Common Foot ProblemsCorns and Calluses Corns and calluses are thick, hard, toughened and dry areas of skin found on the feet. A corn is a small conical shaped area of hard dead skin whereas a callus is a larger area of hard dead skin but has no central core. See corns and calluses for more information Ingrowing toe nailsAn ingrowing toenail is normally a very painful condition where the edge of the nail (usually the first toe nail) grows into the skin at the side and can be complicated by a bacterial infection. See ingrown toenails for more information on conservative treatment and nail removal procedures. Nail FungusOnychomycosis Nail fungus attacks the nail and/or the nail bed. The nail might have white and/or yellow spots, might be very thick, yellow or brown in colour and be weak and crumble easily. See fungal nail infections for more information. I recommend nail mycosis solution to help cure your fungal nails. Hallux ValgusCommonly called bunions Poor foot function and badly fitting shoes can produce misshapened bones in the 1st toe joint. Wearing orthotics (insoles) in your shoes can help control poor foot function, help delay the development of this condition and reduce foot pain in the big toe joint. Painful heelsHeel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis and Policeman's Heel Heel pain, particularly first thing in the morning, can indicate poor foot function. Wearing orthotics (insoles) in your shoes can often help alleviate the pain. Sometimes called policeman's heel or plantar fasciitis. See plantar fasciitis for more information. Thickened toe nailsThick toenails are normally caused by trauma, poor circulation or a fungal infection which leads to discoloration and thickening of the nails. This condition can be painful if the thickened nail rubs against the top of the shoe. Thickened nails can often be reduced in thickness painlessly with an electric chiropody drill.
Dry Skin Painful fissures (cracks) in the skin, especially around the heels, can develop if the skin becomes excessively dry. Dry thickened skin usually needs to be removed and moisturising cream applied to help resolve this condition. Regular application of certain moisturising creams such as CCS foot cream and CCS heel balm can significantly help improve the quality of the skin. See CCS Foot Cream for more information Athletes footFungal Infections Athletes foot is a contagious skin condition caused by fungi and can be spread by sharing towels and/or walking on contaminated floors in showers and swimming pools. Symptoms include an itchy sore rash, splitting of the skin between the toes and small blisters forming on the skin. Correct diagnosis and regular application of an anti-fungal cream will normally control a fungal infection. See athletes foot for more information ChilblainsCaused by damp cold weather which affects the circulation in the feet and lower limb. Small purplish red itchy swollen areas can develop on the toes and become uncomfortable. Correct advice and regular massage can help reduce chilblains. See chilblains for more information. Verrucae (warts)A verruca (or wart) is caused by a virus and produces an overgrowth of skin. Verrucae are normally found on very small areas on the sole of the feet but can cover much larger areas. They have many disguises (very small blisters, black dots in the centre) and can even look like a corn to the untrained eye. See verrucae and warts for more information. Tired aching feet and flat feetCaused by poor foot function and complicated by standing or walking for long periods of time, pregnancy and by being overweight. Orthotics (insoles) can help improve foot function and relieve discomfort and pain.
Hammer Toes
Bacterial infections Often caused by foreign bodies such as dog hairs entering the skin or by friction from shoes causing skin breakdown. Removal of the foreign body, establishing drainage, cleaning and correct dressing and padding can often very quickly resolve any bacterial infection or wound.
Foreign Body The most common thing I find embedded in patients' skin are dog hairs. After a short while the patient might feel pain because of the bacterial infection and slight swelling that can occur. The second most common thing I find is glass from walking around in bare feet. Glass is unlikely to cause an infection but causes significant discomfort.
Sprained Ankle Treatment depends at what stage your sprained ankle is and the severity of the sprain. |
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| Sue Ferguson BSc (Hons), MRCPod Chiropodist and Podiatrist 2 St Benets Court Tenterden Kent TN30 6QS Tel: 01580 765546 Email: sjf.ferguson@gmail.com |