A A +A
Jata

WELCOME TO OFFICIAL PORTAL
MYHEALTH MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

Foot Care

Foot has an important function to bear the body weight. A neglected foot will cause many foot problems. Foot problems will affect gait and body image

Why is foot care important?

  • Foot has an important function to bear the body weight
  • A neglected foot will cause many foot problems
  • Foot problems will affect gait and body image


“Shoes too tight”

What are the common foot problems?

Foot Problem
Causes And Description
Prevention/Treatment
Athlete’s foot
  • Caused by fungal and bacterial infection
  • Occurs if feet are in damp and warm environment
  • It appears red, blistered, peeling and itching
  • Anti fungal cream and/or anti bacterial cream
  • Keep feet clean and dry
  • Change your socks regularly
Dry/cracked skin
  • It causes itching, burning sensation and maybe painful
  • Use mild soap and moisturizers every day
Bunions
  • Caused by poor fitting shoes
  • Big toe joints become swollen and tender
  • Use shoes cut wide at the instep and toes
  • Use protective pads
Ingrown toenails
  • The corner of the nail grows downward into the skin causing a cut which can get infected
  • Common in the large toe
  • Proper (cut straight) and regular trimming of toe nails
  • Infected wounds should be treated by a doctor
Corns and calluses
  • Caused by continuous friction and pressure
  • Use good fitting shoes
  • Avoid high heels
  • See podiatrist or doctor
Wartst
  • Skin growth caused by virus
  • See doctor for treatment

What are the common causes of foot problems?

  • Disease
  • Ill fitting shoes
  • Years of wear and tear
  • Poor circulation
  • Improperly trimmed toenails

How should you care for your feet?

  • Check feet regularly
  • Practice good foot hygiene
  • Choose suitable shoes
  • Improve blood circulation to feet by:
    • Regular exercise
    • Gentle massage
    • Warm foot bath
  • Elevation of the feet after prolonged standing or when tired
  • Avoid activities that reduce blood circulation to feet, such as:
    • Pressure from tight shoes
    • Sitting too long
    • Sitting with legs crossed for long periods
    • Wearing tight pants/stockings

How do you choose suitable shoes?

  • Use the right footwear for a specific activity
  • Always measure feet before buying shoes as foot width may increase with age
  • Buy shoes in the evening because your feet expand through the day
  • Try out the shoes on both feet and walk around in the store
  • Ensure enough space for your toes to move
  • Choose shoes where the upper part is made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of foot. Soft leather is a good choice because it normally does not cause skin irritation
  • Choose a thick and soft sole because it lessens pressure when walking on hard surface, and shoes that have good arch support
Last Reviewed : 28 August 2020
Content Writer : Dr. Nor Asiah bt. Hashim
Reviewer : Dr. Nazhatussima bt. Suhaili

Related Article

Blurred Vision

When we say that we have blurred vision this usually means that our vision is not sharp thus we are unable to see the fine detail.

Adolescents & Cosmetics

If you are a teen (or even new to wearing make-up), you are probably wondering what you  should buy and where to begin. 

ADDRESS

Bahagian Pendidikan Kesihatan,
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia,
Aras 1-3, Blok E10, Kompleks E,
Kompleks Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62590 Putrajaya, Malaysia.

GENERAL LINE :   +603 8000 8000

FAX :   +603 8888 6200

EMAIL :   myhealth@moh.gov.my

VISITORS : 229,803,969

LAST UPDATE :
2024-11-19 10:36:13
FOLLOW US

BEST VIEW   Best viewed with Internet Explorer 10 and above, Mozilla Firefox 40 above, or Google Chrome 40 and above or Safari 4 and above with minimum resolution at 1366 x 768

Copyright ©2005-2022 Health Online Unit, Ministry of Health Malaysia