Health Notes

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23025, 30 April 1938, Page 7 (Supplement)

Health Notes

See What's A-Focm 111-fitting Shoes Responsibl

of the most common and important of our minor troubles is discomfort in the feet. Hot, humid weather brings to light any latent disabilities in our feet, and tired and aching feet are more common in the summer than in the winter. .-The causes of foot discomfort may be in the bones, joints, or the skin, or underlying tissues, apart from such things as corn callosities, bunions and surfers' itch. In & largo majority of cases there i$ an underlying weakness of the ligaments forming the arch of the foot, and fallen arches are common and painful. Apart from any organic alteration in the structure of the feet, most people have tenderness of the skin during hot weather. This is caused by perspiration and unsuitable shoes and stockings. The ordinary tired feet can be largely prevented by keeping the feet dry. ihis is insured by cleanliness and the use of fresh stockings daily. The feet should be washed with a good olive oil soap, dried thoroughly, and dusted with I 1 rench chalk. Soaking at night in a solution of an ounce of formalin to two quarts of water goes far to prevent aching feet. An occasional rubbing with methylated spirits is useful. Soldiers and others who walk a lot- find the greatest relief from a liberal use of French chalk and frequent changing of socks. Much aching of the feet is caused by bruising ot the solos by hard pavements or any irregular stony surfaces. Most women wear shoes with absurdly thin soles. People who spend a long time on their feet should wear stout welted soles on their shoes. x>efore a long walk or hike one shou d see that the shoes are coinfortab y fitting, with thick soles and not unduly high heels. For such purpose ordinary silk stockings are unsuitable, and either woollen stockings or tennis socks should be worn. The same applies tor any purpose in cold weather. Much foot trouble is caused by improper shoes. The heels should bo moderately low, and the toes not_ too pointed. It is important that the inner side of the shoes from the instep_ to the tip of the toe should be as straight as possible High heels throw the weight too far forward, crowd the toes, and cause corns and improper circulation. While tight shoes cause corns and other troubles of the toes, a pair that is too loose will cause blisters. This is a painful condition, and care should be taken with the breaking-in of new shoes to avoid it. ]f blistering occurs, cover the blister with a smoothly applied strip of adhesive plaster, and dust the outer surface of this with French chalk. This protects the blister against further rubbing. If a blister bursts, it should be dusted with one part of boracic acid to

! two of starch powder and adhesive plaster applied over this. Corns are one of the commonest causes of discomfort, and even actual pain. A corn on a foot is the reaction of the skin against intermittent and irregular pressure. There are two varieties—hard and soft. The hard corn appears on the outside or top of the toe, or on the sole of the foot; a soft corn appears between the toes. The causes and treatment are similar in both cases. It is essential to have properly-fitting shoes with room for the toes to move. The corns must be kept scrupulously clean by washing with- a good olive oil soap and hot water. A dusting powder of French chalk is useful. In most cases it is necessary to cut the corn. This can be easily done at homo with ordinary care. Soak the foot in hot water with a little washing soda for two or three nights, then with a sharp razor blade carefully paro the cOrn down. Be careful to carry the paring process sufficiently wide to prevent the formation of a rim or lip around the corn. When well pared the actual core will be plainly seen. This should be carefully scooped out with a corner of the razor blade. Bleeding should be avoided, but if it occurs apply iodine. After paring, dust the corn with boracic for a day or. so. If one is timid about paring the corn, it is best to soak it as above in the soda-water for a few nights, and apply the following prescription: 30 grains each of salicylic and lactic acids, half a dram alcohol, and an ounce of collodion. This should be painted on every night. The common corn plasters in the shape of a ring are not curative, but give relief by taking the pressure off the corn. An ingrowing toe-nail can bo even moro painful than a corn. It also is caused by painful cramping of the toes in an improper fitting of the shoo. It is aggravated by the practice of cutting the nails short, especially at the-corner. The consequence is that the sharp corner thus formed projects into the tender flesh. In a short while a mild chronic infection supervenes, and partial crippling is the result. An ingrowing toe-nail is most common on the inner side of the big toe. The first thing in treatment is to reduce the infection. Bathe every evening with any weak antiseptic and dust with boracic acid in the daytime. This makes it less painful, and a very thin wisp of cottonwool or a shred of gauze can be pushed down between the nail and the flesh each day and worn constantly. When the sharp angle grows up level with the end of the toe most of the pain will be relieved. It is important that the nail should always be cut straight across. This treatment will I relievo or cure moderate and mild cases, but severe cases will need a surgical j operation.