Foot Pain/Itch

The problem
You have pain, itching, swelling , or irritation in one or both of your feet.

Causes of Foot Pain and Itch
Athlete’s foot. Your foot or feet sting, itch, and burn, especially between and underneath your third, fourth, and fifth toes. Your skin is also reddened, cracked, scaly, and transmitted by contact in public showers, locker rooms, and swimming areas, or by sharing towels or footwear with someone who has the fungal infection. It is not serious, but it can be very uncomfortable.

Morton’s neuroma. You have burning pain and cramping above your third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma usually affects women who wear tight shoes.

Calcaneal spur. You have an overgrowth of the heel bone that places pressure on the other structures in the heel, that may result in irritation. It may be associated with plantar fascitis.

Plantar warts. You have small lumps with one or more little black dots in the middle , on the bottom of your foot or feet. They are contagious and may cause pain..

Self-Care Measures

• If you have athlete’s foot, good foot hygiene is crucial. Wash your feet up to 4 times a day with warm water and soap, and dry them thoroughly using a hair dryer set on its coolest setting. Put on clean cotton socks. Allow your feet to air out as often as possible, and wear only shoes that let your feet breathe. (Avoid plastic shoes or shoes that are lined with plastic.) use an over-the-counter antifungal lotion or cream. Use antifungal powder during the day when you must wear shoes and socks, and antifungal cream at night.
• If a corn or callus is the cause.
• If you have Morton’s neuroma, wearing wider and flatter shoes and simply massaging your foot usually provide relief.
• If plantar warts are the cause.
• Use orthotic-type arch supports, heel cushion, and foot exercises along with an ice massage after being on feet.

Prevention

• Many foot problems are caused by wearing shoes that are too tight,, and they can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit comfortably. If you’re not certain that your shoes are the right size for you, have your feet professionally measured at a shoe store. If your feet tend to swell as the day goes on have your foot measured in the morning, and elevate your feet throughout the day whenever possible, especially during hot weather. Limit your intake of salt. Be sure to have your feet remeasured after having a baby; you’re likely to find that they’re grown by at least a half size!
• To prevent athlete’s food, keep your feet as clean and dry as possible. If you’re treating a plantar wart or a case of athlete’s foot, wear slippers, shower sandals, or socks around the house and locker room to prevent transmission of the infection to other.