The foot is a complex
structure, consisting of 26 bones, supported by a network of ligaments,
muscles and tendons.
Everyday abuse, long
periods of standing, wearing shoes which restrict the movement,
or which do not support the foot, combined with fashion for heeled
shoes and hereditary factors all contribute to foot problems.
A visit to a chiropodist or foot health professional,
can alleviate discomfort of many foot disorders. A corn
may be removed in one session, however recurring problems can
be helped with regular maintenance along with palliative care
and recommendation to seek a biomechanical assessment.
Appointments take
around 30 minutes, your medical & general health will be recorded,
and an initial treatment will help to provide, in most instances,
immediate relief.
....when your feet
hurt, you hurt all over!
Many foot problems
can be prevented with correct footwear and regular care. Our feet
too often, get neglected.....until they start to hurt!!!
Common foot problems:
| Corns
|
These commonly develop upon prominent
joints, such as a the toes and the ball of the foot
(due to a dropped metatarsal)
soft corns (heloma molle)
can appear between the toes (where they have a
soft rubbery texture).
|
Often described
as feeling like walking on a stone. |
- Ensure there is room
in the shoe to take away pressure from the part.
- The use of acid treatments
is not recommended.
- Application of surgical
spirit or vinegar may help ease a soft corn.
- A visit to the chiropodist
is recommended for removal of the corn.
|
| Verruca |
Often mistaken
for corns, these can appear anywhere on the foot and may
be flat or raised. They may have little blacks dots (blood
vessels) visible. They are a papilloma virus and are usually
caught when the skin is moist and wet i.e. swimming pools
|
Can give a sharp
pain which shoots through the foot, but sometimes are symptom
free |
- A verruca will often
disappear of its own accord, but this may take several
years.
- Application of a caustic
solution such as Salicylic acid may be used if there
is no impairment of circulation or neuropathy of the
foot (i.e. diabetes)
- Using neat tea tree
oil, Thuja tincture or application of banana skin is
useful for young children
- Cover the area with
a pad or collodion to prevent cross infection.
|
| Fissures |
These most often
occur on the heels, during the warmer months. 'A bit
like a muddy field that dries up and cracks' Partly
due to the dry weather, but also wearing sling back sandals
creates a 'slap' effect with each step, also weight creates
more strain for the foot in general. |
Usually very
pronounced hard skin on the heels, which become very sore
when they first split. |
- Keep the feet moisturised
to enable flexibility of the skin
- Use a 'foot file' to
reduce the hard skin
- Be aware of cracks,
to prevent infection gaining entry
- Regular chiropody treatment
will help to maintain condition of your feet
|
| Athletes Foot |
A fungal infection
'Tinea', the first signs of which often occurs between
the toes, with a moist white appearance. However can occur
anywhere on the foot and may spread to the nails. |
May cause itchiness around
the area, but may be symptom free.
If the nails are affected,
they often look yellowish/brown with thickening of the
nail.
|
- If slight, applications
of tea tree oil may be sufficient.
- Application of Athletes
foot cream such as Daktarin or Lamisil
- If the nails are affected,
nail clippings should be sent for analysis.
- Footwear should be treated, to prevent re-infection
|
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