​5 common foot conditions

You would imaging using the same device over and over again would cause wear and tear. This is the case for your feet, and it turns out it is very common to experience these foot conditions. Here are the most common 5.​

​Heel pain can be debilitating, affecting walking and posture. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, when the ligament that runs under the heel becomes swollen. It can affect anyone at any age, but is most common in those in their 40s or in athletes.

• Wear well-fitting shoes, with good heel cushioning and arch support.
• Avoid walking or exercising on hard ground.
• Rest regularly and try not to walk or run too fast.
• Wear a raised heel (no more than 6-10 mm higher than normal).
• Do regular calf stretches.

 
Athlete’s foot
A fungal infection that commonly affects dry, flaky areas, like the heel – but can also occur on moist areas of skin, such as between the toes. Walking barefoot around swimming pools or wearing the same shoes continuously may make you more likely to pick it up.

• If it’s affecting dry areas, ask your pharmacist for an anti-fungal cream or spray.
• If it’s in moist areas, wash your feet in cold water then dry them thoroughly – dab, don’t rub.
• Avoid using moisturiser or powders in between the toes.
• Applying surgical spirit can help reduce moisture, but only use on unbroken skin.
• If it is persistent, see a podiatrist.

Bunions
A bony lump on the side of your foot where the big toe excessively angles towards the second toe. Although anyone can get a bunion, they tend to be more common in women.

• Give your toes room to move by opting for wider shoes.
• If you wear high-heeled shoes, do so in moderation.
• If you want to wear a heel every day, keep heel heights to 4cm or less – and vary your heel heights from day to day.
• Choose shoes with laces, or a strap or buckle over the instep.
• If the bunion becomes inflamed or troublesome please contact my our rooms.

Corns and calluses
Hard, thickened areas of skin, caused in response to rubbing, friction or pressure on the skin. They can affect anyone, but may be caused by badly fitting shoes or a biomechanical irregularity in your feet. • Moisturising cream may help soften the thickened skin. If your corns and calluses hard, thickened areas of skin become inflamed or troublesome please contact our rooms.
 
Ingrowing toenails develop when the side of a toenail pierces through the flesh of your toe, making it red, inflamed and painful. It most commonly affects the big toe, particularly effecting people who cut their nails incorrectly leaving small spikes of nail behind. Sporty people are more prone because they are likely to get moist, sweaty feet – this can make the skin around the toenails softer and easier for a nail to pierce.

• Cut your nails properly – straight across, making sure not to trim them too low at the edge or down the side. Leave the corner of the nail so it’s visible above the skin. Doing it after a bath or shower is helpful, when your nails are softer.
• Avoid moist feet by rotating your shoes and choosing well-fitting socks and shoes made from natural materials.