newcastlefootclinic

Verruca

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:05:30 GMT

A verruca is simply a wart that is usually found on the soles of feet, though they can also appear around the toes. In the early stages, a verruca looks like a small, dark, puncture mark but later turns grey or brown. It may become rough and bumpy with a cauliflower-like appearance and may develop a black spot in the middle, which is caused by bleeding. A verruca can grow to half an inch in diameter and may spread into a cluster of small warts.

Verrucae are caused by the human papiloma virus (HPV). This virus is very contagious, but can only be caught by direct contact. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as swimming pools, changing room floors and bathrooms. So if an infected bare foot walks across the poolside, it may release virus-infected cells onto the floor. If you then walk on the same floor, you can pick the virus up, especially if you have any small or invisible cuts and abrasions that make it even easier for the virus to penetrate. You could also catch the virus from an infected towel.

They are harmless. However, they can cause a sharp, burning pain if you get one on a weight-bearing area such as the ball or the heel of the foot. Because you are constantly pressing on the area when walking, they can protrude into the skin and become more painful.

When you have verrucae on a non-weight-bearing surface (such as on the top of the foot or on the toes), they protrude above skin level, tend to be fleshier and cause less pain.

Who gets them? Then tend to be common in children, especially teenagers. However, for unknown reasons, some people seem to be more susceptible to the virus, whereas others are immune.

What’s the difference between a corn and a verruca? A verruca is a viral infection, whereas a corn or calluses are simply layers of dead skin. Verrucae tend to be painful to pinch, but if you’re unsure, your podiatrist will know.

What can I do? Minimise your chances of catching a verruca by keeping your feet clean and dry, and covering any cuts or scratches. Avoid walking barefoot in communal showers or changing rooms (wear flip-flops) and don’t share towels.

If a verruca does appear, avoid touching or scratching it as it may spread into a cluster of several warts. Instead, cover it up with plaster. In some cases, this may cure it.

Do not self-treat if you have diabetes or circulation problems. However, if you are fit and healthy, it’s fine to treat yourself with over-the-counter gels and ointments. Ask your pharmacist for advice or look for products containing salicyclic acid, such as Verrugon, and ensure that you follow the instructions carefully. If, at any stage, your verruca becomes painful or the surrounding skin goes red, stop treatment immediately and see a podiatrist. If you damage the healthy tissue that surrounds the wart tissue you could hamper further treatment.

What can a podiatrist do? Because verrucae usually often disappear in time (fought off by your immune system), the general policy in the UK is to only treat them when they are causing pain. Verrucae generally resolve spontaneously within six months in children. But in adults, they can persist for years.

Other treatments include:

Cryotherapy - This involves freezing warts off with liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide gas. This needs to be done every 2 or 3 weeks for a few months before the verruca is fully removed. However, it can lead to soreness and blistering in some people. You can still swim after this treatment, but it’s not advised for sensitive or anxious children.

Electrosurgery - After a local anaesthetic, the verruca is pared down. An electric needle is then placed in the middle of the wart for a few seconds until the wart boils – the verruca is then scooped out.

Excisional surgery - Similar to above, but using a scalpel.

Laser surgery Lasers are sometimes used to kill the virus. This is useful for treating portions of large verrucae at a time.

In short, you can treat your verruca with an over-the-counter medicine unless you have diabetes or circulation problems. If the verruca appears to be getting bigger, causing pain or you want the verruca treated, please consult a podiatrist.

Falknor's Needling for Verrucae

Falknor's needling procedure is an innovative and effective treatment for verrucae (warts), which are benign types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) group. It is a form of soft tissue therapy which is intended to break down the verruca and create a controlled inflammatory response which, in turn, stimulates the body's immune system to recognise the virus and destroy it. The treatment has been around for over45 years (being first described in a medical journal in America in 1969) and is used routinely with great success by practitioners internationally.

Needling is different from most other treatment modalities (such as caustics, which can entail dozens of applications to be effective) as it only requires one, or occasionally two, applications making this an ideal treatment for busy people. 24 hours after treatment you can shower as normal without the need to keep bulky dressings dry. In fact, no dressings are required at all after 2 days, so you can continue with daily activities as normal.

How does this method of treatment work? By puncturing the verruca with an empty sterile needle many times, the viral particles are directly exposed to the fatty tissue beneath the skin where the body is rich in immune regulators. Here, the immune system can recognise and destroy the virus. As this immune response is often systemic, treatment of only one Verruca is required even where there are many lesions as spontaneous remission occurs in all, or most, Verrucae at the same time.

