Five common foot problems: Causes and treatment

The feet take a lot of daily abuse from walking, running, jumping, and climbing, so naturally, they are subject to many different types of problems.
From injuries to inflammation, several different types of damage and malfunctions can lead to foot problems.
The feet are made of up 26 bones each, making them one of the most intricate areas of the body. Nevertheless, according to the College of Podiatry, a person will walk an estimated 120 000 miles in their lifetime, roughly the equivalent of walking around the world six times.
·     Improper footwear, diabetes, and ageing are some of the chief contributors to foot problems. This is most common foot problem
·     Athlete's foot
·     Bunions
·     Diabetic neuropathy
·     Ingrown toenails
·     Plantar fasciitis
Athlete's foot
Podiatrist looking at athletes foot.
Athlete's foot is most commonly caused by walking in damp areas. It can be highly contagious.
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin, usually found between the toes. However, the infection can spread and cause significant discomfort, itching, and even pain.
Causes
An individual is most commonly exposed to the fungus that causes athlete's foot in a gym, shower, or pool where people walk around barefoot. Fungus tends to thrive in warm, damp areas.
Wearing shoes that are warm and damp can cause the fungus to grow and spread. The condition is highly contagious, and it can spread to other areas of the skin, including the hands, groin, and scalp.
Symptoms
Athlete's foot causes itching, cracking, blistering, and peeling of the feet. The condition usually starts between the fourth and fifth toes, then spreads. A person can also develop cracks in the heels or skin of the toes.
Treatment
A person should keep their feet clean and dry, and dry them with a separate towel. Antifungal treatments are available in most drugstores as sprays, powders, or lotions to apply to the feet.
If the fungus is spreading or worsening after treatment, a person should see their doctor who can prescribe oral antifungal medicines for the condition.
Bunions
Bunion on side of foot.
Particularly tight or narrow footwear may cause bunions.
Bunions are abnormalities of the feet that cause a bump to develop on the large toe joint. This can cause the big toe to turn slightly inward. Doctors call bunions "hallux valgus."
Women are more likely to have bunions due to increased pressures from narrow footwear.
Causes
Wearing tight or narrow shoes can cause bunions to develop. Tight shoes put pressure on the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), which is where the bone of the foot meets the bone of the big toe.
Having a family history of bunions is also a risk factor. Additionally, some conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis or polio, increase the likelihood of developing a bunion.
Symptoms
An individual with a bunion may have one or more of the following symptoms:
·         visible bump on the side of the foot
·         tenderness on or around the big toe
·         callus or corn on the bone below the big toe
·         difficulty moving the big toe
·         Pain in the big toe when walking
Treatment
Conservative treatment measures will usually improve the symptoms of a bunion. A person should wear properly fitting shoes without high heels. They can also buy a bunion pad at a shoe store or drugstore that protects the bunion from extra pressure.
Applying ice for 10-minute increments with a cloth-covered ice pack can also reduce inflammation.
A doctor who specializes in foot care known as a podiatrist can prescribe custom-made shoe inserts or a splint that can straighten the big toe. If a person's bunion does not subside and causes continued pain, they may choose to have surgery to correct it.
Diabetic neuropathy
People with diabetes are more prone to fluctuations in blood sugar. Diabetic neuropathy is not one condition, but a group of conditions that cause damage to the feet due to diabetes.
Causes
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, especially those in the feet. Other factors can make this nerve damage worse, such as a history of smoking, alcoholism, or history of diabetic neuropathy in the family.
Symptoms
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet. This can contribute to a greater risk of a person experiencing cuts or injuries to the feet due to lack of feeling.
Treatment
Maintaining good health and blood sugar control can help a person treat their diabetic neuropathy. While a doctor cannot reverse nerve damage, they can recommend treatments to prevent it worsening.
A person with diabetes should also go for regular foot exams. They may wish to have their toenails professionally trimmed and seek medical attention if they identify any foot wounds.
Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails on feet.
Ingrown toenails cause discomfort, and they may become infected if left untreated.
Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail starts to grow into the nail groove, which can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Causes
Wearing badly-fitting shoes usually cause ingrown toenails. The pressure from shoes that are too narrow at the top or too tight can put extra pressure on the toes.
Other causes include toenails that are not trimmed properly, such as cutting the toenails too short or trauma to the feet due to activity including running. Having a family history of ingrown toenails can also increase a person's risk.
Symptoms
Ingrown toenails will cause redness, swelling, pain, or even drainage from the toenail, which can indicate that an infection is present.
Treatment
There are several ways to treat and prevent ingrown toenails, including:
·         Washing the feet with antibacterial soap and keeping them clean and dry.
·         Cutting the toenails straight across after a bath when the nails are soft.
·         Avoiding cutting the nails in a rounded pattern, as it can increase the risk of inward growth.
·         Wearing shoes that fit well and do not have a pointy tip.
If the toenail is infected or at-home care does not improve the condition, a person should see a podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon. The orthopaedic surgeon or podiatrist may need to remove a portion of the toenail and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. 
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
The condition occurs when the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This ligament is responsible for supporting the foot's arch.
Causes
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition that usually does not have a clear cause. Doctors refer to this condition, as idiopathic plantar fasciitis.
Risk factors include being obese, having a very high arch, having tight calf muscles, and participating in activities that repetitively stress the heel, such as running.
Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis causes a person to experience pain on the bottom of the heel. This pain is a usually worse first thing in the morning when getting out of bed. The pain also worsens with activity.
Treatment
Most people can manage plantar fasciitis with at-home treatment. Resting the foot and applying ice can reduce inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, can help with pain management.
Stretching the foot thoroughly before and after physical activity, as well as throughout the day, may help to reduce heel pain. Wearing supportive shoes can also help.
If an individual's plantar fasciitis does not get better with these treatments, they can try physical therapy, or see a podiatrist or an orthopaedic surgeon for further treatments.
Steroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation, or a doctor may prescribe custom-made orthotics to provide extra support to the heel.
uses, and when to seek treatment.


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