The Foot Academy
Your ultimate guide to healthier, happier feet. Discover expert advice, tips, and treatments to keep your feet at their best.
Common Foot Ailments
Your Foot First Aid Kit
At Earth Therapeutics, we understand that foot health is essential for your overall well-being. In this section, you’ll find quick fixes and expert insights for common foot ailments like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and athlete's foot. Each article offers practical tips on recognizing symptoms, understanding causes, and exploring effective prevention strategies.
Disclaimer: While we're foot care pros dedicated to helping you, we’re not medical doctors. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent or serious conditions to ensure you receive the appropriate care.
Athlete’s Foot aka Tinea Pedis
A fungal infection that loves warm, moist environments — think of it like unwanted house guests that thrive in the tropical climate of your shoes.
Causes: Walking barefoot in public wet areas (pools, showers, locker rooms), keeping feet damp, or sharing shoes/towels with someone who has it.
Solution: Treatment needs to hit multiple angles.
Start with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or spray. Apply it a bit beyond the affected area since fungi can spread invisibly. While treating, keep your feet as dry as possible — thoroughly dry between toes after washing, and consider using a hairdryer on the cool setting if you're prone to this issue. Change socks when they get damp and maybe keep an extra pair at work.
The fungi can live in your shoes, so spraying them with antifungal spray helps prevent reinfection. Looking long-term? Invest in moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes, and always wear flip-flops or shower slides in public wet areas.
Seek prompt medical care if:
- Spreads beyond toes
- Doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatments
- Develops blisters or open sores
Why? May need prescription-strength medication
Blisters
Friction creates a separation between layers of skin that fills with fluid - it's actually your body's way of protecting injured skin underneath.
Causes: New shoes, shoes that don't fit right, excessive moisture, or intense activity without proper sock protection.
Solutions: Let's talk prevention first — because once you have a blister, options are limited.
When breaking in new shoes, wear them for short periods and use blister-prevention patches in spots that feel "hot." Double-layer socks can be a game-changer. The layers rub against each other instead of your skin.
If you already have a blister, the old advice of "pop it or don't pop it" isn't so simple. If it's small and isn't bothering you, let it be. The fluid is protecting the healing skin underneath. If it's large or in a spot that's getting pressure, clean the area thoroughly, make a small puncture at the edge with a sterilized needle, gently press out the fluid, but leave the skin intact — it acts as a natural bandage. Cover with a hydrocolloid blister bandage (they're amazing for healing) and monitor for signs of infection.
Bunions
That bump at your big toe joint isn't just a bump. It's actually a misalignment of the joint that forces the big toe to angle toward your other toes.
Causes: Often hereditary (thanks, fam!), bunions can be aggravated by poor shoe choices, foot mechanics, or certain types of arthritis.
Solution: While only surgery can truly correct a bunion, you can manage discomfort and prevent progression.
Start with shoes — they need a wide toe box, period. No crowding those toes! Consider shoes that stretch in key spots. Many athletic stores can stretch specific areas of shoes to accommodate bunions.
For pain relief, ice the joint for 15 minutes after long days. Toe spacers or bunion splints worn at night can help maintain proper alignment while you sleep.
Regular toe exercises (like picking up marbles with your toes) help maintain joint flexibility. Custom orthotics can redistribute pressure away from the bunion area. Even over-the-counter orthotic devices with a good metatarsal pad can help significantly.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention if:
- Pain interferes with daily activities
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit
- Visible changes in toe alignment
Why? Early intervention can prevent need for surgery
Calluses & Corns
These tough, thickened patches of skin are actually your body's defense mechanism, trying to protect areas that get regular pressure or friction.
Main causes: Repeated pressure and friction, usually from shoes that don't fit quite right or regular activities that put pressure on specific areas of your feet.
Solution: The key is to combine gentle removal with prevention.
Start with a warm foot soak for about 10 minutes. This softens hardened skin making it easier to work with. Then, using a foot file (like our Precisso Plus Foot File) or Pumice Stone, gently (and we mean gently!) file the callused area. The goal isn't to remove it all at once, but rather to gradually reduce the thickness. Follow up with a good moisturizer like our Triple Butter Foot Balm to keep the skin supple.
Meanwhile, take a look at your shoes — they might be the culprits. If you notice calluses forming in specific areas, use protective pads in those spots. For corns between toes, separate them with cotton or silicone toe spacers while they heal.
