wearing of proper foot wear is very important, as it can protect your feet from infections. It also prevents the formation of heel spurs.

Intake of Ginger And Turmeric – Intake of ginger must be done several times in a day as it prevents the development of heel spurs. Similarly turmeric being an antiseptic also plays a major role in the prevention of this condition.

Stretching Exercises – The stretching of the calf muscles after a short warm up is very helpful in treating the heel spurs. These exercises must be performed twice in a day, to see the desired results.

Physical Therapy And Massage therapy – These two are very simple and beneficial methods for treating the heel spurs. Massage the affected part with olive oil or with some other herbal oil or cream. This will improve the circulation of blood and oxygen to the affected part. Thus, giving you relief from the pain and inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication – Intake of these will give you relief temporarily as they carry side-effects with them like ulceration, gastrointestinal upset, bleeding etc. So it is advisable to avoid them as much as you can.

Injection of Steroids – These also show temporary effect and carry side effects as well. These can result in the death of the fatty tissues and can rupture heel spurs too.

These are some of the options of conventional treatment for heel spurs.

Initial and Progressing Hammer, Claw and Mallet Toes Treatment

It is always preferable and safe to go for non surgical treatments for toe joint deformities. The treatment options for both fixed and flexible toe joint deformities include:

• Wear roomy shoes – Choose shoes with wide and deep toe boxes, good arch supports and low heels. This gives a proper comfortable room for your toes to straighten and prevent further toe deformity from pressing or rubbing against the shoe.
• Use pads and supports – Wear pads, arch supports or orthotic shoe inserts. They help in cushioning the toe and holding the foot and toes in right position. They treat the deformity well and also provide relief.
• Use over the counter medications – Check with your physician before taking any medications. You may need pain relievers. Corticosteroid injections also work well for pain and inflammation for certain time period. However, these are not commonly used as the toe joint pain may increase for sometime than before the injection was given.
• Care for calluses or corns – Never cut calluses or corns as they can lead to infections. Use home treatments for treating them.

Non surgical treatments specifically useful for flexible toe joint deformities include:

• Splinting or taping hammer toes into place – Fasten tape under the big toe, followed over the hammer toe and then under the next toe, slowly forcing the hammer toe in its position. You can also use splint instead of tape. .
• Using toe slings or toe caps – These also help in holding the toes in normal position, just like in wrapping.
• Perform stretching exercises – Do exercises that keep the toe joints flexible and help in bending and straightening them. Gently pull on the toes and stretch them and hold the stretch for several seconds. Work on one joint at a time and you should feel a slow, gentle and long pulling. Perform these stretch exercises in the morning and in the evening. Consult a doctor or a physical therapist for more exercises.

Hammer, Claw and Mallet Toes Treatment in case of Worse Conditions

If the non surgical treatments fail to reduce the pain and the discomfort, surgery will be the only next option. Surgery is usually performed for severe toe deformities. And even the toes may not come back to their normal position in some surgeries.

Surgical options include:

• Joint fusion or Arthrodesis – In this surgery, a part of the joint is removed, letting the toe bones to fuse together.
• Phalangeal Head Resection or Arthroplasty – A part of toe bone is removed.
• Removing supporting tissues and moving tendons in the joint. This relaxes the tension is the toe joints and the toes are allowed to straighten out.
• Amputation is also a good option in certain cases.

Surgeons perform surgery on tendons for flexible toe deformities and on the bones for fixed toe problems.

If you happen to notice your toes taking an odd shape, you should immediately seek treatment. If you delay for prolonged period, then surgery can become the only option to treat your toe deformity. Hope you got an idea on the non surgical and surgical options for hammer, claw and mallet toes treatment.

Reference:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hammer-claw-and-mallet-toes-treatment-overview

Types of Heel Pain

Some of the types of heel pain include:

Plantar fasciitis:

This condition when left untreated gives rise to heel spur, which is the main cause of heel pain. This condition is caused due to the presence of non-flexible calf muscles. Apart from this poor support of arch can be another cause of heel pain. The excessive weight of the body puts intense pressure on the arch of the foot which results in heel pain.

Heel Bursitis:

This is a cause of heel pain. The person who suffers from this condition feels pain at the back of the heel, at times movement is made in the ankle joint. The presence of this condition results in the swelling on the sides of Achilles tendon. As a result, person suffers from heel pain whenever their feet hit the ground. Heel bruises are also known as heel bumps which are caused by improper shoes. The constant rubbing of the ill-fitting shoes against the heel also damages it resulting in heel pain.

Treatment of Heel Pain

Some of the methods which can be followed in reducing heel pain are:

• Reduce excessive weight of the body which is the main cause of pain.
• Wear proper fitting shoes. Select the shoes which are comfortable and do not pressurize feet especially the heels.
• Use arch supports, heel soles to provide proper cushioning for the heels.
• Carry out proper exercises especially stretching exercises to reduce pressure from the feet and reduce pain.

The above given are the common types of heel pain and the treatment tips for heel pain.

Footcare Myths and Facts

Myth: Development of foot pain is normal as we age.

Fact: Foot pain is a cause of concern no matter what age it develops. It may be an indicative of painful foot problems like corns, hammertoes, arthritis or even a signal for health problems like diabetes and heart problems.

Myth: When children complain of foot pains, they are “˜growing pains.’

Fact: On the contrary, there is nothing in the medical dictionary called “˜growing pains’. Children may suffer foot pains due to an injury or they might have flat feet. It is better to consult a podiatrist.

Myth: Ankle or foot is not broken if you are able to walk on it.

Fact: Being able to walk or not on a broken ankle is a matter of severity of the fracture. It is possible to walk on the broken bone but this can aggravate your problem and result in further damage. It is better to consult an Orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible.