The procedure is carried out painlessly under a local anaesthetic and only mild soreness the following day has been reported by a few patients, although the majority of patients feel no discomfort at all following treatment.

Newcastle Foot Clinic is pleased to offer this treatment for patients following an assessment appointment.

Heel Pain

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:04:29 GMT

When walking, your heels repeatedly hit the ground with considerable force. They have to be able to absorb the impact and provide a firm support for the weight of the body. When pain develops in the heel, it can be very disabling, making every step a problem, affecting your posture. There are various types of heel pain. Some of the most common are: Plantar fasciitis; heel bursitis and heel bumps.

Common symptoms:

Plantar fasciitis: the pain is usually worst on standing, particularly first thing in the morning when you get up. It is relatively common, though usually occurring in the over forty's age group. There are no visible features on the heel but a deep localised painful spot can often be found in or around the middle of the sole of the heel.

Heel Bursitis: pain can be felt at the back of the heel when the ankle joint is moved and there may be a swelling on both sides of the Achilles tendon. Or you may feel pain deep inside the heel when it makes contact with the ground.

Heel Bumps: recognised as firm bumps on the back of the heel , they are often rubbed by shoes causing pain.

Recommended treatments

Pantar fasciitis: cushioning for the heel is of little value. Your chiropodist/podiatrist may initially apply padding and strapping to alter the direction of stretch of the ligament. This is often successful at reducing the tenderness in the short term. In the long term, your chiropodist/podiatrist may recommend a biomechanical assessment and or gait analysis to prescribe special insoles (orthoses) to help the feet to function more effectively, thereby reducing strain on the ligaments, reducing pain and making any recurrence less likely.

For an appointment or more information please email newcastlefootclinic@live.co.uk or call 0191 2618375.

If pain from Plantar faciitis continues, you may be referred to your GP who can prescribe an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Alternatively, localised hydrocortisone injection treatment may be given by your GP or an appropriate chiropodist/podiatrist. If pain persists, surgery may be considered.

Heel Bursitis: in most cases, attention to the cause of any rubbing, and appropriate padding and strapping by your chiropodist/podiatrist will allow the inflammation to settle. If infection is present, your chiropodist/podiatrist will refer you to your GP for antibiotics.

Heel Bumps: adjustments to footwear is often enough to make them comfortable. A leather heel counter and wearing boots may help. However, if pain persists, surgery may be necessary.

Please email newcastlefootclinic@live.co.uk or call 0191 2618375 for an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown Toenail

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:03:19 GMT

An ingrowing toenail is one that pierces the flesh of the toe. It can feel as if you have a splinter, be extremely painful and inflamed or infected. 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. Whereas 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.

There are many genetic factors that can make you prone to ingrowing toenails including your posture (the way you stand), your gait (the way you walk) and any foot deformity such as a bunion, hammer toes or excessive pronation of the feet (when your foot rolls inward excessively). Your nails may also have a natural tendency to splay or curl out instead of growing straight, encouraging your nail to grow outwards or inwards into the flesh.

What is it?

An ingrowing toenail is one that pierces the flesh of the toe. It can feel as if you have a splinter, be extremely painful and inflamed or infected. 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. Whereas 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.

What causes it?

There are many genetic factors that can make you prone to ingrowing toenails including your posture (the way you stand), your gait (the way you walk) and any foot deformity such as a bunion, hammer toes or excessive pronation of the feet (when your foot rolls inward excessively). Your nails may also have a natural tendency to splay or curl out instead of growing straight, encouraging your nail to grow outwards or inwards into the flesh.

Tight footwear, hosiery and socks can also push your toe flesh onto the nail so that it pierces the skin. Also, if you sweat excessively or don’t rotate your footwear, this makes the skin moist and weak so that it is easily penetrated by the nail. If you have brittle nails with sharp edges or are in the habit of breaking off bits of nail that are sticking out, you are also more likely to get an ingrowing toenail. In addition, the wearing of support

hose that is ill-fitting and squeezes the toes or likewise, the wearing of shoes with tight toe boxes.

However, one of the most common causes is not cutting your toenails properly such as cutting nails too low in order to relieve the pressure and discomfort of an involuted nail.

Less common is a fungal infection or in some cases particular types of medication, eg. isotretinoin.

