Foot Care
(previously published in The Experts Magazine)
Hooray for the feet! They carry us though the day, sometimes fast, sometimes slow and sometimes standing still. Whatever speed we choose, our feet support us faithfully, and all they ask in return is a little care. Hence, the pedicure, a word derived from the Latin word “ped” meaning foot and “cura” meaning care.
Having a regular pedicure can prevent some very common foot problems such as calluses and ingrown toenails. A callus is a hard growth of the outer layer of skin caused by repeated friction or pressure. A callus usually has a protective function; it prevents damage to the skin and underlying tissues. It is very common to have calluses on the heel and edge of the foot from wearing sandals. Athletes will often have them on the balls of the feet resulting from sliding in the runner. Calluses can be found on the toes if the shoe doesn’t fit properly and continually rubs. Therefore, check your foot-wear carefully for proper fit to reduce the chance of recurring calluses.
Treatment involves a hot soak to soften the skin. Then sand the calluses down with a foot file and slather on an oil-based cream. (It is important to apply extra oil to the foot as there are no oil glands on the soles of the feet.) This must be done on a regular basis, as calluses tend to recur. Don’t attempt to cut them off by using a callus remover. If you shave too close, you may draw blood and cause even greater problems. Leave the nasty calluses to a podiatrist; a physician that specializes in the feet.
Another very common foot ailment is the ingrown nail. This is a condition in which the sides of the nail are extremely curved and grow into the nail groove (the skin fold which runs along the side of the nail.) An ingrown nail of the big toe results from a combination of sweaty feet, tight shoes, and incorrect cutting. Make sure that your shoes are roomy enough at the toes. When cutting the toenails, do not cut deeply into the corners to make it curved. Instead, cut straight across and not too short. If the nail is left more square at the corner, it can often relieve the condition. If there is chronic pain and infection, see a podiatrist.
Regular care of the feet can alleviate many minor ailments for both women and men. When doing a man’s pedicure, we simply omit the nail polish. Every 3-4 weeks, treat yourself to a professional pedicure; your feet will feel great and be happy to carry you where-ever you may go. Keep those feet happy!