Podoconiosis treatment: how to prevent and manage swelling of the feet

Podoconiosis is a type of preventable swelling that comes from long-term contact between bare feet and certain clay soils. If you or someone in your community has it, the good news is that simple daily care and community action can stop it getting worse and improve life a lot.

Everyday care you can start now

Wear shoes. This sounds obvious, but wearing closed, durable shoes every day is the single most effective step. If full shoes aren’t available, sturdy sandals that block soil and pebbles help a lot. Make footwear a habit for kids—early protection prevents the disease.

Keep feet clean and dry. Wash feet with soap and water every day, paying attention between toes and around folds. Dry thoroughly; trapped moisture lets infections start. Use an emollient (simple petroleum jelly or a basic foot cream) after washing to soften skin and prevent cracks.

Treat wounds and infections fast. Small cuts, fungal infections (athlete’s foot), and bacterial infections make swelling worse. Clean cuts, apply an antiseptic, and keep the area covered. For spreading redness, pus, fever, or severe pain, see a health worker—oral antibiotics may be needed.

Manage swelling with basic lymphoedema care. Elevate the foot when resting, do gentle foot and calf exercises to move fluid, and use simple self-massage from toes toward the knee to help drainage. Compression bandages or wraps can reduce swelling, but get training from a nurse or community health worker so you use them safely.

Clinic options and community steps

Health centers can teach limb hygiene, lymphatic drainage techniques, and safe bandaging. Some places provide clean dressings, antibiotics, and guidance on when surgery or specialist care is needed for very advanced cases with large lumps or repeated infections.

Community programs matter. Local groups that promote footwear distribution, foot-washing stations, and education cut new cases. Schools that teach kids to wear shoes and wash feet reduce lifetime risk.

What to watch for: sudden fever, fast spreading redness, heavy pus, or severe pain means urgent care. Slow-growing lumps, repeated infections, ongoing odor or worsening disability should prompt a trained clinic visit for assessment and longer-term care planning.

Simple steps done daily add up. Encourage friends and family to wear shoes, wash and dry their feet, treat infections early, and learn basic lymphoedema care. With basic supplies and a bit of training, most people see big improvements within weeks to months.

If you want, start by checking your local clinic for a foot-care class or ask community leaders about shoe programs. Small, steady changes keep feet healthy and stop podoconiosis from defining lives.