You probably do not think about your feet very much, but if they are causing you pain or discomfort, they can make you miserable. If your feet are causing you to suffer, try home remedies, but see a doctor if you do not find relief. If you are diabetic or suffer from nerve problems or poor circulation, do not attempt to treat foot problems at home---see your doctor right away to prevent potentially serious complications.
Injuries
Your feet are prone to sprains and fractures due to injury. Often, it is difficult to determine whether a particular injury is a strain, sprain or fracture without a medical examination and X-ray. You may also need computerized tomography, or a CT scan, or magnetic resonance imaging, more commonly known as an MRI, to confirm the exact injury that you have sustained, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Depending on the type of injury, you may need to wear a hard or soft cast, and you may need pain medication. You will also need to keep your weight off the foot and will likely require crutches. For less severe sprains, FamilyDoctor.org recommends rest, ice, compression and elevation to help your foot heal quickly and with minimal pain.
Fungal Infections
A common fungal infection that affects the feet is commonly known as athlete's foot. Symptoms include itching, burning and stinging around and between the toes, skin dryness, and peeling and cracking skin on your feet. Sometimes the toenails are also affected and may become discolored, thick and crumbly, explains MayoClinic.com. If your infection is mild, you may be able to treat it at home with over-the-counter products. More persistent cases may require prescription-strength anti-fungal medications. Keeping the feet clean and dry, changing your footwear often and rotating your shoes may help the infection clear up more quickly and prevent a recurrence.
Warts
Warts growing on the bottom of the foot are called plantar warts. These can be quite painful; the American Academy of Dermatology describes them as feeling as though you have a stone in your shoe. All warts, including plantar warts, are caused by a virus. Warts will go away on their own in time and do not require treatment unless they are causing you pain. If they are painful, you can try OTC salicylic acid treatments or duct tape treatment. A 2003 article in the "American Family Physician" reports that applying duct tape to the wart, leaving it in place for six days, soaking and filing the wart, and repeating the treatment was more effective in removing warts than was more painful and invasive freezing therapy. If home remedies do not work, talk to your doctor about laser surgery and other in-office treatments.