Is it serious?

If left untreated, the infection can spread to the rest of the toe and foot and could lead to surgery. The quicker you treat it, the less painful the treatment.

Who gets it?

Active, sporty people are particularly prone, because they sweat more. Younger people are more likely to get it (as they pick their nails more, compared to older people who may not reach their toes!).

How do I know I have it?

The most common symptom is pain followed by some form of inflammation in the surrounding nail area.

However, not everyone identifies an ingrowing toenail correctly. Sometimes, they have a curly nail which has a lot of debris (dirt or fluff) underneath it or a corn or callus down the side of the nail, which can be nearly as painful. However, if it’s a corn, the pain tends to be throbbing as opposed to the sharp pain you get with an ingrowing toenail. If this is the case, your podiatrist will remove the debris, and if necessary, thin the nail.

How do I prevent it?

Firstly, learn to cut your nails properly. Nail cutters aren’t a good idea because the curved cutting edge can cut the flesh and nail scissors can slip. It’s best to use nail nippers (available from chemists) because they have a smaller cutting blade but a longer handle. Cut your nails straight across and don’t cut too low at the edge or down the side. The corner of the nail should be visible above the skin. Also, cut them after a bath or shower when the nail is much softer.

Good hygiene can go a long way to preventing ingrowing toenails. Avoid moist, soggy feet by letting rotating your footwear so each pair has a chance to dry out thoroughly. Avoid man-made materials (synthetics) and choose socks and shoes of natural fibre and which fit properly. Keep your feet clean and dry and in the summer and wear open-toed

sandals to let air get to your toes as much as possible.

If you have diabetes, are taking steroids or are on anti-coagulants, don’t attempt to cut your nails or remove the ingrowing spike of nail yourself.

What are the treatments?

Before you are seen by a podiatrist, you can relieve the discomfort by bathing your foot in a salty footbath which helps to prevent infection and reduces inflammation. Then apply a clean sterile dressing, especially if you have a discharge and rest your foot as much as possible.

How a podiatrist will treat you will depend largely on the severity of your condition:

* For the most basic painful and irritable ingrowing toenail, the offending spike of nail will be removed and covered with an antiseptic dressing.

* For toes too painful to touch, a local anaesthetic will be injected before removing the offending portion of nail.

* For involuted nails, part of the nail that is curling into the flesh is removed and then the edges of the nail are filed to a smooth surface.

* For any bleeding or discharge from an infection, or even excessive healing flesh (hypergranulation tissue) around the nail, antibiotics will be prescribed to beat the infection as well as having the offending spike removed.

For those particularly prone to ingrowing toenails from underlying problems such as poor gait, partial nail avulsion (PNA) may be recommended along with finding a more permanent solution to the underlying condition. This procedure is done under a local anaesthetic where 8-10% of the nail is removed (including the root) so that the nail permanently becomes slightly narrower. The chemical phenol cauterises the nail and prevents it regrowing in the corners. This is over 95% successful. You will, however, have to go back to your podiatrist for a number of re-dressings. After surgery, the overall appearance of the nail looks normal – to the extent that some people even forget which nail they’ve had done!

What We Do!

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:01:35 GMT

Do you know what a Podiatrist can do? And how we can help you?

A Podiatrist/ Chiropodist is a state registered professional offering treatments in the lower limb and foot. All of the Podiatrists at Newcastle Foot Clinic are qualified at degree level with honours, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and members of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrist. At Newcastle Foot Clinic the Podiatrists/ Chiropodists offer a range of treatment options for lower limb and foot complaints.

What is a Podiatrist/ Chiropodist?

A Podiatrist/ Chiropodist is a state registered professional offering treatments in the lower limb and foot. All of the Podiatrists at Newcastle Foot Clinic are qualified at degree level with honours, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and members of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrist. At Newcastle Foot Clinic the Podiatrists/ Chiropodists offer a range of treatment options for lower limb and foot complaints.

