Banishing Foot Pain Once And For All

Although itching and blistery feet may be a sign of Athlete’s foot, those who have constant numbness or tingling in their feet may be suffering from a condition known as peripheral neuropathy.   This is the general term given to disorders that affect the body’s peripheral nerves. 

The peripheral nervous system is comprised of nerves that spread from the spinal cord to various parts of the body.  This nervous system is responsible for motor and sensory nerves; the nerves that help us move and feel.  When a peripheral nerve is damaged, the affected area (particularly the lower extremities) may become increasingly numb or hyper sensitive (sensory nerve) and/or weak or paralyzed (motor nerves).  Either one or both sets of nerves can be affected.

Peripheral neuropathy that affects the feet is most common in people with diabetes, and in those who inherit the condition from their parent - hereditary neuropathy.   However, foot neuropathy isn’t limited to these groups.  It can occur in anyone.

The most common symptoms of foot neuropathy involving the sensory nerve include:
• Pain – sharp, stabbing or electric
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning or freezing sensation
• Lack of feeling

If the motor nerves are damaged in the feet, a person may experience weakness or paralysis, which can cause the muscles to waste due to the fact that they are no longer working as they should.

There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy.  Therefore, without proper foot care, the feet of an infected person are in danger of blisters, thickened calluses and cuts that can lead to ulcers.  Ulcers need to be looked after to prevent an infection that can lead to amputation.

Approximately 15% of people with neuropathic feet will develop foot ulcers that become infected.  However, amputation can be prevented in 80% of cases by practicing daily foot care such as:

• Thoroughly wash and dry feet
• Inspect the bottom of your feet upon waking up and before going to bed. 
•  Look for redness, blisters or cuts. 
•  Touch your feet.  If one feels particularly hot, this could be a sign that a bone is broken.  Seek your doctor’s attention immediately. 
•  A callus is a sign that an extreme amount of pressure is being forced upon a particular area of your foot.  Almost all ulcers begin as a callus.   The most common callus areas are the big toe and the ball of the foot.  If you have calluses consult your podiatrist on ways to relieve the pressure.
•  If you see openings in the foot or there is blood under the surface of the skin, see your doctor right away.
• Wear shoes that have lots of room.  Tight shoes cause pressure and cause and ulcer.  Have a qualified pedorthist (shoe specialist) fit shoes to your feet.
• Take a walk.  Walking helps increase the flow of blood to your feet.  This reduces the chance of ulcers and infection.  Note: stay off your feet if you have an ulcer.
• Foot stretches help improve circulation.
People with neruopathic feet should refrain from:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Walking barefoot
• Soaking feet
• Wearing shoes without socks
• Wearing flip-flops or slip-on shoes
• Sleeping with ankles crossed
• Cutting calluses or corns
• Cutting toenails (a podiatrist or pedicurist should do this for you)

If you are experiencing tingling or numbness in your feet, see your doctor to get your feet checked out.  He or she will be able to refer you to the right specialist to help you treat and monitor your condition.

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Banish Foot Pain Once and For All

Athlete’s foot is a fungal disease that affects the foot, particularly the area of the skin present between the toes where moisture is highly present.  The fungus that causes athlete’s foot almost always targets the feet due to the fact that feet are often enclosed in shoes.  Shoes provide a warm, moist and dark environment - perfect fungus growing conditions. 

In addition, public locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools are prime fungus breeding grounds.  Thus, this is how the term “athlete’s foot” came into play, because the fungal disease was common among athletes who frequently used the above mentioned facilities.

Who is prone to athlete’s foot?  Anyone can develop a case of athlete’s foot if they don’t take proper care to ensure the cleanliness of their feet.   Those who have excessively sweaty feet and those who don’t regularly change their socks are more prone to the condition than others.  It is a fact that many people who develop athlete’s foot already had a present case of the fungus on their skin prior to infection.  All it takes is a crack or bruise to allow the fungus to enter into the skin.

The most common symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
• Dry and itchy skin
• Scaly skin
• Inflammation
• Blisters

Blisters usually crack the skin and break.  When blisters burst, small raw patches of tissue become exposed and cause pain and swelling in the infected area.  If the infection is allowed to spread, symptoms of itching and burning will likely increase.

Athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails and the soles of the feet.  It can even spread to other parts of the body (especially the groin and underarms) if a person scratches the infected area and then touches other parts of their body. 

Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be passed to others through infected bed sheets, clothing, showers, pools, and directly touching the body.

Athlete’s foot can be treated with out the assistance of a doctor if a person has a mild infection.  A mild case of athlete’s foot can be cured by keeping the affected area clean and dry.  This means frequently bathing the feet and carefully cleaning between the toes. Washing should be followed by thoroughly drying in-between the toes.   It also helps to frequently change socks and keep feet dry by dusting the inside of shoes with foot power.

Should a case of Athlete’s foot worsen, or fail to go away after natural treatment, you should go to your doctor or podiatrist for help.  Your doctor will be able to determine if your problem is fungus-related, or is the result of another condition such as an allergic reaction to shoe dye or adhesive, psoriasis or eczema.   If athlete’s foot is diagnosed, you will be prescribed topical or oral antifungal medications to clear it up.

Although you may not be able to stop your feet from coming into contact with athlete’s foot, you can prevent an infection from occurring by following these tips - Note: these tips can also help you treat an infection

• Wash your feet every day with soap and water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• If you are using a public shower, wear shower shoes
• Use quality foot powder to decrease foot perspiration
• Wear light and well ventilated shoes
• Change shoes regularly
• Wear socks that help to keep your feet dry.  A good material is cotton as it helps your feet breath.
• Change socks regularly, especially if you sweat excessively

For more information on all varieties of Foot Pain and how to effectively treat them, please visit:
Foot Pain Relief