HEALTH

Feet can be a pain...literally. But determing the source of your struggles is difficult. Here's how to tell what's causing your toe troubles so you can get back on the *right* foot.

Arches

Am I flat footed? A foot arch is the way the bottom of your foot curves. If there's no curve, you could be flat footed. If you can't tell if you're flat footed or have high arches by looking at your feet try this quick trick! Put your foot on the ground. If you can't slide your fingers under your foot, you have a flat foot. If your arch is really high you'll have more space between your foot and your hand.

How do I know if it's a problem? Flat feet and crazy high arches normally cause your feet some problems. If your feet are constantly giving you grief, it's probably an issue. You can chat with the doc next time you get a physical.

How to help out your feet: Flat foot? High arch? Either way you should wear supportive shoes and consider slidding inserts into your kicks; then there's no need to toss your favorite pair of heels. You can also gently stretch or roll your feet to help decrease any discomfort.

Bunions 

Why does the side of my foot stick out like that? If there's a bony bump that's by your big toe, it could be a bunion. And when they get swollen they can hurt! They can cause your foot *and* toes a lot of discomfort because they push your toes in weird directions.

How do I know if it's a problem? If you see a bump but it doesn't bother you you have nothing to worry about! But if your feet hurt all the time, you may wanna look into some form of treatment.

How to help out your feet: Luckily, there are a lot of ways to soothe bunion pain. You can get gel toe spacers or bunion gaurds to help reposition your joints. Icing your swollen feet will also help! If it gets crazy painful, call up your doc and see what they have to say!

Toenails 

My toenail is actually killing me! If your shoes are too small or you constantly pick at your toenails, you might have an ingrown toenail! That's when your toenail grows into your skin instead of out with the rest of your nail.

How do I know if it's a problem? Ingrown toenails can get infected and cause some discomfort. If your toenail is red, swollen or even oozing gross stuff, it's definitely a problem.

How to help out your feet: First off, break the habit of wearing too small shoes or picking at your nails. Neither of those are very fun to start with! Soaking your feet will soothe your toes. Next time you head to the nail salon, your pedicurist may be able to fix them for you. But if not, a doctor may have to have a look. But the good news is that it is an easy fix for him or her!

How do you make your feet comfy? Sound off in the comments!

Photo credit: Instagram.

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by Aly Prouty | 5/12/2018