Standard Consultation

A standard incudes general nail care (trimming and filing), treatment of ingrown and thickened toe nails, callus/hard skin reduction and corn removal. The podiatrist can diagnose fungal nail infections and athletes foot and advise patients on the best treatment course. At the end of the appointment, the podiatrist will apply cream to the patient’s feet and give them a soothing massage.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is one of the treatments available to help resolve a Verruca. Verrucae, sometimes called plantar warts, are warts that develop on plantar surfaces -that is, the soles of the feet. The pressure from normal standing and walking tends to force the warts into the skin, and this can make the warts painful. Cryosurgery is a controlled destruction of the tissues using very low temperatures i.e. freezing of the skin. Ice is formed inside and outside the cells disrupting the cell where the virus is living. After freezing the skin is allowed to thaw. Ideally, the treatment ruptures the cells of which the virus has infected. The body’s immune system is then thought to fight off the skin infection. Around 4 cryosurgery appointments are advised spaced 3 weeks apart.

Clearanail

Clearanail is a clinically proven and innovative new concept for treating fungal toe nails. The treatment creates micro pathways in the affected nails using controlled micro penetration, which creates a drilling effect. Each tiny hole is drilled in less than 5 seconds and the whole process is pain free. This process allows deeper access to the areas of infection without damaging the nail bed beneath. The podiatrist will supply the patient with a Lamisil spray, which is a fungal infection treatment, this should be applied once daily to the treated nails. Without the Clearanail treatment the fungal nails will take a minimum of 18 months to clear using over the counter treatments. The Clearanail can give visible results within 2 weeks.

Biomechanical Assessment

A biomechanical assessment diagnoses and treats lower limb pain. The podiatrist will analyse the patients gait, which is the term used for a cycle of walking, the ranges of motion available at each joint, the posture and position of both feet and perform assessments to analyse balance and muscle power. After the assessment a range of treatments may be advised including stretching exercises, bespoke orthotics/insoles, joint manipulation, ultrasound treatment and footwear advise. The podiatrist will work alongside the patient aiming to get them back to performing their daily activities and minimise pain.

Nail Surgery

Nail surgery is an option for a permanent solution to painful, ingrown, thickened, infected, fungal and damaged nails. The podiatrist will inject a local anaesthetic into the toe of the nail to be removed, this will numb the toe creating a pain free environment. The podiatrist will remove either the whole nail or part of the nail before applying a chemical called phenol to the nail matrix to prevent nail regrowth and reoccurrence of the issues caused. The healing process can take up to 6 weeks in which the toe will be in a dressing.

Planter Fasciitis

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:00:09 GMT

Planter Fasciitis: A Quick Explanation. . .When pain develops in the heel, it can be very disabling, making every step a problem. Planter fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone.

If you don't treat plantar fasciitis, it may become a chronic condition. You may not be able to keep up your level of activity, and you may develop symptoms of foot, knee, hip and back problems because plantar fasciitis can alter the way you walk.

When pain develops in the heel, it can be very disabling, making every step a problem. Planter fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. If you don't treat plantar fasciitis, it may become a chronic condition. You may not be able to keep up your level of activity, and you may develop symptoms of foot, knee, hip and back problems because plantar fasciitis can alter the way you walk.

At the Newcastle Foot Clinic we can asses and diagnose planter fasciitis to successfully treat the condition with tailor made treatment plans including orthotics/insoles, soft tissues manipulation, stretching exercises and ultrasound, in order to reduce pain and increase activity levels.

Corns & Callus

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:58:08 GMT

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 excessive, some areas of skin thicken in the form of corns and callus, as a protective response to the body’s reaction to the friction of skin rubbing against a bone, shoe or the ground.

Callus (or callosity) is an extended area of thickened, hard skin on the soles of the feet. It is usually symptomatic of an underlying problem such as 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.

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.

What is it? / What causes the problem?

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 excessive, some areas of skin thicken in the form of corns and callus, as a protective response to the body’s reaction to the friction of skin rubbing against a bone, shoe or the ground.

Callus (or callosity) is an extended area of thickened, hard skin on the soles of the feet. It is usually symptomatic of an underlying problem such as 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.

Corns are caused by pressure or friction over bony areas, such as a joint, and they have a central core which may cause pain if it presses on a nerve. There are five different types of corns, the most common of which are ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ corns:

* Hard corns – these are the most common and appear as a small area of concentrated hard skin up to the size of a small pea usually within a wider area of thickened skin or callus. This may be a symptom of the feet or toes not functioning properly.

* Soft corns – these develop in a similar way to hard corns but they are whitish and rubbery in texture and appear between toes where the skin is moist from sweat or from inadequate drying.

* Seed corns – these are tiny corns that tend to occur either singly or in clusters on the bottom of the foot and are usually painless.

* Vascular corns – these can be very painful and can bleed profusely if cut.

