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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.
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