Can Shoes Cause Foot Fungal Infections?

Our day-to-day activities are incomplete without involving the foot’s parts like the toes, heel, and ball. The foot is capable of handling tons of loads every day. We all wear shoes to keep our feet safe. It protects us from external damage, but sometimes feet suffer damage due to footwear.

Generally, we don’t take care of our feet as much as we do other body parts. But the pain can get worse in the future. However, these initial foot problems usually happen because of the wrong footwear. Although there is no perfect definition of "wrong footwear," you can just say that footwear that doesn’t fit you and causes pain and discomfort can be termed “bad footwear."

Know More - How to Choose the Right Pair of Shoes?

Now it’s time to take the pain seriously. We have enlisted the top 7 common foot problems and the most redeemable treatment to recover them.

1. Blisters

It is the most common foot problem. It occurs due to friction in almost any new footwear, like sneakers, sports shoes, sandals, etc. It occurs when footwear is worn for a long period. It can also occur when the footwear becomes sweaty and ill-fitted.

Treatments for blisters

• Use Band-Aids on the feet where there is friction. Petroleum jelly can also be used to minimise friction and prevent blisters and shoe bites. Apply it to your heels, ankles, and the back of your feet and toes.
• Don’t buy ill-fitting footwear.
• Use powder inside the footwear; this will make the insides smooth and soft and prevent your feet from getting blisters.

2. Corns and Calluses

They are the thick and hardened layer of skin on the soles of the feet. It is caused due to uncomfortable footbed. Due to friction, the skin thickens. It appears when the skin attempts to defend itself from friction or pressure. They may become uncomfortable after being initially painless. It should be medically treated. It can develop from other foot problems too.

Treatments for corns and calluses

• A better insole can be used.
• Corn plasters can also be used.
• Consult a doctor in the initial stages.

3. Heel Bone Pain

It is the inflammation of plantar fasciitis that is the reason behind heel pain. This ligament supports the arch of the feet. This usually happens to people with flat feet, who are obese and wear poorly fitted footwear.

Treatments for heel bone pain

• Wearing properly fitted footwear
• High arch footwear for flat feet people.
• Rubbing ice on the inflamed area.
• Stretching the feet before and after exercise
• Consulting a doctor

4. Shoe Bite

A shoe bite is the result of friction from rubbing against your shoe. It is a painful area on your foot. You can prevent shoe bites by buying the footwear of perfect size and not wearing ill-fitted footwear.

Treatments for shoe bites

• You can add a leather insole for a better grip.
• You can wear socks, use foot padding and petroleum jelly.
• Spray deodorants on the area which is more prone to shoe bites and blisters.

5. Ingrown Toe Nails

They are a result of wearing narrow footwear which has little toe space. An ingrown toenail usually develops on the thumb at the edge. The toenail grows into the flesh of your toe rather than lying flat on its nail bed. Ingrown toenails are painful. It causes swelling and infections.

Treatment for ingrown toenails

• Cut your nails daily
• Wear footwear which has good room for toe

Know more - How to cut your toenails to prevent an ingrown toenail?

6. Athlete’s Foot

It is a foot fungal infection that causes itching, burning, and scaling on the feet. It often affects the regions between the toes and the soles of the feet.

Treatments for athlete’s foot

• Keep your toes clean and dry
• Avoid water and dust
• Use antifungal creams or sprays
• If the condition worsens, see a doctor.

7. Bunions

They are common in women. They take place on the thumb, due to the pressure of wearing too much high heels and narrow footwear. It is a type of bump at the joint of the thumb.

Treatments for athlete’s foot

• Don’t wear too much high heels.
• Don’t wear narrow footwear.
• Rub ice at least for 10 minutes.

Know more - Different Types of Bunion surgery

Conclusion

Foot fungal infections are excruciatingly painful and disrupt your daily routines. However, we hope that after reading this article, you will have a better understanding of how to manage your common foot ailment. It is essential to seek medical attention if you are having foot pain or discomfort in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. You may also take safeguards by taking care of your feet on a daily basis.