INGROWING TOE NAILS
An in growing toenail is one that pierces the
flesh of the toe. It can feel as if you have a
splinter, and can be extremely painful. In more
severe cases, it can cause pus and bleeding.
Ingrowing toenails most commonly affect the big
toenail, but can affect the other toes too. A nail that is
curling (involuted or convoluted) into the flesh, but isn’t
actually piercing the skin isn't an ingrowing toenail, but can
feel very painful and also appear red and inflamed as well.
This condition is something I specialise in and i have treated many
hundreds of patients successfully over the last 23 years.


WARTS / VERRUCA
Warts are a contagious viral skin infection caused by the human
papilloma virus. They are most commonly caught by direct contact or walking
bare-foot in wet areas, such as public showers and swimming pools. Warts may
appear singly or in clusters.They may or may not have black spots in them.

1.Plantar verruca occur on the sole of the foot and usually have overlying callus.These warts are usually very tender and often feel as though you’re walking on a pebble.

2.Mosaic warts are clustered superficial warts that tend to look dry and have rough irregular surfaces They form a mosaic pattern and usually cover a larger area than plantar warts.
Podiatrists in general would prefer to see and start treating verrucae in adults as soon as possible. There is a much better chance of a quick resolution. Once verrucae have spread, or have got very large in size, they can be very time consuming to treat.

Even the most experienced podiatrist cannot tell by looking at a verruca how long it will take to get rid of. Not only do the warts vary in themselves but also every person reacts differently to treatment.


CORNS / HELOMATA
When we walk or stand, our body weight is carried first on the heel and then on the ball of the foot, where the skin is thicker, to withstand the pressure. When this pressure becomes intense, growths, in the form of corns and callus, may appear. Corns always occur over a bony prominence, such as a joint.

1.Hard corns are painful conical areas of hardened skin, caused by pressure. They are usually found over prominent joints, such as clawed toes or under the ball of the foot.

2.Soft corns occur between the toes, because the small joints rub up against each other. They are usually whitish and rubbery in appearance.

3.Seed corns are usually multiple small lesions and are usually associated with pressure and dry skin


CALLUS
Callus is caused by excessive production of keratin (hyperkeratosis)
Most calluses are symptoms of an underlying problem like a bony deformity, a particular style of walking, or inappropriate footwear. Some people have a natural tendency to form callus because of their skin type. Elderly people have less fatty tissue in their skin and this can lead to callus forming on the ball of the foot.


FOOT PAINS
Forefoot pain, heel pain, ankle pain, leg pain, knee pain, even back pain can all be caused by biomechanical problems in the feet. This means that there is some misalignment in the structures of the foot. These problems can occur at any age. Podiatrists treat many of these types of problems with functional foot orthoses - these are inserts that go into the shoes and act by supporting the foot in a more efficient functional position. Once the foot is held in this improved position by the orthoses, they will help reduce muscle strain, prevent torsion and the added stresses being put on the muscles and ligaments of the feet, knees, hips and lower back. Your body will not have to try and control the poor mechanics, and shock absorption will be improved.


ATHLETE’S FOOT / TINEA PEDIS
Tinea is a common fungal skin infection, affecting various parts of the body. On the foot, tinea initially begins in the web spaces and becomes white and soggy in appearance. Odour may develop and the skin thickens and peels. If left untreated it can spread to the nails.


CHILBLAINS
These are red, blotchy blue patches, which are extremely itchy. They occur on exposed areas of the body especially the hand and feet as a result of extreme exposure to heat and cold. These areas can become badly infected.


AGEING FEET
Older feet naturally develop more problems because the skin tends to thin and lose it's elasticity. Healing can take longer and wear and tear to the joints over the years may have caused some degree of arthritis.

But painful and uncomfortable feet aren't a natural part of growing old or something to "put-up with". A lot can be done to improve comfort, relieve pain and maintain mobility.
It's not too late to start caring!

Keeping toenails cut and under control will help keep you mobile but you may need help with this from your chiropodist/podiatrist or a friend.


DIABETES
Diabetic feet require special care and attention and by following a daily routine to keep your feet clean and free from infection will help prevent potential foot problems. You should also make sure your footwear fits well and doesn't put pressure on or rub any part of your foot. A good way of ensuring this is to get your feet measured. People who suffer with neuropathy can often be wearing shoes that are a size too small.

If you can see and reach your feet cut them after a bath when the nails are softer. Remember to cut them following the shape of the toe, and not too short. File them, if that is easier.
To keep corns and hard skin under control use a foot file, emery board or pumice stone. Don't cut corns for yourself, or apply 'over the counter' lotions or acids unless prescribed by your Podiatrist or Healthcare Practitioner. If you have previously been advised that you can use ‘over the counter’ lotions check each year that this is still okay.

Any minor cuts or abrasions should be covered with a clean dry dressing, and blisters should be left to dry out on their own. If they burst, apply a clean dry dressing, but do not burst them yourself. Seek professional treatment if they do not heal quickly. Wounds (sometimes called ulcers) should be assessed and treated as a matter of urgency within 24hours, especially if there is redness or swelling around the area, or were you have previously been warned to seek immediate attention.

I routinely perform assessments of patients to monitor the circulation and sensation
Status of their feet.


SWEATY FEET
Most of us have suffered from foot perspiration and odour from time to time, yet for some people, sweaty feet are a persistent problem which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Sweaty feet is a complaint known as Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, and has a lot to do with how the sweat glands in this part of the body work. With 250,000 sweat glands, feet do tend to sweat more than other parts of the body. But with a daily hygiene routine, few people should suffer from the embarrassment that it may cause.