Podiatry and chiropody - common conditions

Bunions

Signs and symptoms. A true bunion is the enlargement of the first metatarsal joint with an overgrowth of bone. The metatarsal bones are the group of five long bones in the foot. A false bunion is where the first toe deviates towards the midline of the foot with a resultant enlargement of the first metatarsal joint. This can cause subsequent problems for the adjoining toes.

Treatment Bunions can be surgically operated on to apply corrective procedures. Advice can be given to reduce the symptoms through active exercising.

Callouses and corns

Signs and symptoms. Callouses are caused by friction applied to the foot through footwear and the process of walking generally a common result of wear and tear in the everyday life of your feet. An extreme form is hyperkeratosis, an extreme overgrowth of the top layer of skin.

A corn is the painful condition resulting from pressure being applied over a bony area.

Treatment Removal of the hardskin that is causing the symptoms is a straightforward procedure. For persistent corns alleviative padding can be applied to not only reduce symptoms but also prevent reoccurrence.

Fungal Infections

Signs and symptoms. Presents as itching between the toes and may extend on to the top of the foot or onto other parts of the foot. CAn be accompanied by blisters.

Treatment Specialist antifungal spray or cream applied in the surgery and at home.

Hammer and Mallet Toe

Signs and symptoms. Tend to be distorted at either the last or second joint of the toe and can be caused by slip-on shoes and an imbalance in the flexor and extensor muscles. Can become arthritic.

Treatment Specialist advice and guidance on active excercises can help in the early stages, but pallative care and possible referral for surgery may be required in advanced stages.

Involuted and Ingrowing Toenails

Signs and symptoms. Involuted toenails are where one or both sides of the toenail curl over into the skin. Can originate from fan-shaped nails. Ingowing toenails are where the skin at the side of the nail becomes broken and results in ?granulated? tissue causing infection, swelling and pain.

Treatment Practical advice on nailcutting given for long-term management of involuted nails. Once ingrowing toenail growth has been removed monitoring for effective healing on the affected toe. Further surgery may be required to prevent any reoccurence of the condition.

Nail Thickening

Signs and symptoms. There are three types of thickening of nails. Fungal infections can promote thickening to various degrees. Minor trauma to the toe can also act as a trigger. Major trauma can result in extreme thickening presenting as 'rams horn nails' (Onychogryphosis)

Treatment Reduction of the nail through treatment at regular intervals. Practical advice can be given for the ongoing treatment of fungal nails.

Verrucae

Signs and symptoms. Caused by a viral infection verrucae present as hyperkeratotic lesions particularly in the heel and ball of the feet.

Treatment The virus that affects the feet to cause verrucae is the human papilloma virus and can respond effectively to various treatments ranging from the application of acids to freezing the affected area of the foot.

Diabetes

Signs and symptoms. We list diabetes here not as a foot complaint per se but as an indicator of symptoms presenting in your lower limbs. Diabetes is a metabolic condition whereby the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot utilise the sugars being absorbed by the body. This my affect the body in many different ways from impaired nerve function to poor permeability of blood vessels. This can lead to neuropathy and an increased risk of infection. Your podiatrist should be able to pick up on certain symptoms and advise on seeking specilaist advice.

Various other metabolic disorders and autoimmune conditions can be recognised during close examination of your feet, and appropriate referral made to your GP.