* Fibrous corns – these arise when corns have been present for a long time and are more firmly attached to the deeper tissues than any other type of corn. They may also be painful.

What are the treatments?

It is best not to cut corns yourself, especially if you are elderly or diabetic. A podiatrist will be able to reduce the bulk of the corn and apply astringents to cut down on sweat retention between the toes.

You should be careful about using corn plasters, as they contain acids than can burn the healthy skin around the corn and this can lead to serious problems such as infection. You should always consult a podiatrist for advice before using corn plasters. Home remedies, like lambswool around toes, are potentially dangerous. Commercially available ‘cures’ should be used only following professional advice.

If you are unsure of what to do or need special attention, consult a registered podiatrist who will be able to remove corns painlessly, apply padding or insoles to relieve pressure or fit corrective appliances for long-term relief. For callus, your podiatrist will also be able to remove hard skin, relieve pain and redistribute pressure with soft padding, strapping or corrective appliances which fit easily into your shoes. The skin should then return to its normal state.

The elderly can benefit from padding to the ball of the foot, to compensate for any loss of natural padding. Emollient creams delay callus building up and help improve the skin’s natural elasticity. Your podiatrist will be able to advise you on the most appropriate skin preparations for your needs.

Chilblains

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:56:46 GMT

Chilblains (also called pernio) are small itchy, red (and sometimes purple) swellings on the skin, which can become increasingly painful, can swell and then dry out leaving cracks in the skin which expose the foot to the risk of infection.

Chilblains develop when the tiny blood vessels under the skin constrict under cold conditions reducing the flow of blood until the area warms up again and causes some leakage of fluid into the surrounding tissue. They are caused by the skin’s abnormal reaction to cold but not everyone develops them as this depends to a large extent on the efficiency of your circulation. People with poor circulation and other health problems involving their blood vessels are likely to be more prone to developing chilblains. In addition, damp or draughty conditions, dietary factors and hormonal imbalance can also be contributory factors. It is thought that rapid temperature change from cold to hot can also be a cause. If the skin is chilled and is then followed by too rapid warming next to a fire or through using a hot water bottle, this may result in chilblains.

What is it?

Chilblains (also called pernio) are small itchy, red (and sometimes purple) swellings on the skin, which can become increasingly painful, can swell and then dry out leaving cracks in the skin which expose the foot to the risk of infection. They occur on the toes (particularly the smaller ones), fingers, the face (especially the nose) and the lobes of the ears. They can also occur on areas of the feet exposed to pressure, for instance, on a bunion or where the second toe is squeezed by tight shoes. They can also lead to blisters and break down to become a small ulcer prone to infection.

What causes the problem?

Chilblains develop when the tiny blood vessels under the skin constrict under cold conditions reducing the flow of blood until the area warms up again and causes some leakage of fluid into the surrounding tissue. They are caused by the skin’s abnormal reaction to cold but not everyone develops them as this depends to a large extent on the efficiency of your circulation. People with poor circulation and other health problems involving their blood vessels are likely to be more prone to developing chilblains. In addition, damp or draughty conditions, dietary factors and hormonal imbalance can also be contributory factors. It is thought that rapid temperature change from cold to hot can also be a cause. If the skin is chilled and is then followed by too rapid warming next to a fire or through using a hot water bottle, this may result in chilblains.

Who gets it?

Although chilblains are common, the condition mainly affects young adults working outdoors in cold places or people who do not wear socks or tights in winter. Elderly people, whose circulation is less efficient than it used to be, people who don’t take enough exercise and those suffering from anaemia are also susceptible.

How do I know I have it?

During the onset of winter, susceptible people will experience burning and itching on their hands and feet. Upon entering a warm room, the itching and burning is intensified. There may also be some swelling or redness and in extreme cases the surface of the skin may break and sores (ulcers) may develop.

How do I prevent it?

The best way to prevent chilblains is to keep your legs, feet and body warm, especially if your circulation is poor and your mobility is limited.

The whole body, rather than just the feet, needs to be kept warm. Trousers, long boots, tights, leg warmers, long socks and gloves will also help.

What are the treatments?

If you have developed chilblains do not scratch them, instead use soothing lotions such as witch hazel and calamine on them to take away most of the discomfort.

If the chilblain has ulcerated, apply an antiseptic dressing. If you have diabetes or are undergoing medical treatment, do have the ulcer assessed by your GP or podiatrist.

