Dr Chris Aminarh Breaks Down Foot Health, Athlete’s Foot And The Hidden Risks Of Foot Rot

As conversations around wellness and preventive healthcare continue to gain momentum, medical doctor, Dr Chris Aminarh has drawn attention to a frequently neglected aspect of personal health: foot care.

Dr Aminarh shared these insights during a health-focused discussion with the Culture Squad, where they examined everyday health habits and common misconceptions about hygiene, fitness and bodily care.

According to Dr Aminarh, the foot is a highly complex structure made up of three main parts; the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot with each playing a critical role in balance, movement and weight distribution.

He explained that the forefoot, which includes the toes and metatarsal bones, is essential for stability, while the midfoot supports the arch and absorbs shock. The hindfoot, particularly the heel bone, bears much of the body’s weight. Injuries or infections affecting any of these areas, he noted, can significantly impair mobility and quality of life.

During the discussion, Dr Aminarh addressed the common tendency to use the terms athlete’s foot and foot rot interchangeably, stressing that the two conditions are distinct medical conditions.

• Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, often caused by prolonged exposure to moisture, sweating and wearing tight or non-breathable footwear.

• Foot rot, by contrast, is bacterial in nature and typically more severe, resulting from prolonged skin breakdown in persistently wet environments.

Both conditions thrive in warm, moist conditions, making individuals who wear closed shoes for extended periods particularly susceptible.

Dr Aminarh explained that the feet are especially vulnerable to infection because they are often enclosed for long periods and receive limited airflow. Poor drying habits, especially between the toes can create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to multiply.

Early symptoms to watch out for include itching, redness, peeling skin, unpleasant odour and persistent moisture. When left untreated, these symptoms can escalate into painful infections that require medical intervention.

Emphasising prevention over treatment, Dr Aminarh urged individuals to adopt consistent foot-care routines as part of their daily hygiene practices. He observed that while many people wash their bodies regularly, foot hygiene particularly cleaning and drying between the toes is often overlooked.

The Culture Squad discussion concluded with a broader reflection on the need for holistic health awareness, especially among young people. Dr Aminarh encouraged individuals to look beyond popular fitness trends and address foundational aspects of health that are often ignored until complications arise.