They support us all day and yet we take very little care. Our feet, too often abused, hidden in our shoes a good part of the year, can however be at the origin of a long list of evils and discomforts.
To prevent and possibly heal, the UFSP (French Union for Foot Health) is proposing this May 7, on the occasion of the 16th World Foot Health Day, free scans and advice provided by chiropodists in 30 cities in France.
Mycosis, corns, hallux valgus: common plantar pathologies
Foot pain is numerous. They can be related to the nail (fungal infections), skin (horns, calluses, dishydrosis ), muscles (tendonitis) or joints (hallux valgus, toe claw).
The pathologies of the nail are multiple. The best known are those of the ingrown toenail and mycosis. This is a mushroom, which can appear in case of lack or excess of hygiene (yes, yes, it is possible). It causes redness, itching and sometimes leads the skin to peel.
The skin of our feet can also suffer because of our shoes.
Another star of our plantar problems: the horns. They mainly concern women, especially those who wear heels. They are due to a thickening of the skin, caused by a friction between the foot and the shoe or by a disorder of the static, like the calluses (which one finds on the soles of the feet). "To eliminate them, it is better to consult a specialist, so that he can give advice of footwear, exercises to improve statics or orthotics adapted," says Djamel Bouhabib, chiropodist and president of the UFSP.
No, having a sore foot is not normal
Often trivialized or simply put on the account of a long day, foot pain is not to be taken lightly, warns the UFSP. "All pains must alert. They may be due to osteoarthritis, tendonitis. No pain or even change of color of the foot should be left out, "warns the doctor.
Do not be afraid to consult. A foot disorder does not necessarily lead to surgery. "It is used in case of last resort, because a foot operated leads to a modified statics. For some problems, we prefer to advocate weight loss, a reduction of heel height, a suitable shoe, massage, rehabilitation or nocturnal restraints, "says Dr. Bouhabib. Maybe it will be just a matter of prescribing soles in case of static disorder causing bad postures or to remove some of your pain.
The importance of changing shoes
Being comfortable in his sneakers is the beginning of happiness. Especially for our feet. But all shoes (shoes, ballerinas, sandals ...) are they worth?
"No shoe is to be avoided, provided you do not wear the same every day. The ideal is to shoot with four or five pairs, but with two in a pinch that's good too. If you always wear the same pair, the perspiration will impregnate the shoe, and the heel will be too damaged and lead to knee pain, "said Djamel Bouhabib.
A flat, however, for flip-flops and clappers, to limit. Indeed, this type of shoes, very flat, does not respect the natural arch of the female body. We therefore advise women to always favor a small heel of less than three centimeters.
To choose your shoes, beyond the latest fashion trends, it is advisable to check if the toes can move, if the sole is soft and thick enough and if the laces are quality. It is also recommended to favor the leather, to allow a flexible movement of the foot.
Combine hygiene, care, and daily hydration
To avoid certain pains or skin disorders, it is important to take care of your feet at home.
And the most important ritual is that of the shower. Dr. Bouhabib recalls that one must "wash one's feet every day and prefer showers to prolonged baths. A foot bath is not more than five minutes, and with lukewarm or cold water, especially not hot. Especially, when going out, you must dry your feet carefully, without forgetting to pass between the toes and on the nails. In the presence of moisture, ingrown toenails, fungal infections and hyperhydrosis disorders appear ยป.
For nail cutting, it should be done regularly and in square form. The edges can be slightly rounded with a file in case of discomfort in the sock or shoe.
To have soft , callus-free skin , experts recommend taking the time once a week to sand down the heels. And if possible, apply a moisturizer every night, emphasizing all areas (except between the toes, already naturally wet area!).
Podiatry, a forgotten medicine
If for fifty years, the use of the toothbrush and the importance of oral hygiene have become rooted in our societies, it is clear that our feet, as important as they are, remain them great forgotten. "The teeth are visible. For most people, they discover their feet in spring and summer. The rest of the year, they are hidden in the shoes, "says the podiatrist.
Not to mention that at the moment, the Health Insurance reimburses little foot care (excluding diabetic patients). To compensate, for their part, the mutual offer a support more and more interesting.
The right tempo to prevent foot problems? Consult a chiropodist once a year. Promised, your whole body will tell you thank you.
