Foot Diseases
Foot diseases can be varied and numerous. But broadly we can classify foot diseases into the following three categories.
• Foot Diseases Due to Dermatological Conditions: The main foot diseases in this category are fungal infections like athlete’s foot or nail infections. Corn, calluses, and dry skin are some other diseases commonly seen in this category.
• Foot Diseases Due to Arthritic Conditions: Foot spurs, bunions (a problem concerning the big toe), and plantar fasciitis are the most common diseases related to arthritic conditions.
• Foot Diseases Due to Vascular Disorders: Vascular disorder may produce ulcers, sores, and varicose veins in the feet.
Some of the most common foot diseases include:
• Athlete’s Foot: This is mostly a fungal infection that happens when you wear shoes regularly and for a prolonged period. The damp, dark, and moist conditions within closed shoes lead to a fungal infection. The symptoms usually include an itching and burning sensation, along with dry peeling skin. The infections usually happen in the areas between the toes. To prevent the infection, you have to follow proper hygiene and keep your feet dry and clean. Wash your feet with antiseptic soap each day, change your socks and shoes every day, and apply an antifungal powder to your feet. Consult a dermatologist and seek proper medical advice if your condition shows no sign of improvement. Delaying will worsen the condition and the infection may spread even further.
• Foot Spur: This is condition when there is abnormal growth of bone in the feet. The growth of bone itself does not cause much problem, but the pain and discomfort occurs when the protrusion of the bone presses upon muscles, tissues, or nerves. Foot spurs can happen due to several reasons – stress, wear and tear, and injury. Overweight people are found to be at increased risk of getting foot spurs. Foot spurs may lie undetected if it doesn’t cause any discomfort, but if the bone protrusion touches the nerves or tissues there can be excruciating pain. Treatment usually involves special medication and surgical procedures.
• Corns and Calluses: These can happen when the skin rubs repeatedly against something. They generally go away on their own in due time, but if they show no sign of improvement you should consult a doctor and undergo proper medical treatment.
• Bunion is a condition when the joints of the big toe do not fit and therefore becomes painful and swollen. It also creates difficulty in wearing shoes and requires special padding. Treatment usually involves use of medicines as prescribed by a doctor and surgery.
