7 Annoying Foot Problems and How to Treat Them
Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland sees a lot of patients who are self-conscious about their feet. They are embarrassed because they have nail fungus, calluses, warts or athlete's foot. They're not only ashamed because the conditions make them want to hide their feet in shoes during summer sandal season, but they think their condition is too trivial to seek help.
Here are 7 of the most common – and annoying - foot problems we see here in our office:
1. Bunions: If your shoes suddenly don't fit as well as they used to, and you spot a bulging, painful bump near your big toe, you've probably got a bunion. To prevent them, limit the pressure on your feet by avoiding tight, narrow footwear that crowds your toes together.
2. Warts: If you feel a hint of pain on the bottom of your foot, and find a small, fleshy growth, it’s probably a plantar wart. Protect your feet by always wearing shoes while in public areas, including wearing flip-flops in pool areas and locker rooms.
3. Athlete's foot: If pink, itchy and flaky skin suddenly appears out of nowhere, it’s probably athlete’s foot. This condition flourishes in damp environments like locker rooms and public showers, so try your best to keep moisture at bay.
4. Ingrown toenails: When you have an ingrown toenail, it curves inward, and the surrounding skin is inflamed and tender to the touch. This sometimes occurs when people genetically have toenails that curve inward, but in other cases, it can be the result of trauma.
5. Foot odor: It can be embarrassing when your feet always stink, and the smell doesn't appear to be going away. If your feet sweat more than normal, use absorbent talc powder in your shoes.
6. Blisters: Blisters are painful, fluid-filled welts. They’re good at healing themselves, so don’t pick at them. When they do pop, simply wash with soap and water, then apply antibiotic ointment and cover it with a Band-Aid.
7. Calluses: Calluses are caused by friction or pressure. Soften them using an alpha-hydroxy acid or urea-based cream on your feet daily and wear comfortable shoes to avoid putting excess pressure on your toes.
If you are experiencing these, or any other foot problems, contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, MD today to schedule a consultation. You can call the office at (410) 761-3501 or request an appointment online.