Cracked Heels aka Fissures
The skin on your heels becomes so dry and thick that it loses flexibility and starts to split, kind of like dried-out leather.
Causes: Dry skin, prolonged standing, open-backed shoes, obesity, or conditions like diabetes or psoriasis.
Solutions: Think of this as a layered approach. First, soften the hard skin - soak feet in warm water for 10 minutes, then while skin is still damp, use a foot file (we like the Precisso Nano:Glass Foot File for gentle precision) to reduce thickness. Don't get aggressive: small, regular sessions are better than one harsh treatment.
The game-changer is your targeted treatment approach. Our Intensive Heel Repair Balm, enriched with Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), works to gently exfoliate and soften hard skin while delivering deep hydration. For precise spot treatment, use our Cracked Heel Repair Stick to seal and protect problem areas. The balm's advanced formula breaks down rough skin, while the stick creates a protective barrier that supports healing.
At night, apply the balm generously, then seal in moisture with the repair stick. Finish by wearing our Moisturizing Foot Socks to enhance product absorption and provide overnight intensive care.
Make this routine preventative. Addressing heel health before cracks develop is key to maintaining smooth, healthy feet.
Excessive Sweating aka Hyperhidrosis
Your feet's sweat glands are working overtime, producing more sweat than needed for temperature regulation.
Causes: Often genetic, but can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or certain medications.
Solutions: This needs a multi-faceted approach because it affects so many aspects of foot health.
Start with your shoes. Invest in breathable materials (leather and canvas are good) and have at least three pairs to rotate through. Here's why: each pair needs 24-48 hours to dry completely. For socks, merino wool is surprisingly effective — it wicks moisture and has natural antimicrobial properties.
Apply an antiperspirant specifically designed for feet before bed. This gives it time to block sweat glands while you're less active. During the day, use moisture-absorbing powders containing ingredients like zinc oxide.
For severe cases, iontophoresis (a device that passes a mild electrical current through water to your feet) can be surprisingly effective at reducing sweating. If these measures aren't enough, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger treatments or consider Botox injections, which can provide months of relief.
See a professional if these conditions don’t improve with 2 weeks of home care:
- Interferes with daily activities
- Leads to recurring infections
- Causes social anxiety
Why? Prescription treatments or specialized procedures may be needed
Foot Odor aka Bromhidrosis
Your feet have more sweat glands than anywhere else on your body. When that sweat meets bacteria, well, the results can be pungent!
Main causes: It's not just about sweaty feet — it's the combination of sweat, bacteria, and trapped moisture in shoes.
Solution: Think of this as a three-pronged approach.
First, manage the sweat with moisture-wicking socks (wool or specialized athletic materials work better than cotton) and rotate between at least two pairs of shoes daily. This gives each pair a full 24 hours to dry completely.
Second, target the bacteria by washing your feet with an antibacterial soap, such as our Foamy Foot Shampoo or Charcoal Purifying Foot Scrub infused with medicinal bamboo charcoal. Follow up with a naturally antimicrobial solution, like our Tea Tree Oil Foot Spray.
Finally, create an inhospitable environment for bacteria. Use a UV shoe sanitizer, which actually kills the bacteria rather than just masking the smell. If you're still struggling, try applying antiperspirant to your feet before bed — this gives it time to really work into the sweat glands.
Heel Spurs
Calcium deposits create a bony protrusion under your heel, often related to plantar fasciitis but not always causing pain.
Causes: Long-term strain on foot ligaments, repeated tearing of heel membrane, running on hard surfaces, or poor arch support.
Solution: The key is managing impact and providing cushioning.
Start by choosing shoes with substantial heel cushioning. Look for terms like "heel cup" or "shock absorption." Custom orthotics or heel cups can redistribute pressure away from the spur.
Stretching exercises focusing on your calves and plantar fascia help reduce tension on the heel. Ice after activity (try freezing a golf ball and rolling your foot over it). If you're a runner, consider lower-impact surfaces like tracks or trails instead of concrete. Taping techniques can help — ask a physical therapist to show you how to tape your foot to provide support and reduce pressure on the spur.
See a professional if these conditions don’t improve with 2 weeks of home care:
- Pain prevents normal walking
- No improvement with rest and ice
- Pain becomes constant rather than activity-related
Why? You may need imaging to determine exact cause
Ingrown Toenails
Instead of growing over the skin, your toenail decides to grow into it, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection.
Causes: Incorrect nail trimming (cutting too short or rounding the corners), tight shoes, injury, or natural nail shape.
