..Podiatrist and Chiropodist
Registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC)
Common Foot Problems
1. Hard Skin
Hard skin is produced to protect areas subject to friction. In the feet, this
friction is caused by heightened activity, poor fitting footwear or a
malfunctioning foot. A certain amount of hard skin is natural. Excessive
amounts of hard skin may cause discomfort ranging from aching to a burning
sensation.
This excess hard skin can be reduced to normal levels to alleviate the
symptoms.
2. Corns
Corns are areas of hard skin produced by a constant localised pressure and
friction. The localised pressure causes the hard skin to form into a conical
shape that will give acute pain similar to the sensation of having a sharp piece
of gravel in the shoe.
Corns are removed and the causing factor identified in order to prevent its
return.
3. Thickened Nails
Nails become thickened for different reasons.
It can be the result of physical damage or a fungal infection.
Thickened nails can be reduced to relieve the pressure exerted by footwear
and to make them easier to maintain.
For fungal infections, referral to a GP for prescription medicines may be
required.
4. Verrucae
A virus causes verrucae and warts. A verruca can show itself in different
ways. The most common appearance is as a small raised area of hard skin
with little red or black dots. They are often painful.
Cryosurgery is a fast and effective way of treating verrucae and warts and is
available at the surgery.
5. Athletes Foot
Athletes foot is a fungal infection that gains access through broken skin. Feet
in damp conditions such as swimming baths and Gyms are prone to this.
If not treated, the fungal infection can spread to the nails.
6. Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail is a very painful condition. The nail pierces the skin as a
result of physical damage or maybe a sharp edge has been left after cutting
the nails. The break in the skin can then let infection in.
Depending on the nature of the condition, infection can be cleared up, sharp
edges removed and if necessary, a small section of nail can be removed to
allow the break in skin to heal before the nail grows back normally.
7. Bunions
Bunions cause problems for lots of people. The toe joint becomes enlarged
and then the big toe deflects towards the other toes. This may lead to the
formation of corns and other symptoms, which can be treated as normal
8. Chilblains
Chilblains are quite rare in this modern age where the majority of houses
have central heating.
Advice on the general care of feet should reduce the incidences of chilblains.
9. Diabetes
Anybody with Diabetes will have been told that they need to take special
care of their feet.
Simple problems with feet can turn into something more severe if not
attended to promptly. The main difficulty is that a diabetic will not always be
aware there is a potential problem. Therefore, regular checks of the feet
must be made by a qualified Chiropodist.
