Feet, Nails and Pedicuring

Structure of the Feet and Nails

The foot commences from the ankle and consists of the heel, sole, toes, and nails. Each nail consists of the following:

• The nail plate.

• The nail crescent, which is the white crescent at the base of the nail plate.

• The cuticle, which is the thin protective band of the skin around the nail.

• The nail bed present at the base of the nail.

Functions of the Feet

• The feet have sensory receptors on its skin. They are used to detect stimulus like touch, pressure, heat and cold from our environment.

• The legs and feet give support and balance to the upper part of the body.

• The legs and feet are used for walking and running from one point to another (locomotion).

• The feet perform other useful activities in sports like dribbling, shooting, skating, dance, gymnastics, etc.

• The feet keeps us upright in a standing position.

Please read on the hands, it functions, care and manicure here.

Care of the Feet

• Wash the feet thoroughly and regularly.

• Remove and dry the skin around the sole of the feet by rubbing with a pumice stone.

• Rinse the feet properly and dry with a clean towel.

• Apply a coating of cream, lotion or petroleum jelly on the foot after washing to prevent dryness.

• Keep the toe nails short and clean to prevent germs from entering it.

• Avoid walking bare footed.

• Wear good fitting and comfortable shoes.

• keep your stockings clean and change stockings daily.

• Always keep the feet clean and dry especially around the toes to prevent the growth of fungi. For instance, athlete's foot.

• Always rest the foot by raising them after standing or walking for a long time.

• Always check your posture to ensure you are upright when standing.

• Treat your feet to a regular pedicure.

Please read on exercises in home economics here.

Pedicure 

Pedicure is defined as the care of the foot and toe nails.

Below are the procedures to follow when carrying out pedicure:

Pedicure Procedures 

• Wash the toe nails, and scrub toes properly to remove dry rough skin.

• Trim and shape the nails with a file or emery board.

• Smoothen the edge of the nail with a file or emery board.

• Push back the cuticle gently as in the case of manicure.

• Apply nail varnish with the same procedure as manicure.

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Common Problems of the Feet

1. Corns: These are infections caused by ill-fitting shoes. They form as small moulds of dead, hard and waxy skin. They can be prevented by wearing well fitting shoes.

2. Calluses: These appear as thickened areas of skin around the heel. They can be removed by scrubbing with pumice stone.

3. Athlete's Foot: This is the growth of bacteria and fungi in between the toes and the soles of the feet. It occurs when the feet to constantly wet.

4. Blisters: These are fluid-filled sacs resulting from friction, causing pain and irritation. 

5. Bunions: This is a bony bump at the big toe joint, causing deformity and pain.

6. Hammertoes: The is an abnormal bend. This toe deformity may result from heredity, or wearing of toe ill-fitting shoes.

7. Haglund Deformity: This is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel.

8. Achilles Tendinitis: This is an inflammation of the achilles tendon, causing pain at the back of the ankle.

Please read on bones of the human skeleton here.

Treatment of Feet Problems 

• Keep the feet dean and dry always.

• Apply dusting powder on the dry feet.

• Practice RICE method; that is: Rest the foot, Ice the area (at intervals), Compress the foot gently, and Elevate or raise it.

• Avoid tight shoes. Rather, wear supportive and comfortable shoes with good arch support and cushioned soles.

• Ankle and foot massage can help relieve pains.

• Use of drugs like acetaminophen, or even tropical gels can help reduce pains and irritations.

• Foot and ankle exercises can help improve flexibility.

• Surgery may be required in a case severe foot disease.

Please read home economics week 7 topic for JSS1 first term here.

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