News
Cosyfeet Australia
Not all wider fitting shoes are the same!
Some wide fitting footwear is much roomier than others such as the extra extra wide shoes which are available from Cosyfeet Australia
Cosyfeet Australia
Foot Pain Problems - their causes and treatments
Because we use our feet constantly there are common foot problems that occur.
Feet are prone to taking their fair share of punishment through walking and wearing tight-fitting shoes, so naturally, they can suffer from pain and other issues.
There are lots of different causes and treatments, so, if you suffer from foot pain or want greater comfort, this information will help you to find out what the problem may be while also informing you about what might help.
Common foot pain problems that people suffer from are:
Bunions
Athlete's foot
Ingrown toenails
Corns and blisters
Peripheral neuropathy
Bunions
Causes: Wearing tight or narrow shoes can cause bunions to form as they put pressure on the joint between the bone of the foot and big toe.
Bunions (hallux valgus) are a bony bump deformity formed on the large toe joint and this can cause the toe turn slightly inward. As well as the formation of the bump you may notice pain and swelling over your big toe joint, hard and sore skin and changes to the shape of your foot.
Some bunions treatments
There are a number of treatments available for bunions and non-surgical treatments are usually tried first.
Our comfortable Cosyfeet wide fitting shoes offer extra wide, deep and roomy footwear so that people suffering from bunions do not have to go through the pain of putting on shoes when going out.
For severe cases, surgery can be considered, and the type of surgery will depend on the level of deformity, age, and the severity of the symptoms.
Ingrown toenails
Causes: Wearing ill-fitting shoes, not trimming your toenails properly or having a history of ingrown toenails are all the main causes of this painful condition.
An ingrown toenail is very common and is where the nail grows into your toe, causing pain and discomfort.
An ingrown toenail can occur on any toe, but usually it affects your big toe. Ingrown toenails can become infected and tell-tale signs of this include pus coming out of it and feeling hot and shivery.
Possible treatments for ingrowing toenails
Cut your toenails properly to avoid ingrown nails - that means cutting straight across and not cutting on a curve.
Treatments you can try at home to help ease the pain include soaking your foot in warm water three or four times a day and wearing wide fitting shoes or sandals.
Corns and blisters
Causes or blisters: Often appear after walking and running, especially if the feet have become sweaty and you are wearing shoes that are tight.
Causes (corns): Can be caused by bunions, hammer toe, or poorly-fitting shoes.
Blisters are some of the most common problems that occur with feet and the most people will suffer from them during their life. Blisters are essentially fluid-filled pockets and are not a serious concern, but it is best not to burst them and to let them heal on their own.
Corns are patches of thickened skin that usually appear on the bottom of your feet or toes and form to protect the skin to stop blisters developing. While corns are painless, to begin with, they can become painful over time and will need to be treated.
Treatments for corns and blisters
For corns and blisters, there are lots of products that can help you such as gel toe pads and toe separators which both create a spongy cushion protecting your corns and blisters.
For blisters that have popped it is advised that you wash the area with warm, soapy water and to apply an antibiotic ointment to the area.
Corns and calluses are best treated by using thick cushioned socks over thin ones, wearing wider fitting roomier shoes, together with and moisturising your feet to help keep your skin soft.
Peripheral neuropathy
Causes: High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout the body
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy and is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. It most often damages nerves in your legs and feet, followed by the hands and arms. Some of the symptoms range from pain and numbness, tingling, sharp pains or cramps, muscle weakness and loss of reflexes.
Possible treatments for Peripheral neuropathy
Medical professionals say that maintaining a good, healthy lifestyle and keeping your blood sugar level under control can help you treat your diabetic neuropathy.
A person with diabetes should go for regular foot examinations and have their toenails professionally trimmed. If there are any foot wounds, then you should seek medical attention.
Athlete's foot
Causes: The fungus thrives in warm, damp areas like showers, pools and gyms. Can be caught walking in these areas barefooted or wearing shoes that are warm and damp.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin and is often found between the toes, although the infection can spread and cause discomfort, itching, blistering, cracking and pain to other parts of the foot.
Potential treatments for athlete's foot
Antifungal treatments such as sprays, powders and lotions can be applied to your feet and are available in pharmacists, and you should wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly - that's very important as any wetness becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
If, despite your best efforts, you still get feet issues and even pain, the treatment will depend on the type of issue you are facing. For example, for recurring fungal infections and Athlete’s foot use anti-bacterial essential oils such as tea tree and oregano oil. Use them twice a day but dilute them with olive oil before applying directly onto the skin or toe.
For painful, cracked skin, a moisturising shea butter could do the trick but make sure you exfoliate and file the dry skin first. Raw honey and calendula cream are also great for skin healing.
It's really important you take care of your feet and keep them healthy, otherwise this could have a negative impact on your health as you would be less active when you suffer from feet issues and pains.
This article is based upon my personal opinions and experiences and should not be taken as medical advice- it is not. Always consult your healthcare professional about any issues