Sort painful problems

These common complaints can be easily treated…

SLIPPERS OR FLIPFLOPS MAY MAKE PLANTAR FASCIITIS WORSE.

BUNIONS

Bunions occur when the joint of the big toe develops sideways, causing the toe to tilt towards other toes on the foot. Hereditary factors may also determine how prone you are to bunions.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Your plantar fascia is the band of tissue running from your heel to middle foot bones. Inflammation of this tissue causes heel pain that’s worse in the morning. Common causes are weight gain, standing on hard surfaces, unsupportive shoes and inactivity.

CORNS AND CALLUSES

Corns are small circular areas of thickened skin that develop on the sole of your foot or on the tops or sides of toes. Calluses are rough areas of skin anywhere on your foot or the rest of your body, that are hard and often yellow in colour.

SORT IT

✣ Narrow shoes and heels make bunions worse – go for an adjustable strap fastening instead.

✣ Paracetamol can provide pain relief. ✣ A podiatrist may recommend surgery if it impacts on daily life.

SORT IT

✣ Apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes, daily. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, can also relieve pain and inflammation.

✣ Gently pull your toes towards you until you feel a stretch in the foot arch. Hold for 30 seconds; repeat six times.

SORT IT

✣ Change your footwear to redistribute the pressure.

✣ Apply moisturiser often to prevent skin from hardening.

✣ Use a pumice stone or a foot file to remove hard skin. A podiatrist can also remove corns and calluses painlessly using a scalpel.