Myth: Wearing shoes causes Bunions

Fact: If shoes caused bunions, then bunions would’ve been as commonly grown as nails. Bunions are a hereditary problem caused by the faulty mechanical foot structure which people inherit. Wearing shoes doesn’t cause Bunions. Instead, if you wear poor fitted toes that cram the toes together can lead to bunions over a period of time.

Myth: Corns have roots where they grow from.

Fact: Corns are not veggies that grow off roots. Corns in feet develop due to the localized thickening of the skin due to pressure. Corns have a hard core that people refer to as root. Corns get painful when they get entwined with the nerves of the skin. This gives an impression to people that corns grow from roots.

Myth: If a toe breaks up, it is impossible to treat it.

Fact: This is wrong. In fact toes are most susceptible to breaking and they can be treated too. It is not a big deal for the doctor to join your bone back. The surgeons have techniques to align the broken toe like inserting plates, screws or pins. If the broken bone is not treated correctly, it may result in great difficulty in wearing shoes and walking.

Myth: Cancer cannot affect feet.

Fact: Cancer can affect any part of your body. Feet are susceptible to cancer if they are too exposed to the sun. It is important to keep examining your feet in order to spot any signs of melanoma, moles or freckles.

Myth: I needn’t see the doctor to remove my wart. I can do it myself.

Fact: On the contrary, removing a wart yourself may do you more harm than good. Trying folk remedies like using duct tape to remove warts are not scientifically proven. It is not good to take risks in this matter.

Nerve Entrapment Syndromes

• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is the most common form of nerve entrapment. Exaggeration in the Spinal curves can cause disc herniation which results in the trapping up of the nerve which exist the spine in the spinal process.
• Sciatica pain is caused due to the trapping up of the sciatic nerve when it exit the spine to it gets trapped under or in between the deep postural muscles.
• Loss of sensation in the sole of the foot is mostly caused due to the compression of the nerve below the bump on the inner side of the ankle or Medial Malleolus.

Steps to eliminate Nerve Entrapment

Some of the steps of nerve entrapment are:

• Maintain a proper health of the spine and spinal curves.
• The foundation of the foot is managed by the rotatory angles of the pelvic and spinal curves of the pelvis. So it is very necessary to keep both of them in order.
• Hyper pronation is responsible for the movement of the legs while the internal rotation of the legs causes the rotation of pelvis in forward direction. When both the functions work simultaneously they result in the distortion of the spine. When an effort is made to control the hyper pronation movement it creates an impact on the nerve compression and also on the deep muscles of the pelvis. But as the process of hyper pronation causes direct impact on the vessels of the nerve inside the foot and reduce hyper pronation.

Use of Insoles

Use of orthotics like insoles is very helpful in reducing hyper pronation. In case your ankles are weak or are protruding outwards, then it is advisable to use insoles which will help naturally to restore the function of the feet and maintain the proper posture of your entire body right from brain to the foot.

Insoles are capable of working on each part of your foot and reducing the symptoms of pain and keep the muscles of both the feet and body balanced thus curing the root cause of the pain. It is for the same reason that they guarantee to cure your ailment within the time span of 90 days. But you have to wear them regularly without any fail.

Heel Pain Causes

• Plantar fasciitis – The swelling of the tissues which run along the bottom of the foot
• Achilles tendinitis – A condition caused by overuse of the limbs on improper surfaces
• Bursitis – Inflammation of the sacs containing the fluids which allow easy movements of joints
• Calcaneal spur – Building of calcium salts on the soft tissues of the bone found by x-rays
• Myositis – Swelling of the muscles near the heels
• Arterial insufficiency
• Sever’s disease – A condition caused by the overuse or repeated injury of the heel bone
• Calcaneal apophysitis – heel pain in children
• Osteochondritis – Painful condition where the cartilage of the heel or its bone is inflamed
• Nerve entrapment – Direct pressure on a single nerve
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome – Painful foot condition where the tarsal tunnel nerve gets compressed
• Tendon-Achilles bursitis – A swelling in the bursa section located behind the heel bone
• Peripheral ischemia – Restriction of blood supply
• Soft tissue infection
• Ankylosing spondylitis – Symptoms of a type of spine arthritis
• Referred pain
• Trauma or injury
• Overuse syndrome
• Poor fitting shoes
• Stress fracture
• Fracture of the heel bone

Anti-inflammatory medications can be taken to get temporary relief from pain and buy some time before visiting a doctor. Explaining the possible heel pain causes to the physician can prove quite handy while in pain.

Most of the times heel pain in elderly can be caused due to the ill-fitted, uncomfortable shoes or it can be due to some wear and tear caused due to walking throughout the life and the changes that took place in the structure of the foot due to aging. Although there are several reasons for heel pain in older people but the fact is that it is a common condition in them.

Symptoms for Heel Pain in Elderly:

Some of the symptoms for heel pain in elderly include:

• Excessive pain is felt in the heels when they wake up early in the morning or they start walking after an in active long tenure.
• Sometimes it happens that you feel that it has subsided but the fact is that it returns back again in the evening.
• Most of the time mild pain is there which is very irritating and causes limping. This condition is very commonly noticed in those who have suddenly become active again; this condition can result in other health problems too.

Treatment of Heel Pain in Elderly People:

Some of the treatment methods of elderly people include:

• The stretching of your heels regularly before getting out of your feet is the best treatment method for this condition. This stretching relaxes the fascia and connective band of tissues which runs from the heels to the toes.
• Application of the ice bags on the affected part and intake of ant inflammation medicine is also very beneficial in treating the heel pain.
• It is advisable to prevent your aching feet from any kind of vigorous activity like running etc. More over wear shoes, which fit properly and are comfortable.
• Apart from this, it is also advisable to visit your doctor regularly so that any kind of underlying condition can also be detected.