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Blisters are caused by friction against the
skin. Make sure that shoes fit properly. Socks should act as a
cushioning agent (a cotton-acrylic combination is best); wear a clean,
dry pair for each workout. Cover any "hot spots" on your feet with
petroleum jelly to reduce friction, or protect them with moleskin. Cover
small blisters with a sterile gauze pad. Puncture very large ones at the
edge with a sterilized needle, clean with antiseptic, blot with sterile
gauze, and cover with a gauze pad. Leave the top of the blister on;
pulling it off can cause a serious infection.
Calluses and corns don't always hurt, but large, hardened
ones can be painful under pressure. A podiatrist can file or cut them
down, and you can soften callus-prone areas with body lotion. Rubbing
corns with pumice stone or the fine side of an emery board after a bath
is also effective. Covering the surrounding area with pads or moleskin
relieves pressure. Never try to remove corns with a razor blade.
Structural abnormalities that cause blisters, calluses, and other
problems can be corrected with pads or inserts; see a podiatrist for
advice.
Bunions are usually hereditary, but the pounding of vigorous
exercise can make these painful bony protrusions worse. People with
moderate bunions can get by with shoes that are wide in the forefoot and
socks with good cushioning. Most doctors recommend surgery for bunions
only if they're very painful.
Nails can become painful if they repeatedly push into the front
of your shoe during exercise. There should be at least a quarter inch of
space between your longest toe and the shoe. Cut toenails straight
across, and long enough to protect the toes. Rounding or picking at the
nails can cause them to become ingrown.
Athlete's foot is a fungal growth that can often be prevented.
Wash and dry feet thoroughly after exercising or whenever they sweat
profusely. Wear shoes of natural materials, such as canvas and leather,
that let feet "breathe." Air them (ideally for 2 days) between wearings
and sprinkle foot powder inside to promote dryness. Avoid contact with
flooring in gyms (wear rubber-thong sandals or the new "aqua sock"-type
shoes). Over-the-counter antifungal powder (with tolnaftate) is
effective when sprinkled between the toes; for stubborn, painful cases,
a dermatologist may prescribe a more potent antifungal cream.
Cramps are a common problem. To minimize them, curl your toes and
flex your feet throughout the day. Massaging your feet after a workout
or rubbing them over a rolling pin or a ball can ease sore muscles and
prevent stiffness. But if you feel sharp pain or see redness or
swelling, the muscle may be pulled or sprained. Stay off the foot as
much as possible, apply ice, and see a doctor if the pain doesn't
diminish within a few days.
Source: Reader's Digest: The Good Health Fact Book
Disclaimer: All the information on this page is strictly
provided for informational purposes to better educate yourself only. It is
not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other
medical professional. Do not use the information contained herein for
diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any
medication.
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