Foot Care

Relief for Aching, Sore Feet

Soreness, aching and other foot care problems often arise due to ill-fitting shoes, but that doesn't mean that you have to stop wearing your favorite footwear. Inserts, insoles and cushions can be added to pumps, sneakers, loafers, boots, and other types of shoes to improve their fit and protect your feet. Your doctor can help you decide which type is right for you.

When foot pain does occur, you can get relief with the help of foot and leg massagers. Massage stimulates circulation and can ease inflammation that can lead to discomfort. There are many types of massagers available from hand-held tools that you roll or press against your feet to electric spas that soothe stressed feet with warm water.

Solutions for Common Concerns

At Walgreens, you'll find foot care products for a wide range of common concerns. Inside of your socks and shoes, your feet sweat and that moisture can allow odor-causing bacteria to grow.

If foot odor has become an embarrassing problem, you can use odor control creams, sprays and powders to promote fresher skin. These products typically work by fighting the bacteria that causes odors to develop.

Dryness is another common problem that you can address with moisturizing foot creams, lotions, oils and butters that hydrate the skin.

If dryness has led to a build-up of rough, dead skin, you can gently exfoliate with files, rollers and other tools.

Address Pressure-Related Problems at Home

Corns, calluses, blisters and bunions are all caused by pressure being exerted on your feet, and there are over-the-counter products available to address these problems.

Pads and protectors can be worn to ease discomfort and reduce friction to help your skin heal. These products can be used alone or with inserts, insoles and cushions for your shoes, depending on your needs.

Discuss how to best manage your foot care problem with your doctor before exploring our product selection to ensure that you choose the right option to meet your needs.

What is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot (also called tinea pedis) is a skin infection on the feet caused by fungus.

What Causes Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by a variety of different fungi.

How do you Get Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot infection is contagious and can be spread by touching infected skin, walking barefoot in wet, public areas like locker rooms and public showers, or sharing socks or shoes with a person who has athlete's foot. Because the fungus grows in warm, moist areas, the feet are more susceptible to infection when exposed to these types of conditions.

What does Athlete's Foot Look Like?

Symptoms of athlete's foot include cracked, peeling or flaking skin, redness, itching, burning, stinging and oozing or crusty blisters. These symptoms commonly show up between the toes or on the side of the foot. If the fungus affects your toenails, they may become thick or discolored or crumble.

Should you develop these symptoms, see your doctor. If you're diagnosed with athlete's foot, you can shop the selection of treatments available at Walgreens to address the infection.

Is Athlete's Foot Contagious?

Yes, athlete's foot can spread on wet surfaces like showers, pools and the floors of locker rooms. It can also spread by sharing socks or shoes with someone who is infected.

How to Treat Athlete's Foot

Over-the-counter athlete's foot treatments you apply to your skin typically contain FDA-approved antifungal medications that kill fungus to clear up the infection. Some common active ingredients in athlete's foot creams, ointments, powders and lotions include miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine and tolnaftate.

Keeping your feet clean, cool and dry and wearing sandals, especially in public areas, can also help manage and control athlete's foot infection. If you still have symptoms of athlete's foot 2 to 4 weeks after treatment or if you have recurrent infections, see your doctor. You may need a stronger medication.