The foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. It can sustain pressure up to three times the weight of the body and it provides the body with support, shock absorption, balance and mobility.

What is athlete’s foot and how can it be treated?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet. It primarily infects the skin between the toes, and may spread to the sole.

In addition to proper foot health and prescription medication, over-the-counter topical antifungals are effective agents for the treatment and prevention of athlete’s foot.

What are blisters and tender spots and how can they be treated?
A blister is a localized, often painful, swelling containing serum (watery fluid), and sometimes containing blood or pus, just beneath or within the skin’s surface.
Repetitive shoe friction and pressure can also create tender spots on the foot that are sore or painful to the touch. Tender spots do not include broken or blistered skin.

There are a wide variety of over-the-counter products available to treat and prevent blisters and to cushion blisters and tender spots.

What’s a bunion and how can it be treated?
A bunion is a bone deformity in which a re-angulated or enlarged big toe joint causes the big toe to angle toward the other toes. It can be caused by genetics, foot injury or loose joint movement and is often aggravated by shoes that force the side of the toe inward.

The first step in the treatment of bunion-related pain and discomfort involves protecting the bunion (or tender, enlarged joint) by padding or cushioning the bony prominence.

What is a corn and how can it be treated?
A corn is a thickening of the outer layer of the skin that develops in response to friction. There are two types of corns – hard corns (most common) and soft corns.

Hard corns are found on the top or tips of toes. Soft corns commonly known as “kissing corns”, are found between the toes. Corns can be painful.

Over-the-counter corn cushioning and remover products are very effective for the treatment of hard and soft corns.

What is a callus and how can it be treated?
Calluses are similar to corns but occur on the bottom of the foot or on the outer edge of the big toe or heel. Calluses are areas of skin that harden and thicken due to repeated pressure and friction; they are the body’s defence mechanism to protect the skin and structure that lie beneath it.

Although there is no limit to the size of calluses – they can cover the entire ball of the foot or the heel – they do not develop on the arch. The size of a callus often determines its severity; as a callus thickens, it can cause more pressure and become painful, especially if it develops a central core.

Over-the-counter treatments are very effective for the cushioning and removal of calluses.

What causes dry skin and how can it be treated?
Dry skin occurs when the body’s natural moisture is drawn out of the skin. Dry skin has a low level of sebum – the oil glands do not supply sufficient lubrication to the skin – and this causes the skin to dehydrate. There are many causes of dry skin, including environmental, medical and dietary factors. Dry skin on the feet is itchy, it feels rough and it results in chapping, cracking or fissuring of the skin. Dry skin is also more common as people age.

The best way to treat (and also prevent) dry skin is to restore the skin’s natural moisture balance. Footcare products can be used individually to target a specific dry skin problem or are recommended as part of a regular footcare regimen (soaking, exfoliating and moisturizing) to promote and maintain healthy feet.

Why should patients with diabetes be worried about their feet?
Patients with diabetes need to be especially concerned about the health of their feet. Diabetes may cause damage to nerves, leading to loss of ability to feel pain, heat and cold, especially to the feet. Decreased blood circulation and other diabetes-related conditions may also affect overall foot health. Patients with diabetes can develop minor cuts, blisters or pressure sores on their feet without even knowing it due to their loss of sensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, ulcerations and other complications can develop.

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