With 33 joints and 26 bones, the human foot is an engineering marvel. Your feet withstand hundreds of tons of force on a daily basis, helping you move and stay balanced. They’re designed to handle this responsibility. But medical conditions, improper footwear, age, and other factors can bring about discomfort. Luckily, we have solutions for remedying the most common foot problems.
1. Corns
Corns are thick layers of skin that build up from repeated friction. They’re more sensitive than calluses and may get inflamed. Although corns aren’t harmful to your health, they can become irritated and painful.
Prevent and treat corns by wearing a covering that protects your feet from abrasion. Gel pads work better than bandages because they create a cushion that adjusts to your foot as you move. Some products release moisturizers into the skin that soften the area and promote healing.
2. Bunions
Bunions feel like deformed bones and develop at the side of the ball of the foot. The hard protrusion can cause pain and deviation of the big toe. Bunions usually develop when your ligaments and muscles aren’t balanced. Over time, the tissues cause misalignment of the bone.
While surgery is an option for painful bunions, it’s not always effective. Addressing the source of the problem can correct the condition. Constricting shoes and tight calf muscles can contribute to bunions. Soothe them by wearing supportive, roomy shoes and wearing padding over the affected area.
3. Hammertoes and Mallet Toes
Hammertoe or mallet toe occurs when your second, third or fourth toe appears swollen or bent at the joint. These conditions develop from wearing ill-fitting footwear. If they’re just developing and still flexible, you can correct hammertoes by wearing shoes that fit well. Toe spacers and separators can keep your toe straight and protect it from friction.
4. Plantar Fasciitis
If you experience heel pain, you could have plantar fasciitis. This inflammation of the ligament that connects the heel to the ball of the foot can cause major pain. The discomfort is typically sharp at the beginning of each day and fades with use. But certain activities or movements can make the pain worse.
Physical therapy stretches and cold compresses can alleviate the discomfort and repair the damaged tissue. Many people with this condition find it helpful to wear arch supports in their shoes and compress their arch with a sleeve or splint while they’re sleeping.
5. Heel Spurs
Heel spurs can produce similar pain as plantar fasciitis. They form when calcium deposits develop on the bottom of the heel. Plantar fasciitis and other tissue damage can put you at a greater risk of developing heel spurs. You can ease the pain of heel spurs by wearing gel inserts.
6. Ingrown Toenails
Your big toe is the most susceptible to developing an ingrown toenail. This happens when the nail grows into the flesh surrounding it. An ingrown toenail can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
You can prevent ingrown toenails by cutting your nails straight across and avoiding shoes that crowd your toes. Toe protectors and caps can keep you comfortable as you heal.
Silipos carries a wide variety of supplies for common foot problems. Our products contain an advanced polymer gel that both cushions and promotes healing.
