FOOT TROUBLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21580, 26 August 1933, Page 7 (Supplement)

FOOT TROUBLES

RHEUMATISM UNDER HEELS Rheumatism can affect many of our tissues —muscles, joints, the fibrous structure under the skin, the eyes and other parts. It sometimes occurs under the heel and makes walking painful. Occasionally a spur of bone grows out from the under surface of the heel bone and every time the foot is put to the ground this spur digs into the soft parts.

The application of heat assists in relieving the pain, as it does in all forms of rheumatism. A usually successful method is to bandage the part with a piece of lint spread with compound mercury ointment. The application should be kept on for 24 hours and then a fresh supply applied.

When using this ointment, which is very strong, bo careful to see that the skin does not break. If it shows signs of cracking, remove the dressing and apply cold cream. INFLAMED TOE Among the many foot troubles caused by the wearing of tight or ill-fitting shoes, bunions occupy an. important place. These generally form over the groat toe joints, especially if, as in many cases, the toe lies at an angle, pointing toward the outer side of the foot. This displacement leaves a prominence over which the bunion forms. A bunion is really an effort on the part of Nature to protect the toe from pressure. A cushion is therefore provided, but continued friction soon gives rise to inflammation inside.

Painting with tincture of iodine often stops the inflammation, provided only that the pressure is removed. This means getting a pair of shoes that fit, or cutting an old pair until the bunion has disappeared. No treatment is of any permanent benefit unless this is done.