Our feet are definetely the most ignored and badly treated part of the body. Let's admit it that most of us probably do not think about our feet until they start complaining. If you have been neglecting your feet lately, decide immediately to rectify the mistake. Make it a point to give your feet all the extra care they deserve to make up for the years of neglect. If you ignore to deal with your feet problems now, they can become worse and even turn serious in course of time. Well shaped and soft feet are beauty assets which are in total display in those sexy strappy sandals. But for the good health of your feet, it is necessary to keep them in good shape throughout the year. Here are a few random tips to keep your feet in pristine condition.

* Regularly soak feet in warm water to which 2 tbspns of Epsom Salt have been thrown in. Leave your feet immersed in this solution for 15 mins.

* Daily abrassion is the key to soft smooth feet, use a pumice stone or foot file daily during bath.

* Scrubbing is another important aspect in foot care. Take a tspn of oil, vegetable/olive/almond oil, and add some sea salt and gently scrub your feet for about 5-10 mins. Wash off while bathing.

* Apply foot cream liberally at night before retiring. If foot creams donot work for you, mix together 2 tbspns of lemon juice and 1 1/2 tbspns of glycerin a small bottle and massage into your feet every night. Wear cotton socks and see how well moisturised they are.

* in a basin of hot water, add a tbspn of mustard oil and soak your feet in it for 15 mins. Step under the tap and allow cold water to run over your feet. This is great for relaxing your feet.

* Massage a couple of drrops of almond oil into your feet, you can also add almond oil to your regular foot cream for added benefits.

That's it for now, hope you enjoy reading this post. Thank you and have a great time :)

Continued from Part I

Ingrown Toe Nails:- As the name suggests, the toe nails curve inwards and grow towards the flesh causing considerable pain.

Cause:- Incorrect technique of cutting and filling toe nails. Tight, closed shoes also cause the nails to turn under and grow.

Treatment:-

Ingrown Toe nail in its initial stages can be eased by placing a cotton gauze between the nail and the skin.

Take professional help

Varicose veins:- Enlarged, twisted and green colored swollen veins are known as varicose veins. These can be found on legs.

Cause:- It is caused by sedentary occupation, obesity, poor circulation or the use of extremely tight clothing.

Treatment:-

* Elevate your legs by resting on a couple of pillow

* Vitamin E reduces susceptibility to varicose veins

* A diet of Vitamin B and C helps to build strong muscles

* Adequate leg and foot exercise is advisable

Excessive Perspiration:- This is classified by one of the most common foot problems. The foul smell that emanates from your feet can be a source of embarrassment and uneasiness.

Causes:- The sweat glands do not function well. Sweat combines with bacteria and decomposition sets in.

Treatment:-

* Footbath as often as possible

* Frequent changing of socks and footwear can combat this problem to a certain extent

* Dust foot with alum powder

* Use foot powder and foot spray as and when required

Dry, Tough Feet:- If you posses dry, tough feet, you are lacking in exercise and proper foot care.

Treatment:-

* Footbaths are essential, follow it up with a generous application of cream

* At bed time, massage in a rich foot cream and don on a pair of old socks

* Exercise your feet regularly to improve circulation

Flat Footedness:- Feet that are absolutely flat without any arch whatsoever can be quite ugly.

Treatment:-

* Exercise can help improve the arch of your foot

* Stand on tip toe and heave your entire body on your toes and lower. Start off 10 times and gradually increase

**All images are taken from google**

                                                                                                                                    To be continued....

Also read Part I & Part III

          

           

Negligence of your feet will soon project itself with painful, hard skin problem feet. Let's take a look at the common foot problems, their causes and remedial treatment.


Bunions:- Bunions are characterised by the painful thickening of skin. The big toe bends towards the other toes forming a painful lump on the side of the foot.


Cause:- It is basically caused by the use of ill-fitting, pointed footwear.


Treatment:-

* Combine equal parts of iodine and castor oil on the bunions for temporary relief.

* Use a soothing lotion/gel for relief. Aloe vera is good for this problem.



* Consult your Chiropodist

CORNS

Corns:- A painful thickening of the skin that can be recognized by its raised central core and red cuticles.


Cause:- It is caused by tight footwear and their continual pressure against your feet causes friction and irritation that leads to the formation of corns.


Treatment:-

* Use a corn cap. A corn cap helps o loosen the hard centre of the corn.

* Dip a cotton bud into pure, undiluted lemon juice and keep on the corn. Saturate and rub gently a couple of times.

* Apply fresh orange peel paste to the hard corn skin. It helps to soften the skin in a short period of time.

* Can be removed surgically.

CALLUSES

Calluses:- Thick, hard patches of skin found on the palms of hands and soles of feet are called callus.


Causes:- It is caused by regular pressure or friction in that particular spot.


Treatment:-


* Slough off dead cells with a pumice stone/foot scrubber and massage in some castor oil.

* After bath, massage in some lanolin or lanolin based cream.

* Calluses are said to be effectively scrubbed away with an almond scrub.

* Apply warm olive oil to the callus and massage well for sometime.

* Equal quantities of glycerine, lemon juice and orange peel powder to be mixed well and applied for 1/2 an hour before scrubbing off

* Mix together castor oil and lemon juice and apply on the calluses to soften it.

CHILBLAINS

Chilblains:- Chilblains are recognised by the red, itchy, irritating sensation near the heels and soles.


Cause:- It is caused by extremely cold weather or bad circulation of blood in the foot region.


Treatment:-


* Soak feet in warm soapy water 10-15 mins. Rinse well and apply rich olive oil and massage well.

* Epsom salt foot bath is also beneficial

* Apply soothing lotions/gels like Aloe Vera.

ATHLETE'S FOOT

Athlete's Foot:- Athlete's Foot is a fungal infection, which is found to be highly contagious. The fungus manifests itself between and under the toe region.


Cause:- Excess moisture between toes causes the skin to split and blister.

Treatment:-
* Make it a point to keep the region between your toes always dry.

* Use anti-fungal solution like Suthol or a powder like Neosporin Powder.

* Change socks regularly

* Use a separate towel for your feet


* Discard socks and towels used, once you have been cured.

* In extreme cases, consult your doctor.




** All images are taken from random google search**


Also read Part II & Part III