Five Simple Solutions To Common Foot Problems

Foot problems can occur at any time of the year, but they are more common during the dry season; when they can be especially damaging. Here are simple solutions to foot problems you may experience.

Sweaty feet? Use an antiperspirant.
It’s not just the stench; sweaty feet can also cause cracked heels, lizard-like skin, and even fungal infections. Each of your toes has about 250,000 sweat glands, which can release half a pint of sweat every day.

To minimize the amount of perspiration that reaches the surface, mist your feet with an antiperspirant/deodorant spray every morning and night; the metals in antiperspirant will block your sweat ducts.

Itchy feet? Try a vinegar bath.

Once an infection develops, the best thing to do is to use a foot bath of malt or white vinegar. It won’t cure the infection, but will soothe the irritating itch.

Foot pain? Create better support.
Shoes that notoriously lack support around the arch, ankle, and heel (such as slippers or some sandals) can cause many feet problems, and most foot doctors recommend you limit your time wearing them.

If you must, make them more comfortable and safer with arch support insoles which can fit pretty much into any shoe. Inserts can also help prevent or alleviate knee, back, or ankle pain, all of which can develop when your body compensates for poor arch support. You can also stretch your feet, ankles, calves at the end of every day to help with any discomfort.

Blisters? Cover them properly.
If, despite your best efforts, a blister erupts, NEVER pop it, because a popped blister is much more vulnerable to infection. All you need do is to apply antibiotic cream and cover the area with a bandage; it should heal in a few days.

If it’s especially bad—large, or blood filled—see a podiatrist immediately, because it could be infected.

Shoes rubbing? Buy the right bandage.
Special blister bandages may help keep the peace, and keep feet problems at bay. The squishy liquid-filled bandages condition the skin and create a barrier to minimize blister-causing friction. Place them on problem spots, like where sandal straps rub, to prevent sores—or cover and protect an existing blister.