ALL STEM CELLS

IT’S BAREFOOT SEASON. DON’T LET THESE
UNSIGHTLY PROBLEMS KEEP YOU IN SHOES THIS SUMMER

HAMMERTOE

WHAT HAPPENS The middle joint of one or
more toes bends due to
an imbalance between
the muscles and tendons,
says Dr APS Suri, senior
consultant, Podiatry,
Fortis CDOC,
New Delhi.
Over time the tendons
tighten up and the
toes get stuck in a
bent position.
PREVENT IT Ensure
you have a thumb’s space
between the longest toe
and shoe.
FIX IT Keep the tendons
loose with foot exercises.
Lay a towel on the floor
and pick it up using your
toes. Drop and repeat.

INGROWN TOENAIL
WHAT HAPPENS A
Jagged or curved toenail
edge punctures the
underlying skin and grows
downward, says Delhibased
dermatologist Dr
Deepali Bhardwaj. This can
lead to infection.
PREVENT IT Cut your
toenails in a straight line.
File the sharp edges.
FIX IT Soak the foot in
soapy water for 15 minutes
to soften the nail, and
apply an antibiotic
ointment. If needed, have
a doctor separate the nail
from the skin.

BUNION
WHAT HAPPENS If your big toe is misaligned, it can swing toward the other toes, says Dr Rajeev K Sharma, orthopedic
surgeon, Apollo Indraprastha Hospital. As a result, the joint that holds your toe loses alignment and bulges
out—resulting in a bump called a bunion.
PREVENT IT Don’t cram your toes into pointed dress shoes; they should fit comfortably.
FIX IT If you notice that your big toe is angled or your joint is forming a bump, try toe spacers to keep your big toe pointing straight all the time.

PLANTAR WART
WHAT HAPPENS The human papillomavirus invades, causing an inwardgrowing wart.
Warning signs: (1) black specks, (2) pain when you press from side to side, and (3) a disruption of the fingerprintlike lines across your sole, says Dr Suri.
PREVENT IT Viruses thrive on moist, warm surfaces, such as swimming pool decks. Dr Suri suggests wearing sandals until the minute you step in for a dip, and then putting them back on as soon as you step out.
FIX IT Start with an overthecounter
product containing salicylic acid, such as Dr Scholl’s Clear Away Plantar Wart Remover.

ATHLETE’S FOOT
WHAT HAPPENS You can catch this fungus by going barefoot on an infected surface.
PREVENT IT Dry your feet after swimming and wash them immediately after playing sports. Wear socks if someone at
home is infected, and wear sandals in communal areas (such as showers), says Dr Bhardwaj.
FIX IT Dr Bhardwaj recommends applying an antifungal cream for a week.

Source : MEN’S HEALTH MAY 2015