Your feet literally take a beating from the moment you get out of bed till the moment you curl up on the couch in the evening. In fact, studies suggest that your feet absorb about 1,000 pounds of force in a single day! You stand on your feet for hours, cram them into shoes that are often far from comfortable and walk on hard surfaces. One in five adults will eventually suffer some form of foot problem which is why it is so important that you take care of these important assets and keep them in tip top shape.
Foot Bone, Joint, Muscle, Arch & Ligament Anatomy
Your feet are perfectly designed and will give you years of reliable service providing you take care of them. Each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints that make your feet flexible and 19 muscles that control the different movements of the parts of your foot. Two arches, one in the midfoot and the other in forefoot offer support and provide a platform that is designed to absorb shock. The entire structure is held together by more than 100 ligaments. Pretty amazing when you stop and think about it!
Types of Foot Problems; Ingrown Toenails, Blisters, Fungus, Plantar Warts & Corns
There are many problems that can affect the performance of your feet, ranging from ingrown toenails and blisters to more serious conditions such as bone spurs. Many of these conditions require professional treatment but fortunately there are some foot issues that can be treated at home with natural remedies.
Belmont Anderson Podiatry Has Prepared the Following Tips to Help Prevent Foot Pain & Problems
• Toe Nail Fungus: Combat toe nail fungus by soaking your feet in Listerine for 30 minutes. Mouthwash contains several components including alcohol that has strong antiseptic properties that destroy harmful fungi and bacteria. Apple cider vinegar, white vinegar and lemon juice will also effectively fight toe nail fungus, and as an added bonus, they are inexpensive and you may already have these items in your pantry.
• Hammertoes: Hammertoes can be very painful, but with a few easy exercises, you can ease the pain and provide some relief. Move and stretch your toes gently back and forth with your hands, or exercise your toes by using them to pick up small objects such as marbles to keep your toe joints flexible. You can also use ice packs to reduce any swelling by icing the toe joints.
• Blisters: A great way to prevent blisters is by rubbing antiperspirant onto your heels or other pressure points. Blisters are often made worse by friction and moisture so it makes sense to keep the area dry. If you have blisters, try soaking your feet in brewed green tea to speed up recovery time. Aloe Vera can also help with any pain and swelling associated with the affected areas.
• Bunions: Research indicates that red pepper which contains a chemical called capsaicin can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with bunions. Rub the juice from the pepper, add some Vaseline and then cover the area with gauze. Ginger and turmeric supplements taken orally can also provide relief from inflammation and pain.
• Ingrown Toenails: An ingrown toenail can be very painful and may require treatment from your Belmont Anderson Podiatrist, but if in the early stages; vicks vapor rub can provide relief and often a cure if the ingrown toenail hasn’t had a chance to take root. The menthol can cut down on healing time and act as a pain reliever. Other home remedies include apple cider vinegar and Epson salt foot baths.
Podiatrist Treatments for Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Bunions, Hammer Toe, Ingrown Toenails & Diabetic Foot Care in Las Vegas Nevada
If you are experiencing foot problems associated with these conditions or if you are experiencing pain and discomfort that is affecting your ability to enjoy your daily activities, there is a solution. Contact the professional podiatrists at Belmont Anderson Podiatry to schedule your appointment today. Our knowledgeable staff can provide a treatment protocol to pamper and treat your feet to keep you healthy and happy so you can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities with family and friends.