Introduction
The human foot is made up of 26 bones and 33 joints, and out of these, 20 are always in constant articulation. More than 100 muscles ligaments, and tendons present in the foot help us in locomotion and bear the weight of the body. It also consists of toes, heels, and balls, forming one of the most important biomechanical systems of the human body. The feet are that important part of the body that helps us take thousands of steps every day, but it is our feet that often get neglected the most. Humans often miss out on daily foot care. According to a survey carried out in 2014, eight out of ten Americans experienced various foot problems ranging from ingrown toenails to chronic foot pain. Foot problems impact one's overall quality of life and health. So it is mandatory to take proper care of foot health.
What Does Foot Hygiene Mean?
Individuals can stay away from many diseases and foot problems if they maintain healthy personal hygiene and start taking care of their feet. Healthy foot hygiene practices do not mean only washing the feet but also making sure to undergo clipping of the toenails and wearing well-fitting and protective shoes.
What Will Happen if Individuals Do Not Take Proper Care of Their Feet?
The feet carry the entire weight of the human body and stay in motion for almost all day. If individuals do not maintain proper foot hygiene practices, they are bound to face some common issues, like:
1. Athlete Foot:
This is a very common fungal infection affecting the skin of the foot, primarily the toes. It is mainly caused because of heat and moisture and is characterized by cracked and white scaly skin with a red base, along with itching, burning, pain, and odor.
Ways of Prevention - One needs to properly wash and clean their toes regularly and make sure they are dry. Changing shoes and socks regularly is also important, and one should never walk barefoot. If one suffers from athlete's foot, they can use antifungal sprays, powders, and creams as options for treatment. Leaving it untreated would help it get transmitted to other parts of the body and can also infect other people as they come in contact with substances used by the previous one.
2. Hammer Toes:
A hammer toe is a malformation in which the toe bends or curls downward rather than forward. Any toe on the foot can be affected by this condition. It typically affects the second or third toe. A hammer toe may be present at birth, although it commonly develops over time as a result of arthritis or wearing ill-fitting shoes, such as tight, pointed heels.
Ways of Prevention - Always wear shoes that are comfortable and flexible, and avoid shoes with a sharp or small toe box. If the wound does not heal, doctors may advise using foot pads to realign the toes.
3. Corns and Calluses:
These are the hard and thick parts of the skin of the foot and appear when the skin gets exposed to friction or pressure over a long period, like by wearing tight footwear. The thickening happens as a result of a defense mechanism for preventing injuries. Corns might be tiny but quite painful.
Ways of Prevention - Avoiding shoes with sharp and pointed toes and heels is a must. Replacing worn-out shoes regularly and trimming toenails help a lot. People suffering from corns and calluses should shop for their footwear at the end of the day when their feet are swollen the most. This is done to ensure one gets an accurate fit.
4. Blisters:
These are wounds that look like whitish bubbles filled with fluids and happen when the shoes keep rubbing against the skin.
Ways of Prevention - Wearing the right size of shoes and moisture-wicking socks is a must since it avoids chafing. Soft bandages or adhesive moleskin on feet can also be worn, and drying agents such as aluminum chloride or talcum powder can also be used for absorbing sweat.
What Are the Ways to Maintain Proper Foot Hygiene?
One can follow the appropriate steps for maintaining proper foot hygiene. Some pain-free and proper ways for treating the feet right include:
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Avoiding very tight shoes.
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One should avoid sharing shoes with anyone.
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It is always a good idea not to share pedicure utensils with anyone else.
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Calluses should never be shaved.
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Hiding discolored nails with polish is a big no. It is always better to let them breathe and treat the underlying issue.
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DIY (do it yourself) surgery can not be performed on an ingrown nail.
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A foot massage or a reflexology session always helps.
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A vinegar foot soak can help get rid of the irritation.
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Trying the legs-up-the-wall yoga pose after a long day or hard workout is strictly prohibited.
What Kind of Shoes Are the Perfect Kind?
To find a perfect shoe, one has to check if the following requirements are met.
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The ball of the foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe.
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One should have enough depth so that the toes do not rub the tops.
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One has to stand up with the shoes on and make sure they still have half an inch between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
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One has to walk around in the shoes and make sure they are not slipping.
Conclusion:
Just the way, eyes are windows to souls, and soles are windows to overall health. Individuals should always keep a check on their feet to see if there is any change in shape or color, pain, irritation, or anything else. It is important to keep in mind what individuals put on their feet. For the younger ones, it is always style over comfort, while for the older ones, it is always comfort over anything else. Feet come in all shapes and sizes in all walks of life, and there is nothing that one needs to worry about in this case, but if someone is experiencing a pain that does not go away with time or interferes with daily activities, it is always advisable to visit a podiatrist and seek medical help.