If the chilblain has not broken, you can paint them with a mixture of friar’s balsam and a weak solution of iodine, which your pharmacist may make up for you or an over-the-counter preparation. At night, rub some lanolin ointment well into the feet to help retain the heat.

Bunions

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:54:36 GMT

More than 15% of women in the UK suffer from bunions, but what is a bunion? A bunion, also known as ‘hallux valgus’ is a deformity of the big toe in which the big toe excessively angles towards the second toe and leads to a bony lump on the side of the foot. This can also form a large sac of fluid, known as a bursa, which can then become inflamed and sore.

There is no one cause of having a bunion and contrary to popular opinion, bunions are not generally caused by shoes. They are most often caused by a defective mechanical structure of the foot which is genetic and these certain foot types make a person prone to development of a bunion.

What is it?

More than 15% of women in the UK suffer from bunions, but what is a bunion? A bunion, also known as ‘hallux valgus’ is a deformity of the big toe in which the big toe excessively angles towards the second toe and leads to a bony lump on the side of the foot. This can also form a large sac of fluid, known as a bursa, which can then become inflamed and sore.

What causes the problem?

There is no one cause of having a bunion and contrary to popular opinion, bunions are not generally caused by shoes. They are most often caused by a defective mechanical structure of the foot which is genetic and these certain foot types make a person prone to development of a bunion.

Bunions can also be caused from the big toe pushing over on to the second toe which can lead to problems. Commonly, it can end up lying on top of the second toe causing crossover of the toes making it difficult to walk due to pressure on the toes from footwear. Once the big toe leans toward the second toe, the tendons no longer pull the toe in a straight line, so the problem tends to get progressively worse. This condition can also lead to corns and calluses being developed.

Poorly fitting footwear tend to aggravate the problem as they can squeeze the forefoot, crowding the toes together and exacerbate the underlying condition, causing pain and deformity of the joint (hallux valgus).

Bunions can also be caused by age, arthritis or playing sport.

Is it serious?

Some people have large bunions that cause no pain but do cause difficulties with footwear, while others have relatively small bunions that can be very painful. Although some treatments can ease the pain of bunions, only surgery can correct the defect.

In some cases, pressure from the big toe joint can lead to a deformity in the joint of the second toe, pushing it toward the third toe and so on. However, just because you have a bunion, does not mean you’ll get a bursa as well.

Who gets it?

Although anyone can get a bunion, they tend to be more common in women, possibly due to some of the more restrictive footwear typically worn. Women also tend to have looser ligaments. If your parents or grandparents have them, you may also be more prone to developing them.

How do I prevent it?

Wearing sensible shoes that fit well is a good preventative measure. If you notice a bump developing where your big toe joins the foot, it may be time to switch your footwear. Try to opt for wider shoes that provide your toes with room to move and keep your heel height to no more than 4cm for maximum comfort. The following also serves as a useful guide:

* Wear backless, high-heeled shoes in moderation.Backless shoes force your toes to claw as you walk, straining the muscles if worn over a long period.

* Vary your heel heights from day to day, one day wearing low heels and the next day slightly higher heels.

* If you want to wear a heel every day, keep heel heights to 4cm or less.

* Wearing a shoe with a strap or lace over the instep holds the foot secure and acts a bit like a seatbelt in a car and helps stop your foot sliding forward.

* Calf stretches to counteract the shortening of the calf can help to keep feet supple.

What are the treatments?

Your podiatrist may recommend the following:

* Exercises

* Orthoses (special devices inserted into shoes)

* Shoe alterations or night splints which hold toes straight during sleep (helps to slow the progression of bunions in children)

However, these are conservative measures and although they may help relieve symptoms, there is no evidence they can correct the underlying deformity. Your podiatrist will be able to identify any significant deformity and/or defect and will refer you for surgery which can involve a combination of removing, realigning and pinning of the bone.

Once referred, your podiatric surgeon will evaluate the extent of the deformity. They can remove the bunion and realign the toe joint in a common operation known as a 1st Metatarsal Osteotomy (‘bunionectomy’). However, there are more than 130 different types of operation that fall under this title, so each individual surgery is different.

The aim of surgery is to address the underlying deformity to prevent recurrence. As with all surgery, there are risks and complications, so it is not usually advised unless your bunions are causing pain – or if it is starting to deform your other toes.

