Here are some manageable tips to assist you in overcoming foot problems and pain. When foot pain is more complicated, it’s time to consult with your trusted podiatrist about your interests.
Simple Foot Problems And What To Do About Them
Footfalls asleep/pins and needles.
If you sit in a position that compresses a nerve, such as with your legs crossed or sitting on top of one foot, your foot may feel like it is falling asleep, causing a tingling sensation. The “sleeping foot” is a misnomer as this sensation is the “wake-up” of the nerves after being compressed. In most cases, paresthesia is simple–once the pressure is relieved, the sensation returns, but it can also be a symbol of neuropathy.
How to avoid it
You can sit upright with both feet on the ground and get up and walk about at least once every 30 minutes or so, especially if working from home and sitting a lot.
How to make it better
When your foot comes asleep, the best thing you can do is move it. Start by flexing and showing your foot, then rise and take a few steps. If you often experience this pin-and-needle sensation, make an appointment with your trusted podiatrist to test for neuropathy. There may also be a component of lower back issues such as arthritis as
Sunburn on the tops of your feet
You know that when you are spending a lot of time outdoors, you need to apply sunscreen. Although you may remember to put it on your face, shoulders, and arms, many people don’t think about their legs or above their feet and end up with painful red burns and swollen feet.
How to avoid it
When putting on sunscreen, be sure to rub it on your legs and the tops of your feet as well. If you’re out for a long time or swimming, reapply it at least every two hours to maintain your protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
How to make it better
If it’s too late and you’ve already burned yourself, use cold compresses on your feet. You can also use soothing moisturizers like aloe vera to relieve the sunburn sting. Make sure to drink lots of freshwaters to replace fluids.
Avoiding poorly fitting shoes
We have all succumbed to the temptation of nice shoes that are only a half size too large or too little because we like the way they look. We have experienced pain when wearing them.
How to avoid it
Buy your footwear in the late afternoon or evening. Your feet will swell. When you try your shoes on later, you’ll know they fit your feet well. Also, many people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other, so buy shoes that fit your wider foot.
How to make it better
Donate them to charity. When you put on poorly fitting footwear, it could contribute to foot issues similar to bunions & hammertoes.
Smelly feet
When you take off your shoes and clothes after a long day or a good workout, you may see a powerful odor coming from your feet. After being locked in sweaty shoes and socks, your feet found themselves trapped in the perfect environment for bacteria and odors to thrive. A muscular foot odor can be a sign of an infection, so if you have chronic stinky feet, make an appointment with your trusted podiatrist to have your feet checked.
How to avoid it
It would be best if you kept your feet fresh and witty. This could mean changing your clothes and shoes after a workout and changing them when they are moist. Make sure you parched your feet well after showering. You can also apply foot powders to absorb sweat and keep your feet dry.
How to make it better
Soaking your toes in warm water with Epsom salts facilitates lessen microorganism, decrease inflammation, and keep your feet smelling fresh. If you’ve got an athlete’s foot, speak to your podiatrist about topical antifungal cream.
You can keep your shoes fresh by putting a drying covering in them or placing a few drops of essential oil like a tea tree on a cotton ball and putting it on your toes.
General foot pain
Sometimes your feet will ache–especially if you are on them all day. Maybe you’ve been on your feet all day; perhaps your footwear doesn’t suit correctly; regardless of the purpose, all you need to do is take your footwear off and elevate your feet.
How to avoid it
You can avoid foot pain by using shoes that fit properly and make your feet feel comfortable. You can also stretch your feet daily to keep your muscles and tendons flexible.
How to make it better
Soaking your feet in a warm bath with Epsom salts can help reduce foot pain. You can also massage the bottom of the feet with a tennis ball. Relax with your feet level on the floor, then place a tennis ball under one of your feet and roll your foot back and forth on the ball to massage the soles of your feet.
If you regularly experience foot pain, make an appointment with your trusted podiatrist Dr. Monique Muronda at LansdownePodiatry. Our best day is when you wake up with no pain in your feet.