Foot Care

It becomes pretty easy to ignore what's happening to our bodies as we get busy in our daily lives. But, we can't afford this ignorance, especially when it comes to our feet. Our feet bear the brunt of all our movement throughout the day. This means they are susceptible to various problems. These problems may be due to the factors in our environment. These factors are determined by what our surroundings look like and how we care for our feet.

For instance, working in a hot or humid place will make your feet vulnerable to different threats like fungus or bacteria. Similarly, an arid environment can also be detrimental. On top of that, uncomfortable shoes will surely add to the problem.

Understanding what dangers to healthy feet look like and how you can take a step against them is crucial. Carelessness is something that becomes harmful in the long run. Our feet become susceptible to illnesses that can often be very severe. Most people do not realise how vital foot care is until they have to face a problem. However, it is always possible to exercise caution and prevent such circumstances from becoming a reality. And when it comes to your feet, taking precautions should be a priority.

The spectrum of foot-related problems varies according to the environment the feet have been exposed to. However, the common issues include athlete's feet, bunions, blisters and heel spurs, among others. The more you know about them, the easier it'll be to find treatment.

Athlete's foot:

Athlete's foot is a common infection caused mainly by dermatophyte fungi that inhabit a warm and damp environment. Hence, you're most likely to become a fungus target if you're a frequent visitor to the local pool. In addition, if you have to spend a significant part of your day in tight footwear that can cause you to sweat a lot, your chances of athletes' foot will increase.

The symptoms can vary from person to person. For most people, blisters appear on the skin, along with peeling skin. These patches also tend to be itchy. For others, the heels and/or skin around the toes may develop cracks. It is also possible for all these signs to present themselves simultaneously.

Treating athletes' feet is necessary because the infection can be contagious. It may spread through floor mats or towels. The most important practice in this regard should be to keep your feet clean and dry. It is usually treated with antifungal ointments.

Blisters:

Most people associate blisters with the elevated fluid-filled patches that appear after an area of skin has been burnt. However, they can occur through non-inflammatory processes as well, especially across the feet.

Blisters are ordinary among people who run regularly or spend a lot of time walking around, especially in too-tight shoes. The pressure from the boots and the accumulated sweat give rise to blisters. The condition can be very irritating and painful, and doctors recommend applying a bandage to alleviate the pain. However, patients with more severe illnesses such as diabetes should immediately consult their doctor. Never pop your blister! Doing so will let the infected fluid spill everywhere and give rise to more blisters. It's best always to wait for the blisters to heal themselves, which generally takes 3-7 days.

Heel spurs:

Conditions like heel spurs can be a tricky disease because, for many people, they may not become visibly apparent or cause a lot of pain. A heel spur manifests as a calcium outgrowth around the heel area. It protrudes from the skin, causing issues such as discomfort in wearing particular shoes. Though the most common cause of the illness is continuously wearing worn out or badly fitted shoes, it can also indicate more severe diseases such as arthritis. The treatment calls for proper medical attention, such as the use of a cold compress or physiotherapy.

As with most illnesses, those concerning the feet can be avoided by exercising a little vigilance. A little effort goes a long way, especially when it's for the organs that help you move around and get on with life.

Keeping them clean:

Washing your feet regularly and drying them immediately with a clean towel will take care of 90% of your foot-related problems. You should also note to cut the toenails regularly and avoid putting on nail polish if they show discolouration. In which case, you should let them be exposed to open air, and with time they will return to normal.

Rolling a tennis ball:

If your feet are being subjected to a lot of stress, rolling a tennis ball under the arch or the heels can prove to be quite therapeutic. It's an accessible alternative to physiotherapy and that too at home.

Staying away from used footwear:

Thrifting should always be approached with caution, especially when it comes to the feet. Unless you're sure, the seller is 100% trustable, make sure to check if the shoes have been cleaned with antibacterial agents. If the germs from someone else's feet are still lingering on the soles, you're bound to catch an infection.

Making sure your shoes fit:

It is a common misconception that you should buy shoes you will "eventually fit into". This idea tricks many people every year into buying shoes that are either too tight or too loose. If the shoe's shape gets ruined while you fit into them, it may be a sign that they're a size too small.

A tip for finding the perfect size is to note the space between the edge of your toe and the shoe's end. If you find that it's at least a toe's width worth of space, that's when the shoe fits perfectly and will guarantee a comfortable experience.

With your feet feeling healthy, you'll find yourself more energised. It'll be easier to partake in your day-to-day tasks, and productivity will come easy. Caring for your feet is also a key to avoiding other serious conditions such as gout, gangrene or arthritis, some of which do not have a cure. Loss of mobility also results in many people facing depressive episodes and other mental health issues. But, when you're taking out the time to care for your feet regularly, you're minimising all these risks. Hence, you'll be boosting your mood and your immune response.

The mechanism for foot care products is per the illness that has to be treated. For instance, for athlete's foot, we have the Daktarin range. It contains active ingredients that interfere with the fungi' growth and development when applied to the infected skin. On the other hand, the Lamisil Once Cream directly targets and kills the bacteria.

The Flexitol line provides solutions to dry feet; The Flexitol Heel Balm is synthesised with urea, which hydrates the layers of skin and increases water absorption capacity. Thus, locking in moisture. It is quite suitable for scaly and dead skin. It rejuvenates and brings a new layer of skin to the surface,

The Flexitol Moisturising Foot Cream is made with urea and a strong base. It also contains vitamin E. This cream is most suited for diabetes patients since diabetes can lead to severe cracks and dry patches. These ingredients each play a vital role in returning the skin to its soft, hydrated state.

You can also opt for the Scholl Athlete's Foot Cream, which contains tolnaftate, another fungal growth inhibitor.

If there's more you want to know, reach out to our website today. Foot hygiene is critical, and we'll be sure to address your concerns with the utmost seriousness.

Yes! You can quickly and discreetly buy foot care treatment online through our website.

Always read your patient information leaflet before starting your treatment.