Your feet are an integral part of your everyday life, and as such they experience a lot of wear and tear. In fact, it’s estimated that you’ll likely have walked 75,000 miles by the age of 50.
Because of all this use, chances are you’ll develop several foot problems throughout your life. Keep reading to find out how to identify and treat common foot problems.
Common foot problems
Why do my feet hurt?
Athlete’s foot
Itchy, stinging, and burning feet and toes may be signs of athlete’s foot. This contagious condition appears after you make contact with fungus, usually in wet environments such as locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools.
You may also experience foot blisters, crumbly toenails, and cracked, dry, and raw skin on your feet.
The condition can sometimes be difficult to treat. Start with an over-the-counter (OTC) product. You may need a doctor’s prescription to clear up severe athlete’s foot. Learn more about athlete’s foot.
Blisters
Raised pockets of fluid on your feet are known as blisters. This painful condition can be caused by walking or standing for long periods of time, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or having sweaty feet.
Generally, blisters aren’t a serious condition and can be treated at home. Try to let the blister heal naturally and give yourself relief by applying a bandage over it for comfort. Only drain the blister yourself when necessary and do it with the proper sterile equipment. If you choose to drain a blister, make sure to keep it covered with a bandage and antibiotic ointment as it heals.
Discuss persistent blisters or blisters accompanied by flu-like symptoms with your doctor. Learn more about blisters.
