Our feet carry us through life, but we often take them for granted, until we face a problem. Common foot problems like the nagging pain of plantar fasciitis, the discomfort of bunions, or the irritation of ingrown toenails, can significantly impact our daily lives.
We explore some of the most common foot problems and outline how podiatry and chiropodist services can provide relief and improve foot health.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia when it becomes overstressed or strained. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. This ligament supports the foot’s arch and absorbs shock during activities like walking, running, and standing.
What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Sharp heel pain.
- Pain in the arch of your foot.
- Sore feet in the morning when taking your first steps.
- Pain after activity.
- Tenderness and swelling.
This condition is one of the most common causes of heel pain and can be aggravated by factors such as high-impact activities, obesity, or tight calf muscles.
Podiatry Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, podiatry treatment can help reduce pain, manage inflammation, and prevent the condition from worsening.
Typical plantar fasciitis podiatry treatments often involve stretching and strengthening exercises, custom shoe inserts, advice on suitable footwear, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), and shockwave therapy.
Bunions
Bunions are bony protrusions that develop at the base of the big toe, where it connects to the foot. They happen when the big toe leans toward the neighbouring toe, leading to the joint sticking out. As time goes on, this misalignment can worsen and become painful. Several factors contribute to the formation of bunions, such as genetics, the type of shoes worn, or conditions like arthritis.
What are the Symptoms of Bunions?
Recognising the early signs of bunions can significantly help in managing and preventing further issues. Some typical symptoms to look out for include:
- The big toe starting to angle toward the second toe, with a noticeable bump forming at the base.
- Pain and tenderness around the bunion, particularly when walking or wearing tight shoes.
- Swelling and redness around the bunion, especially after prolonged standing or walking.
- Restricted or painful movement of the big toe, making walking less comfortable.
Podiatry Bunion Treatment
If you’re dealing with bunions, seeking podiatry treatment can ease your discomfort, improve foot function, and keep the condition from deteriorating further.
A podiatrist can help with bunions by providing a range of treatments, including recommending proper footwear, custom orthotics, and bunion pads to reduce pressure and discomfort.
They may also suggest physical therapy exercises to improve foot function, prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections for pain relief. In cases where the bunion becomes severe or painful, they may offer surgical options.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition is most commonly found in the big toe and can be triggered by improper nail trimming, tight or ill-fitting shoes, foot injuries, or even genetic factors.
What are the Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail can be both painful and irritating, often causing discomfort that affects your ability to walk or wear shoes comfortably. Symptoms of ingrown toenails to look out for include:
- Tenderness or sharp pain around the toenail, especially when pressure is applied.
- Swelling, redness and inflammation around the area of the ingrown toenail.
- In severe cases, the skin around the toenail can become infected, leading to pus or drainage.
These symptoms will typically appear around the affected toenail and can worsen if not treated quickly.
Podiatrist treatment for ingrown toenails
A podiatrist can provide effective treatments for ingrown toenails to relieve pain and prevent complications.
They may recommend soaking the foot in warm water to soften the nail and reduce infection risk. In some cases, they’ll gently lift the toenail and place cotton or gauze underneath to encourage proper growth.
For severe or recurring cases, part or all of the toenail may be removed under local anesthesia, sometimes with a chemical treatment to prevent regrowth. If an infection is present, antibiotics or ointments may be prescribed.
Podiatrists will also provide guidance on nail trimming and footwear to prevent future ingrown toenails.
Foot Fungal Infections
A foot fungal infection is an infection caused by fungi that affect the skin or nails on your feet. The most common type is athlete’s foot, which occurs when fungi invade the skin, particularly in the spaces between the toes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making areas like public swimming pools, and non-breathable shoes ideal for their growth.
What are the Symptoms of Foot Fungus?
Foot fungal infections can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms that can interfere with daily activities. If left untreated, these infections may worsen and spread to other areas of the foot or body. Common signs of foot fungus include:
- Redness and itching, typically in patches that can spread over time.
- Circular or ring-shaped rashes which may progress into discolored, scaly patches on the skin.
- Blisters or open sores, which can be painful and prone to infection.
- Dry, cracked, and flaky skin.
- Thickened, brittle, or discoloured nails.
- Unpleasant odours.
- Pain or tenderness.
Can a Podiatrist Treat Toenail Fungus?
Yes, a podiatrist can treat nail fungus, as well as other fungal infections affecting the feet and skin. As specialists in foot care, they are experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions like athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections.
Treatment options may include antifungal creams, sprays, or powders that are applied directly to the affected area to help eliminate the infection. For more severe or persistent infections, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed to treat the infection from within.
Some podiatrists also offer laser treatments, particularly for nail fungus, to target and destroy the infection without harming surrounding tissues. In cases of fungal nail infections, a podiatrist may trim, thin, or even remove the infected nail to allow antifungal treatments to penetrate more effectively.
Calluses
Calluses are thick, toughened areas of skin that typically form on the soles of the feet, particularly on the heels or balls of the feet. They develop due to repeated pressure or friction, often from prolonged walking or standing. Ill-fitting shoes or high heels that exert pressure on the balls of the feet or heels can also contribute to the formation of calluses.
What are the Symptoms of Calluses?
Calluses are generally harmless but can become painful or unsightly if not properly managed. Symptoms may include:
- Thick, hardened skin, typically on the soles of the feet, especially on the heels or balls.
- Rough, textured skin that may appear yellow or grayish.
- Discomfort or pain while walking or standing.
- Dry or cracked skin around the callus.
Can a Podiatrist Remove Calluses?
Yes, a podiatrist can effectively and safely take care of calluses. If you’re feeling pain or discomfort from them, or if they have thickened too much, a podiatrist can use specialised instruments to trim them down.
They can also offer treatments to help prevent new calluses from forming and give you tips on foot care, the right shoes to wear, and how to reduce friction or pressure that contributes to callus development. If calluses keep coming back, they may suggest custom insoles or other preventative options to keep your feet protected.
Podiatrist Treatments
At Morley, our skilled Podiatrist brings extensive expertise in addressing various foot conditions. We provide a variety of foot care services, such as hard skin and callus removal, nail surgery, treatment for fungal infections, and exercise therapy to help with gait issues.
If you feel it is time to see a podiatrist and want to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to us.
