Those Aching Feet

Our feet carry us around day after day and we hardly give them a thought. We keep them busy always walking or running here and there. We sometimes stand on our feet for long periods of time until they ache so badly that we just can’t wait to sit down, kick our shoes off and prop up our weary feet. But the sad part is that we often neglect our feet and forget that they could use some pampering too.

We normally don’t think about the ailments that can affect our feet other than an occasional blister or ingrown toenail but one affliction that can affect our feet and cause quite a bit of discomfort is plantar warts. These growths are caused by a virus and they can be painful especially when they are on the soles of the feet. A few of them might not cause much discomfort but if they are more numerous, walking can become painful and uncomfortable. Children may be more prone to plantar warts because they are more likely to walk around barefoot but people of any age can develop them.

Although in many cases, warts have seemingly gone away on their own, it is best to see a podiatrist if they develop. A podiatrist is a physician that specializes in foot care and he or she can suggest the best course of treatment for the condition. The physician will discuss the various methods of treatment such as chemical, dry ice or electric current so that you may be able to determine what is best for you. You’ve probably heard of treatments such as burning or freezing employed in the removal of warts but these methods are not as dire as they sound.

My oldest son developed plantar warts on both feet when he was fifteen. He had more than just a couple of them; in fact, they were numerous enough to make walking and running difficult for him. It was even more disastrous since he was very active in sports and was on both the high school football and baseball teams. We took him to a podiatrist for a consultation and a few days later he was scheduled to have them removed.

Although he had to be off of his feet for several days and wear specialized shoes for a short time afterward, all went well with the procedure. My son was happy to be waited on and enjoyed having a legitimate reason to miss school but he didn’t like missing the games he could not participate in during his recuperation time.

Remember to treat your hardworking feet to some tender loving care. Pamper your feet by getting a pedicure, soaking them in a relaxing herbal footbath or giving them a nice massage with a soothing lotion. Don’t forget to make sure your shoes fit properly. Shoes that fit incorrectly can restrict blood flow, cause cramps, bunions, blisters and a host of painful maladies. Comfortable, healthy feet are a must so do yourself a favor and take care of your feet.