What are the Different Types of Foot Care Products?

When feet are sore, the whole body aches; fortunately, there are a wide variety of foot care products on the market to help alleviate everyday aches and pains as well as ongoing concerns. Dry, rough feet can be healed by a number of different creams and lotions, while arch supports care for the structural integrity of the foot. There are also many products on the market for caring for abnormal conditions of the foot such as bunions.

For an individual who has constant foot pain, orthopedic shoes can often help alleviate this discomfort. Wearing properly fitted shoes can help prevent ingrown toenails, calluses, bunions, and even deformities of the toes; orthopedic shoes are designed with the health of the foot in mind. In addition to shoes, orthopedic sandals, boots, and flip flops are widely available. There are also shoes specially designed for individuals who are diabetic; these shoes are designed to distribute the weight of the individual differently than standard shoes, in order to alleviate foot pain.

Arch support and insoles are foot care products that can help alleviate arch or heel pain in the foot. Some insoles are also designed with hikers or runners in mind, and cushion the foot in order to relieve some of the damage that can be done by repeated impact. Supports can often be trimmed in order to fit a variety of shoes and sizes.

Cracked skin on the feet can be an uncomfortable condition. A number of creams and lotions have been specially developed specifically as foot care products to heal the dry, often hard skin on the heels of the feet. Pumice stones can be used to remove some of the dead and dying tissue, making it easier to heal. Other creams and sprays can be used in the treatment of fungal infections such as athlete's foot.

Foot odor can be particularly difficult to get rid of. Foot care products such as powders can help absorb these odors, and there are also sprays available. Some are designed to be applied to the feet themselves, while others can be used on the shoes to get rid of any lingering odors.

For individuals who frequently suffer from blisters and calluses, flexible plastic inserts can either be put on the foot or into the shoe to prevent these painful conditions. Foot care products also available to be worn tightly on the foot are wraps, pads, or sleeves that protect the foot while keeping the skin moist. Hot and cold therapy packs have also been designed to fit the specific shape of the foot.