The unit is coordinated by Dr. María José Peiró, a family medicine specialist with more than 10 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Master in Nutrition and Dietetics.
The foot is one A complex structure that supports the entire weight of the body Throughout the day, it even quadruples when we run.
These limbs are composed of 33 joints, 26 bones, 19 muscles and 107 ligaments. They may be overloaded and disordered, and should be prevented and treated in time to avoid larger problems.
warning sign
Here are some symptoms of the most common foot problems:
Stink
In summer, Excessive sweating due to heat and humidity This means that it is possible to increase bacteria The cause of this discomfort disorder and promotes infections such as athlete’s foot.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is also characterized by foul smell and may be related to Metabolic problems, hormonal changes, or eating too many processed foods.
A podiatrist will help determine the source of this symptom and prescribe a prescription accordingly Bactericidal or antibacterial drugs And we are instructed to maintain adequate hygiene to eliminate bad odors.
Hardness and calluses
Due to the constant friction and pressure between the foot skin and the shoes, these hard, lumpy layer This can cause discomfort when walking. These conditions are treated with a chiropodia consultation, where the podiatrist uses specific tools to file and reduce them.
Women suffer four times more foot problems than men from wearing high heels and narrow-toed shoes.
pain
It can come from a variety of sources and the podiatrist must determine it.Common causes of this symptom are Plantar fasciitis. This is inflammation of the fascia, the tissue within the sole of the foot, and is more common in overweight people and athletes.
he pain and tingling The condition that occurs on the inside of the heel when pedaling may be due to heel spurs, which are the result of calcification in this area of the foot.In both cases, treatment is usually based on Anti-inflammatory medications and the use of orthotics and exerciseand other measures.
nail problems
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection Occurs in the toenails and manifests as thickening of the toenails and White or yellow spots appear. It is crucial to visit a podiatrist so that he or she can recommend appropriate treatment for ingrown toenails, which eventually become embedded in the skin.
Bunions
This deviation of the big toe can affect the rest of the toe and the structure of the foot and cause great discomfort. Narrow shoes can contribute to its appearance.In this case, the podiatrist can recommend specific footwearapply ice, and in extreme cases, perform finger-stretching surgery.
risk factors
structural pathology
Flat feet or little or no pronounced arch are two problems with the foot structure, cause instability Muscle discomfort when walking.
Likewise, those who have claw fingers, that is, when they shrink, foot discomfort is more likely to occur.In these cases it is more advisable to attend an annual check-up with a podiatrist who will provide appropriate treatment e.g. Use of templates or specialized footwear.
impact sports
Some physical activities where jumping or running can overwork the feet due to fatigue. Influence.To avoid this, it is recommended to do this beforehand Biomechanical study of footprintswhich corrects imbalances that may lead to muscle and joint injury and pain.
diabetes
People with diabetes may lack adequate irrigation Lower limb and nerve damage Thereby reducing the sensitivity of the feet. A visit to a podiatrist will help prevent skin lesions that are more common in these people.
age
People over 65 are most likely to suffer from foot problems, which over time They become deformed and require more attention and care to avoid discomfort and falls.
best prevention
a good pair of shoes
The best thing for your feet is to wear Shoes with a wider toe area and made of breathable material. Synthetic materials make it difficult for sweat to evaporate, which encourages bacterial growth.
annual audit
Taking your feet to a specialist at least once a year will help keep your feet under control foot health. In addition to the elderly, children are also advised to visit a podiatrist regularly.
Pay attention to foot care in summer
You have to take care of this part of your body year-round, but even more so in the heat and sun.
1. Hygiene
in order to avoid illness and injury It is important to wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap.You can also give them a bath cold water to relieve the feeling of heaviness.
2. Dry
Don’t forget to dry thoroughly afterward, paying special attention to moisture between your fingers to avoid moisture buildup that can encourage the appearance of fungus.
3. Moisturizing
it’s important Moisturize them with creams, oils and masks Specifically for feet, you can find products in gel form to help you prevent breakage and hardness.
4. Cut nails
It is recommended to cut them in straight lines and not make them too long or too short. Remember, as you get older, Nails become thick and hardwhich can make pedicures difficult and lead to ingrowns.
5. Exercise your feet
With suitable shoes, Practice some exercise every day help Activate blood circulation in feet And take care of them inside.