Eau Claire, Wis. – The feet take on a lot of burden each day from walking, running, climbing and more. With 26 bones in each foot, they are one of the most intricate areas of the body and keeping feet healthy is a key component to overall health.

Dr. Zachariah Seelman, a podiatrist, and foot and ankle surgeon with Prevea Health, says improper footwear, aging and diabetes are among the most common contributors to poor foot health, as well as some environmental situations. “Not all foot conditions or foot pain can be prevented, but remembering your feet are the foundation for your entire body will serve you well, especially as you maintain an active lifestyle.”

Here are four of the most common foot problems, causes and treatments:

Athlete’s foot

• Highly contagious fungal infection of the skin most commonly caused by walking in damp areas.
• Symptoms include itching, cracking, blistering and peeling of the feet.
• Treatment may include an antifungal medication and taking special care to keep feet clean and dry.

Ingrown nail

• Occurs when the nail starts to grow into the nail groove, leading to pain and discomfort.
• Caused by poorly fitting shoes, untrimmed nails, trauma to the feet or a family history of ingrown toenails.
• Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain or drainage from the toenail, which can indicate an infection.
• Treatment may include antibiotics or nail removal by a podiatrist.

Diabetic neuropathy

• A group of conditions that cause damage to the feet due to diabetes.
• Caused by high blood sugar levels, which can damage nerves in the feet; smoking; alcohol and a history of diabetic neuropathy.
• Symptoms may include numbness, tingling and cuts or injuries to the feet due to lack of feeling caused by nerve damage.
• Prevention is the best treatment; keep blood sugar levels in check, wash and dry feet thoroughly, have regular. foot exams if you are at high risk for diabetes or have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Plantar fasciitis

• Heel pain that occurs when the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed.
• No clear cause.
• Risk factors include obesity, tight calf muscles, having a high arch and participation in activities that repetitively stress the heel, such as running.
• Symptoms may include pain on the bottom of the heel, especially in the morning and/or after activity.
• Resting the foot and applying ice can reduce inflammation; stretching before and after activity and wearing supportive shoes can help with pain management.

Dr. Seelman says it’s always best to see a podiatrist if you have concerns about your feet, especially if pain or inflammation lasts more than a few days.

Dr. Seelman sees patients at Prevea health centers in Chippewa Falls, Altoona, Ladysmith and Rice Lake. To schedule an appointment, please call 715-717-4775.

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About Prevea Health

Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across Northern, Eastern and Western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.