| Problem | Cause | Remedy | Prevention |
| Aching arches | Walking, running, or stand- ing more than usual | Change from flat to low-heeled shoe (1 to 1 1/4 inch) | If weak arches are a chronic problem, use arch supports |
| Athlete’s foot | The contagious fungus that flourishes in dark, humid environment | Wash feet daily with soap and warm water; dry carefully, especially between toes; use antifungal powder on feet and antifungal creams around toenails | Change shoes and socks often to decrease moisture. Don’t go barefoot in locker rooms, public showers, and pool areas |
| Blisters | Friction from ill-fitting shoes or socks; moisture | Try not to break the blister. Instead, place moleskin or bandage over it. | Wear shoes that fit properly, and change socks that become damp. Socks should be snug (not tight) with no extra fabric to create folds |
| Bunions | Enlarged, misaligned big-toe joints are caused by heredity and some- times aggravated by narrow-toed shoes | Cover with moleskin or foam pad. Physical therapies, such as whirlpool massage, and use of innersoles, arch supports, or orthotic inserts may reduce pain; however, surgery may be necessary. For inflamed bunion, apply ice for 15 minutes, then soak in warm water for 15 minutes; repeat three times a day. (Diabetics should check with a physician first) | You may be able to delay bunions by avoiding badly fitting shoes. Exercises to strengthen the middle of the foot-such as pointing toes and rising onto balls of feet-can also help |
| Calluses | Repeated friction | Soak feet in warm water for 5 or 10 minutes, and rub calluses with a pumice stone. Moleskin or cushioned innersoles can reduce pressure from shoes | Keep feet well lubricated with moisturizing lotion |
| Corns | Friction | For hard corn, use a nonmedicated corn pad with opening slightly larger than corn’s diameter. To soften corn, soak in warm water and rub top layer with pumice stone; then apply lotion or petroleum jelly. Repeat once a week. For soft corn between toes, keep toes separated with lamb’s wool or sponge | Eliminate the source of friction; keep feet well lubricated |
| Hammertoe | A bent, clawlike toe, usually the second, is caused by muscle imbalance, bunions, tight shoes or socks, or heredity | Surgery to straighten may be necessary. For inflamed hammertoe, use ice-and- warm-water treatment described for bunions | Wear properly fitting shoes and socks |
| Ingrown toenail | Toenail cut too short; tight-fitting shoes; excessive curvature of the toenail (inherited) | If infected, see a doctor. If not, soak the foot in warm water. Then, using a nail file, insert small wad of cotton to lift nail away from the sore spot. Repeat twice a day | Cut toenails straight across, no shorter than the end of the toe. Wear shoes with a sufficiently wide toe box |
| Plantar warts | Flat, spongy warts on the soles of the feet are caused by a virus | Warts sometimes disappear spontaneously. Otherwise, a podiatrist or other physician can remove them | Avoid going barefoot, especially on dirty surfaces or in communal bathing areas |
| Thickened, yellowish nails | A fungal infection that can spread from athlete’s foot or occur after a trauma that damages nail bed | Requires prescription medication. If desired, file nails for comfort, but clean hands and feet afterward to control the spread of the fungus | Keep feet clean and dry; treat athlete’s foot promptly |
Apical Health
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