Read on to know more about 5 common foot conditions that can be easily prevented through timely and proper care.

Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection that usually develops on the soles of the feet and in between the toes. Itchy, dry, scaling skin are common signs. If the condition worsens, inflammation, cracks, and blisters may occur.

Athlete’s Foot can be easily prevented by –
• keeping your feet dry
• changing your socks frequently
• wearing shoes in public facilities, such as locker rooms

Plantar Fasciitis
A thick band of tissue – plantar fascia – stretches from the heel to the toes. Plantar fascia supports the muscles and arch of your foot. Too much stress on Plantar fascia can cause it to overstretch, causing small tears that lead to pain and inflammation. This is common in athletes and active individuals, especially those who don’t wear well-fitting shoes to the gym.

Plantar fasciitis can be prevented by wearing shoes that provide good arch support and avoid stretching of the plantar fascia.

Nail Fungus
Nail fungus often begins as a skin infection, the athlete’s foot. As the fungus enters deeper into the nail, it may cause discoloration, thickening, and crumbling nails. Walking barefoot in public places is a common way the fungus reaches the skin. See a podiatrist right away to ensure the fungal infection can be treated quickly.

Nail fungus can be easily prevented by wearing shoes in public areas, such as locker rooms and around swimming pools.

Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenail usually affects the great toe.The corner or side of the nail starts growing into the skin and flesh of the toe. This can irritate the surrounding soft tissue, causing pain, redness, swelling, and in some cases, infection.

You can avoid ingrown toenails by cutting your nails straight across. After cutting, file your toenails to smooth out the edges.

However, if you already have an ingrown toenail, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist.

Plantar Warts
Warts are thickened and elevated skin growths that may develop because of the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Warts may develop anywhere, but commonly occur on areas of direct pressure under the foot, such as the ball of the foot and the heel. If hard and thick calluses grow over the warts, they may start growing inwards and becoming even more painful.

You can prevent plantar warts by not walking barefoot in public places. And if you already have a plantar wart, it is best to see a podiatrist to have it treated immediately since these warts can be contagious.

If you are looking for the best foot and ankle specialist in Phoenix, Arizona, call Oasis Foot and Ankle Center at 602-993-2700 right away.