Solution: Prevention is key here. Cut nails straight across, never into the corners.
When dealing with an ingrown nail, begin by soothing and softening the affected area with 15-20 minute warm Epsom salt soaks. Our Foot Care Mineral Bath Salts with Arnica offer targeted relief, helping to reduce inflammation and gently ease discomfort.
After soaking, carefully lift the nail's edge and place a small piece of clean cotton underneath to guide growth away from the surrounding skin. Until the nail heals, opt for open-toed shoes or footwear with a roomy toe box to minimize pressure and promote recovery.
Important: If you notice signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus), see a professional. This isn't the time for home remedies. For recurring problems, a podiatrist can perform a simple procedure to prevent that portion of the nail from growing inward again.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE (Within 24 Hours) IF:
- Signs of infection (red streaks, pus, severe pain)
- Significant swelling or warmth
- If you have diabetes or poor circulation
Plantar Fasciitis
The fascia — the band of tissue connecting your heel to toes — develops tiny tears and becomes inflamed, usually causing that sharp, first-step-in-the-morning pain.
Causes: Sudden increase in activity, tight calf muscles, weight gain, unsupportive shoes, or spending long hours on your feet.
Solutions: Think of this as needing both immediate relief and long-term care.
For immediate relief, roll your foot over a frozen water bottle. This reduces inflammation while stretching the fascia. Before getting out of bed, stretch your foot by pulling your toes toward your shin (keep a strap by your bed if needed).
Long-term, focus on supportive shoes with good arch support. No more walking around in flat, worn-out shoes. Custom orthotics or good-quality over-the-counter inserts like our CIRCU•FLO Odor-Absorbing Insoles can make a huge difference. Regular calf stretches are crucial because tight calves pull on the fascia. If you're a runner, gradually increase mileage and avoid sudden changes in intensity. Night splints can help by keeping the fascia gently stretched while you sleep.
For more detailed information, check out our article on our blog, Greetings, Earthling: Plantar Fasciitis: How to Find Relief and Avoid Future Flare-ups
Seek prompt medical attention if:
- Pain persists beyond 2-3 weeks of home care
- Unable to bear weight on foot
- Sharp, sudden onset of heel pain
Why? Could indicate tear rather than inflammation
General Red Flags for Any Foot Condition
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
1. Severe pain that comes on suddenly
2. Major swelling or discoloration
3. Inability to bear weight
4. Signs of infection such as redness spreading, warmth, pus
5. Fever accompanying foot problems
6. Open wounds that won't heal
7. Numbness or tingling that doesn't go away
8. Any significant foot changes if you have diabetes
>> Special Considerations
If you have any of these conditions:
- Diabetes
- Poor circulation
- Compromised immune system
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Blood clotting disorders
→ Seek professional medical advice sooner rather than later for ANY foot problem, even if it seems minor.
Remember: Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. When in doubt, it's better to get checked and be told it's minor than to wait and risk complications.
Foot Care News & Insights
New York Times
For a Strong Body, You Need Strong Feet
These three simple tests could save you a lot of pain in the long run.
July 18, 2024
The Guardian
The foot phenomenon: simple, surprising ways to improve your balance, health – and longevity
Why do so many of us neglect our feet, when they are crucial to all forms of movement? At 61, I decided to change all that
August 11, 2024
Tea Tree Oil Foot Repair Balm
Discover the product that launched Earth Therapeutics in 1993 and became an international bestseller.
Our Tea Tree Oil Foot Repair Balm softens calluses and heals cracked skin with its moisture-rich protective barrier. Infused with organic botanical extracts like Aloe Vera and Chamomile, this balm deeply nourishes and conditions damaged feet. Australian Tea Tree Oil provides natural antiseptic properties, deodorizing and preventing athlete's foot.
Suitable for both regular and diabetic foot care, our Tea Tree Oil Foot Repair Balm remains the cornerstone of our foot care line after three decades.
Michelangelo’s Fascination with Form and Foot Care
Michelangelo once declared, “The foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” He marveled at its intricate structure and its role in supporting the human form with grace.
Today, we understand that maintaining the health and beauty of these ‘masterpieces’ is just as important as appreciating their architecture. Foot wellness, from proper exfoliation to moisturizing, is essential in keeping our feet strong and radiant.
Much like Michelangelo’s reverence for the foot’s form, taking care of your feet honors their natural beauty, ensuring they remain the foundation of both health and elegance.