foot problems

foot problems

Feet are prone to variety of problems and conditions including corns and calluses, tinea, bunions, papillomas and ingrown toenails. Most foot problems are easy to avoid and simple to treat. People with diabetes are more likely to develop serious foot problems. Most of the common foot problems that bother active middle-aged people are self-limiting and easily treated if detected early.

Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails generally occur due to poor nail cutting technique, abnormal nail shape or poor footwear.

Preventing ingrown toenails
Do not cut nails into the corners - this can leave a spike of nail which can embed itself into or irritate the flesh next to the nail. If you do have to cut your toenails into the corners, make sure that a nail spike is not left behind.
Make sure that you and your children wear shoes that fit properly and support your feet.
Treating ingrown toenails
Some people have toenails that are prone to ingrowing regardless of how they cut them. In these cases, the only permanent solution is to remove the outer margins of the nail through a minor surgical procedure. This is a relatively painless operation with quick post operative recovery.

Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are caused by pressure and friction, usually through poor-fitting shoes. If left untreated, they can lead to painful ulcers.

treating corns and calluses

Wear shoes that fit properly to relieve the pressure and friction
Use a moisturiser on the affected areas
Ask a podiatrist about other treatments.
Tinea
Tinea is easy to catch and is often picked up in communal areas, such as public showers. It usually develops between the toes, causing the skin to become red, moist and itchy.

Avoiding tinea
Wear shoes whenever possible
Wear thongs in public showers.
Treating tinea
Try anti-fungal creams available from your pharmacist
Ask a podiatrist about other treatments.
Bunions
Bunions are a foot deformity in which the big toe joint of the foot is distorted, leading to the toe pointing inwards and the bone protruding. The joint is easily inflamed by pressure and can be very painful.

Easing bunions
Wear shoes that are not tight
Ask a podiatrist for advice
Sometimes surgical correction may be required.
Papillomas
Papillomas are warts that can be caught by touching an infected site on a person. They are commonly picked up from public showers and swimming pools.

Preventing papillomas
Wear thongs in public places, such as showers and pools.
Treating papillomas
Papillomas are not thought to be a health risk and, unless they are painful, do not need to be removed.

People with diabetes have a greater risk of serious foot problems
The main risk factors for the feet of people with diabetes are:
Circulation impairment which can delay healing.
Nerve damage which causes individuals to lose sensation in their feet. This means a person may not know that their shoe is rubbing or that they have cut their foot.
People with diabetes should check their feet daily for cuts, blisters, bruises or signs of injury, and wear shoes that protect feet from injury and do not rub.

Where to get help
Your doctor
Local podiatrist
Your local community health centre

Most common foot problems can be easily avoided and simply treated.
Make sure that you and your children wear shoes that fit properly and support your feet.
People with diabetes should check their feet daily and have them assessed by a podiatrist at least once a year.

foot problems information courtesy Better Health Channel,Au

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