Athletes Foot

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:52:49 GMT

Athlete’s foot is a skin fungal infection. It can lead to intense itching, cracked, blistered or peeling areas of skin, redness and scaling. It can occur on moist, waterlogged skin usually between the fourth and fifth toes initially, or on dry, flaky skin around the heels or elsewhere on the foot. Large painful fissures can also develop and the condition can also spread along all five toes and sometimes to the soles of the feet if left untreated.

It’s caused by a number of fungal species which you can pick up from someone else shedding affected skin (typically in communal areas such as pools, showers and changing rooms) or where you may walk around barefoot. Athlete’s foot can also be passed on directly from person to person contact, although people who sweat more are much more prone to infection.

What is it? / How do I know I have it?

Athlete’s foot is a skin fungal infection. It can lead to intense itching, cracked, blistered or peeling areas of skin, redness and scaling. It can occur on moist, waterlogged skin usually between the fourth and fifth toes initially, or on dry, flaky skin around the heels or elsewhere on the foot. Large painful fissures can also develop and the condition can also spread along all five toes and sometimes to the soles of the feet if left untreated.

What causes the problem?

It’s caused by a number of fungal species which you can pick up from someone else shedding affected skin (typically in communal areas such as pools, showers and changing rooms) or where you may walk around barefoot. Athlete’s foot can also be passed on directly from person to person contact, although people who sweat more are much more prone to infection.

Once your feet have been contaminated, the warm, dark and sweaty environment of feet cramped in shoes or trainers provides the ideal breeding ground for the fungus. However, athlete’s foot also occurs in dry, flaky areas. It’s quite common in summer with sandal wearers. The sun makes your skin dry out so it loses its natural protective oils. This combined with the constant trauma from sandals makes them more prone to infection.

Is it serious?

If left untreated, the fungus can spread to the toe nails causing thickening and yellowing of the nail which is much harder to treat. Fungal infections are highly

contagious and can spread to anywhere on your skin – including your scalp, hands and even your groin. This is especially likely if you use the same towel for your feet as for the rest of your body. It is always best to treat this condition as soon as symptoms are first noticed.

Who gets it?

It’s not called athlete’s foot for nothing! It’s a fairly common condition and walking barefoot around swimming pools and spending your life in trainers may make you more likely to suffer, but obviously you do not need to be an athlete to suffer from this condition.

How do I prevent it?

The single most important tip for preventing athlete’s foot is to ensure your feet are completely dry after washing them and before you then put your shoes and socks on. However, there are many things you can do to make your feet less hospitable to fungal infections.

Firstly, change your footwear on a regular basis. There’s no point sorting your feet out if you constantly re-infect them by putting them into damp, fungally-infected shoes. It takes 24-48 hours for shoes to dry out properly, so alternate your shoes daily.

If you really have to wear the same pair day after day (say, if you’re on holiday), dry them out by using the hairdryer on a cold setting and this will get rid of the perspiration quickly without creating more heat. To help shoes dry out more quickly, take any insoles out. Also, loosen any laces and open your shoes out fully so that air can circulate. Choose trainers with ventilation holes.

If your shoes are so tight that they squeeze your toes together, this encourages moisture to gather between your toes and encourages fungus. Let air circulate between the toes by going for a wider, deeper toebox instead and choose shoes made from natural materials. Of course, you should also be changing your socks daily.

Wear flip-flops in the bathroom and in public showers. This will not only ensure that you don’t leave your dead skin around for others to pick up, but will stop you picking up other species of fungus. Also, never wear anyone else’s shoes, trainers or slippers.

What are the treatments?

Treatments depend on what type of Athlete’s foot you have.

For athlete’s foot where the skin conditions are dry: if the condition occurs on a dry area such as your heel, you need to restore moisture by rubbing in an anti-fungal cream or spray, sometimes combined with a steroid cream (all from your pharmacist). You must remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards, or use disposable gloves so you don’t get the fungus on your hands at all.

For athlete’s foot where the skin conditions are moist: this condition requires an altogether different type of treatment to that above. Wash your feet in as cold water as you can bear (as hot water only makes your feet fungus-friendly) then dry them thoroughly after washing, preferably with a separate towel or even kitchen roll. It is important to dab your feet dry rather than rub them, as rubbing tends to take away any healing skin. Although the skin may appear flaky and dry, never use moisturiser between your toes, also avoid powders as they can cake up and irritate skin. A spirit-based preparation can help such as surgical spirit (it’s cooling, soothing and antiseptic). This may sting a little but will evaporate the moisture and allow the skin to heal.

