Your feet are a part of your body that are often overlooked. However, they play a key role in most of the activities you do every day. In fact, when your feet are unwell, it can negatively affect the whole rest of your body. Here are three common foot problems you may experience throughout your life and the steps you can take to remedy them:

1. Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is caused by the tinea fungus, according to Healthline. It commonly affects athletes due to locker room conditions, but it can affect anyone regardless of their activity level. You may notice athlete's foot as an itchy, painful rash on your foot. Luckily, it's easy to treat. When you visit a podiatrist, they'll take a small sample of skin from the affected area on your foot. They'll test that skin sample for signs of tinea fungus, and if the test comes back positive, the doctor will prescribe you an anti-fungal medication to treat the condition. In the future, you can prevent athlete's foot by wearing flip-flops in public showers and keeping your feet dry.

2. Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when one of your nails begins to grow into the tender skin of your toe. This can be a painful condition, and it may become infected if left untreated. If you notice an ingrown toenail, you can try treating it at home by soaking your feet in hot water a few times a day. If you have a severe ingrown toenail or it shows no signs of improvement in a week, it's time to see a doctor. Your podiatrist can manually remove the ingrown toenail to promote healing, and they may prescribe you an antibiotic to help fight infection.

3. Running injuries

Running is a great way to get extra exercise. It can improve the health of your heart and lungs. Unfortunately, running can be bad for your feet if you don't take the proper precautions. One of the most common causes of running injuries is using the wrong pair of shoes. Your shoes affect your gait, and the wrong shoes can put pressure on certain parts of your foot, leading to injury. If you have a running injury, a podiatrist can help. Severe injuries may require surgery or physical therapy, while minor injuries can be treated with rest. Your podiatrist can recommend the proper shoes for your foot shape to prevent injuries in the future.