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Callus/Cracked Heels
This is the build up of thickened/hard skin caused by repetitive friction and/or pressure. It can have a yellow looking appearance and can be painful – sometimes causing a burning sensation. Normally found on the ball of the foot, bony prominences, heel area and around the big toe.
A podiatrist can gently remove the hard skin and can give advice on how to prevent the callus reoccurring. This may involve the use of insoles to re-distribute the pressure or padding. Another preventative measure is to cream your feet on a daily basis as this helps keep the skin hydrated and flexible preventing it from drying out.
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Common Foot Problems
Callus/Cracked Heels
This is the build up of thickened/hard skin caused by repetitive friction and/or pressure. It can have a yellow looking appearance and can be painful – sometimes causing a burning sensation.
Normally found on the ball of the foot, bony prominences, heel area and around the big toe.
Corns are small, concentrated areas of hard skin which are conical in shape. The point of the corn can press on a nerve below causing pain. They usually form on the tops and sides of toes and over bony prominences on the ball of the foot and can range in size and pain.
They are caused by repetitive pressure and/or friction, the most common cause being ill-fitting shoe wear. Some corns form in between the toes and these are known as soft corns, which occur due to sweat and insufficient drying.
Corns
An ingrowing toenail is where a piece of nail 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.
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 can also appear red and inflamed.
In-Growing Toenails
Verrucae
Verruca, or plantar warts, are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and are contagious. They appear to be small, hard lumps of skin and may have black spots. The virus pentrates the body through a lesion or crack in the skin.
They are commonly found on the soles of the feet or toes and can be painful if they are in an area of high pressure. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, such as the area around a swimming pool/communal showers. Most people will get them at some point in their lives.
Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia which is a ligament that runs from the heel to the toes and helps support the arch.
This condition causes pain in the heel and arch area which can be worse first thing in the morning or after a period of inactivity or rest.
The pain comes from over stretching the plantar fascia which causes micro tears and leads to swelling. It can occur suddenly e.g. running or playing sport or from overstretching the arch through excessive pronation (rolling in). Tight Achilles and calf muscles can be a contributing factor as well as being overweight.
Plantar Fasciitis
