Podiatry / Chiropody Foot Care

Cause:

Corns develop due to repeated pressure or friction, usually from ill-fitting footwear or abnormal foot mechanics. They form as thickened areas of skin, often over bony prominences such as the toes.

Treatment:

Cause:

Calluses are thickened layers of skin that form as a protective response to repetitive pressure or friction. They commonly occur on the soles of the feet, especially in weight-bearing areas.

Treatment:

• Professional reduction of thickened skin using a scalpel.

• Custom orthotics or insoles to redistribute pressure.

• Proper footwear with cushioned soles.

• Regular use of emollients to maintain skin hydration.

Cause:

Verrucae are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny breaks or cuts, leading to the formation of rough, raised lesions, often with black dots (thrombosed capillaries). They are highly contagious and commonly spread in communal areas like swimming pools and gyms.

Treatment:

• Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen).

• Verruca needling (a minor procedure to stimulate an immune response).

• Salicylic acid treatments to break down infected tissue.

• Electrosurgery or laser therapy for persistent cases.

Cause:

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the nail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, inflammation, and sometimes infection. This can result from improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or trauma.

Treatment:

• Conservative management with warm saltwater soaks and antiseptic application.

• Partial or total nail avulsion (minor surgery) if the condition is recurrent.

• Antibiotics if infection is present.

• Proper nail-cutting techniques (cutting straight across rather than rounding the edges).

Cause:

Fungal infections of the toenails are caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds. They thrive in warm, moist environments and often begin after exposure in communal areas or from untreated athlete’s foot.

Treatment:

• Topical antifungal treatments (such as amorolfine or terbinafine).

• Oral antifungal medication for severe infections (e.g., terbinafine or itraconazole).

• Laser therapy in persistent cases.

• Keeping feet dry and nails trimmed to prevent reinfection.

Cause:

A contagious fungal infection, often picked up in public showers, gyms, or from prolonged wearing of damp shoes. It leads to itchy, peeling skin, blisters, and a burning sensation, particularly between the toes.

Treatment:

• Topical antifungal creams (e.g., clotrimazole, terbinafine).

• Keeping feet dry and wearing moisture-wicking socks.

• Avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas.

• Using antifungal powders in shoes to prevent recurrence.

Cause:

Bunions form due to the misalignment of the big toe joint, often caused by genetic predisposition, poor footwear (e.g., high heels), or biomechanical abnormalities. They lead to a bony bump on the side of the foot, pain, and difficulty wearing shoes.

Treatment:

• Conservative: Orthotics, toe spacers, bunion pads, and footwear modifications.

• Medical: Corticosteroid injections for pain relief.

• Surgical: Bunionectomy if the condition is severe and affecting mobility.

Cause:

Hyperhidrosis occurs due to overactive sweat glands and may have genetic or neurological triggers. It often leads to smelly, damp feet, increasing the risk of infections like athlete’s foot.

Treatment:

• Antiperspirant sprays or powders.

• Iontophoresis (electrical stimulation to reduce sweat gland activity).

• Botox injections to block nerve signals that trigger sweating.

• Wearing breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks.

Cause:

Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, caused by overuse, improper footwear, high-impact activities, or biomechanical issues. It results in sharp heel pain, particularly in the morning.

Treatment:

• Stretching exercises (calf and plantar fascia stretches).

• Custom orthotics for arch support.

• Shockwave therapy for chronic cases.

• Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation.

• Proper footwear with good arch support.

Cause:

Heel pain can result from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, or excessive foot strain due to improper footwear, obesity, or prolonged standing.

Treatment:

• Rest and ice therapy.

• Orthotics and cushioned footwear.

• Stretching and strengthening exercises.

• Physiotherapy and shockwave therapy for chronic cases.

• Corticosteroid injections in severe cases.

Cause:

Issues with foot posture, walking patterns, or structural abnormalities (e.g., flat feet, high arches, or leg length discrepancies) can lead to pain, inefficiency, and increased injury risk.

Treatment:

• Gait analysis to assess walking and running patterns.

• Custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and function.

• Footwear assessment to ensure proper support.

• Rehabilitation exercises to correct muscle imbalances.