Aches and pains in the feet that are not due to inflamed corns, bunions or other skin conditions are signs that something mechanical is amiss. This could be as simple as poorly fitting shoes, or could point to the misalignment of the ligaments, joints or bones in your feet. Often, misalignment of the foot structures also leads to ankle, knee or back pain.

If you experience aches and pains when standing or walking, you may want to schedule an appointment with your family doctor or a podiatrist (foot doctor), to determine the cause of the pain. If the discomfort is due to a mechanical problem in the foot, you would be wise to wear an orthotic device designed for the specific condition. New Profoot™ Harmony™ Arch Supports, for example, help keep feet in proper alignment, relieving arch, knee and lower back pain.

Bunions
Bunions arise when the joints of the big toe become misaligned, causing the toe to slant inwards. The actual bunion is a swollen, inflamed area over the protruding joint, which can cause considerable pain. While the condition usually results from the constant pressure of shoes that are too narrow in the toe area, bunions also occur in people who rarely wear footwear. Ballet dancers and gymnasts often develop bunions due to the extreme pressure placed on the big toes. Bunions usually respond well to orthotic devices. In extreme cases, surgery may be required. New in the realm of bunion treatment are Profoot™ Vita-Gel™ Toe Spacers. These flexible gel devices align the toes and reduce bunion pain.

Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the corners or sides of the nail dig into the skin. The condition can give rise to extreme pain due to inflammation of the skin on either side of the affected nail. Ingrown toenails most often result from improper trimming of the nails, or from wearing shoes that are too tight. Sometimes, they result from a fungal infection. Women are far more likely to develop the condition than men as a result of wearing high heels.

Soaking ingrown toenails in warm soapy water and drying well can often provide relief.

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by trimming the nails straight across and by wearing well-fitting, low-heeled shoes with ample space for the toes.

Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin caused by excessive pressure or friction. When the thickening occurs on the top of the foot, it is called a corn, and when on the bottom, the term callus is used. Women in particular are prone to corns, since high heels force the toes downward into the front of the shoe, creating pressure. Other causes of pressure are socks that are too tight, bony prominences that rub against footwear, and gait abnormalities that give rise to pressure on specific areas of the foot.

Corns and calluses may also occur between the toes, and on the sides and top of the foot. The thickened skin is the body’s way of protecting the foot from injury.

Corns are generally unpleasant to look at, and are often painful. Occasionally, when the pressure continues, the body will view the corn as a foreign body. This may give rise to an ulcer, which can be a serious complication for people with poor circulation or diabetes.

To prevent corns and calluses, it is important to reduce or remove pressure on the affected area. New Profoot™ Vita-Gel™ Corn Removers with salicylic acid moisturize and remove corns comfortably, conveniently and safely. They are washable and may be used repeatedly.

If you have diabetes, or a circulatory disorder, you should not use products containing salicylic acid. Instead, you should contact your doctor for a professional assessment of the condition and recommendations for treatment.  Profoot™ Vita-Gel™ Corn Removers are also available in a salicylate-free format.

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