Happy Feet
Corns and calluses are relatively common foot conditions. When your foot is faced with friction or pressure, it has a defence mechanism that creates thick and hardened layers of skin as a protective measure. Anyone can get corns and calluses, but you can be especially prone to them due to certain conditions. Find out how you can deal with any of these pesky intruders that may come your way.
What You Need to Know
If you have an underlying health condition that is causing your corns or calluses, seek treatment from a medical doctor before attempting to clear up the problem on your own at home. Conditions in this category may include diabetes, or other illnesses that cause poor blood flow to your feet. But if you are healthy and free of medical conditions that would cause complications, go ahead and try the following remedies.
Foot Soak and Pumice Stone
You can attend to your feet regularly by setting up your own home foot spa. Soak your feet in hot water and soap until the skin is soft. You can add apple cider vinegar or Epsom salts if you wish. Next, use a pumice stone or foot file to rub the extra skin off. Continue reading
Bunions are hard bumps on the joint of the big toe’s base. They are often caused by your big toe pushing against the next toe. Bunions can be caused by various medical conditions, structural defects, tight shoes or other stress on the foot. Here is how to assess whether your bunions need to be treated or not.
What Does Medical Treatment Involve?
When someone chooses to treat their bunions, it is generally recommended as a last resort – when either the pain is too great to bear or it is interfering with an individual’s daily activities. Surgical options can include several methods, including removing bone, removing tissue, and realignment of bones. Recovery can take months, and surgery will likely interfere with a large time period of your life.
Shoe Inserts
Arch support and shoe inserts are one way of dealing naturally with bunions. It doesn’t take away the problem, but it minimizes the pain and discomfort. Inserts help to distribute weight more evenly and take the pressure off, allowing the bunion to keep from getting worse. There are over-the-counter arch supports available, as well as prescription orthotics. Continue reading