In severe cases, sometimes an anti-fungal tablet is prescribed. However, tablets are not suitable for everyone eg. pregnant women so always check with your pharmacist and follow the instructions carefully.

You should also avoid using anti-fungal powders between the toes, they’re good for dusting inside shoes and trainers.

The mistake most people make is to stop the hygiene regime, shoe rotation and/or medication once their symptoms have gone. Although symptoms may disappear after several days or weeks of treatment, the fungus can lie dormant and could eventually reappear if the environment is right. Some products require continued treatment for many weeks – always follow the instructions. Also, be alert to symptoms so that you can deal with any problems straight away.

Aging Feet

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:50:16 GMT

As we age our feet age with us and we naturally develop problem areas due to wear and tear over the years, but also because the skin starts to become thin and loses its elasticity, as well as being dry and much more fragile.

Foot pain can be debilitating. As we only have one pair of feet, its important to take good care of them. Foot pain can also lead to issues with walking and exercising which are an important part of health and wellbeing as we age. Additionally, if we have trouble with mobility, this can impact on getting out and about and involvement in social activities which become ever more important as we get older. As long as we take routine care of our feet, serious problems can usually be avoided, however, ageing can also mean that we develop other conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis, which in some cases can affect the foot and lead to requiring treatment. Healing may also take longer.

What is it? / What causes the problem?

As we age our feet age with us and we naturally develop problem areas due to wear and tear over the years, but also because the skin starts to become thin and loses its elasticity, as well as being dry and much more fragile.

Is it serious?

Foot pain can be debilitating. As we only have one pair of feet, its important to take good care of them. Foot pain can also lead to issues with walking and exercising which are an important part of health and wellbeing as we age. Additionally, if we have trouble with mobility, this can impact on getting out and about and involvement in social activities which become ever more important as we get older. As long as we take routine care of our feet, serious problems can usually be avoided, however, ageing can also mean that we develop other conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis, which in some cases can affect the foot and lead to requiring treatment. Healing may also take longer.

Who gets it?

Feet can start to show signs of ageing at any age if good routine foot care is not practiced, but generally it is most common from your fifties onwards.

Blisters

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:49:05 GMT

Blisters are painful, fluid-filled lesions produced by friction and pressure.

It is important to act immediately if you feel any friction or discomfort as blisters can form very quickly.

Stop walking or running and examine your feet and if nothing has developed, consider applying some material or padding to cushion the area or even a breathable waterproof plaster.

Blisters can become a more serious concern if you have diabetes and may not heal so easily. Please refer to your podiatrist for further advice.

What is it? / What causes the problem?

Blisters are painful, fluid-filled lesions produced by friction and pressure. They can be caused by the following:

* Ill-fitting footwear

* Stiff shoes

* Wrinkled socks against the skin

* Excessive moisture

* Foot deformities

Is it serious?

Blisters can become a more serious concern if you have diabetes and may not heal so easily. Please refer to your podiatrist for further advice.

How do I prevent it?

As blisters are the result of friction, there are a number of simple techniques that can prevent your walking, running or social activity being ruined by a blister:

* Keep your feet dry and your toenails trimmed

* Always wear socks of the right size as a cushion between your feet and footwear and change your socks daily

* Wear comfortable, good-fitting footwear, especially on long walks or runs

* For very sweaty feet, use products that help control excessive moisture

* Immediately remove any foreign bodies that accumulate in socks and boots

* Ensure the tongue and laces of your boots are arranged correctly and evenly

* Check your feet regularly for any sign of rubbing and tenderness

It is possible to buy socks made of fibres with good ‘wicking’ properties and also special ‘dual layer’ socks where the inner layer moves with the foot, the outer layer with the shoe – eliminating friction at the skin surface.

What are the treatments?

It is important to act immediately if you feel any friction or discomfort as blisters can form very quickly. Stop walking or running and examine your feet and if nothing has developed, consider applying some material or padding to cushion the area or even a breathable waterproof plaster.

If a blister does occur, do not pop it. Cut a hole in a piece foam or felt to form a doughnut over the blister. Tape the foam or felt in place or cover with a soft gel-type dressing. Treat an open blister with mild soap and water, cover it with an antiseptic ointment and a protective soft gel dressing to prevent infection and speed up the healing process.

Most foot blisters last between three and seven days and will normally clear up if further excessive friction is avoided.