January 1 is celebrated as the National Foot Day all across the world. It is the day on which you should take some time from your busy life and concentrate on the health of your foot. You should take some time in learning all about your foot’s health. You should also make yourself aware about common foot related problems and how to avoid them.

Most of the foot specialists or podiatrists believe in the fact that keeping your foot clean can work wonders for the foot. It is also a known fact that most of the foot related problems occur to women more often than men. Now if you are wondering whether you are dealing with some foot related issues that need your attention then keep reading on.

Cracked heels: This is one of the most common foot ailments that occur to both, men and women. This problem can be caused due to deficiency of minerals, vitamins and zinc. It is a problem that should be immediately tended if you don’t want it to turn painful. You can use normal creams and moisturisers to cure it. You can use a good cracked heel cream too. If your heels are paining too much, you can try a simple remedy. Mash a banana and leave it on your heels for 10 minutes. Then you can wash it off with warm water. It would give you instant relief from the pain occurring due to cracked heels.

Nail fungus: Nail fungus can occur to people who have to spend a lot of time by keeping their foot in water. It can turn the colour of your nails and make them look ugly. It can be cured by using simple creams and lotions and keeping your foot dry. Avoid covering your foot and going to wet areas until the fungus is properly removed or cured.

Ingrown nails: It is an ailment that occurs mainly when you fail to cut your toenails in a proper manner. Remember the best way to cut your toenails is to cut them straight across. When you fail to do so, the sides of your toenails may dig into your skin. Ingrown nails can be very painful and irritating as well. You can avoid the pain by wearing shoes that are open at the front and do not put pressure on your toenails.

Flat foot: This is a condition in which the arch of your foot collapses which leads to your entire foot coming to the ground. It is also known as the problem of fallen arches. The reasons for this ailment may differ from wearing high heels for long periods of time to serious issues like arthritis. You can cure this ailment by wearing supportive shoes that can keep your foot in proper shape and help you to walk normally.

Hammertoes: It is a common ailment in which there can be a boney prominence on top of or in between the toes of your foot. This problem can be heredity or can be a result of wearing ill fitting shoes. A simple and effective remedy for this ailment is to rub ice on the affected area. You should also try to start wearing flat heels and supportive shoes to avoid this problem from escalating.

Bunions: It is problem related to your foot joints. In this ailment your big-toe may become slightly crooked at the base. Your big toe may turn inwards due to this ailment. The reasons behind this may also vary from congenital deformities to heredity conditions. Bunions may turn painful when you wear a small shoe that puts some pressure on your big toe. This ailment can be cured by taking some medications.

Athlete’s Foot: It’s a common skin infection that can occur to anyone. The main reasons behind the infection can be lack of foot hygiene and enclosure of foot in tight and uncomfortable shoes. When you wear tight shoes, your foot skin would not have any room to breathe so it may lead to formation of small blisters on your foot. You can avoid athlete foot by cleaning your feet thoroughly on a daily basis. You should also apply a moisturiser to your foot at nighttime to prevent any skin infection on your foot.

Plantar fasciitis or heel pain: It is a condition in which the connective tissue of the ball of your feet and your heel becomes sore. It occurs mostly to women as compared with men. It can occur due to varied reasons like stretching of the connective tissue, obesity or even muscle imbalance. It can be cured by exercising your feet on a regular basis or taping it as per the advice of a podiatrist.

Corns or calluses: These are layers of dead skin cells that become noticeable due to repeated friction from skin rubbing against boney areas. You should never cut it yourself. Rather you should apply some moleskin on the affected areas to get some relief from the pain.

Old Sports Injury: If you were a sportsperson who sustained a serious foot injury that is taunting you again then you should get it cured as soon as possible. If the injury is near your joints then putting your feet in cold and hot water simultaneously can bring some relief. You should also opt for physical therapy to remove the cause of the ages old pain.

Achilles Tendonitis: It is an ailment that occurs to athletes who push themselves beyond their body’s limits. It is a condition in which you feel soreness in the back of your heel bone. You can treat it by putting on some ice. You should also rest your feet a lot while dealing with this condition.

Now then here are a few tips that can assist you.

• No matter how busy you are, you should wash your feet thoroughly on a daily basis.
• Put on a moisturizer or foot cream before wearing your shoes and before going to bed every night.
• Never pop up any blisters.
• Check your feet regularly for problems.
• Never wear the same footwear for long.
• Use a separate towel and cloth to clean your feet.
• Avoid soaking your feet in water for a long time.
• Put on extra creams to keep your feet from drying in cold weather.
• Use a pedicure and a massage for your feet at least once a month.
• Don’t forget to apply a sunscreen to your feet.
• Don’t wear painful heels for long, no matter how stylish they are.
• Wear socks to prevent your feet from dust and pollution.
• Get immediate medical help for all kinds of foot ailments.
• Never try on any remedy that is not recommended by experts.

We hope that you will benefit from all the suggestions to protect your feet. We urge you to start taking care of your feet today. Don’t wait until your feet become too painful.