7 Common Foot Problems That Need Podiatry Services

by Mark Heard Podiatrist Specialist

Most of us tend to take for granted the vital role that our feet play in carrying and supporting our entire body weight; as with every step the feet are compressed and pressured. If the amount of pressure and friction increases over a period the body reacts by adding extra layers of skin for the protection of our feet. This thick hard skin is often found in areas that endure the most significant pressure forces & subsequent friction like the ball, heel & toes of the foot.

This article discusses the common foot problems faced by many of us and the importance of proper foot care indeed maintenance of the feet. The harsh winter or even summer weather, combined with walking or running or even just static standing causes many foot conditions that make us call out to a foot specialist immediately.

Common Foot Problems that need Podiatry Services are:

Athlete’s foot

The Athletes Foot is caused by a fungus that grows in a warm, dark, and moist environment usually, like the areas between the toes or on the bottoms of the feet. Athlete’s foot inflames the skin causing a white, scaly rash that has a red base. The typical symptoms of an athlete’s foot fungus are itching, burning, peeling, and sometimes a slight odor. The infection from Athlete’s foot is said to migrate to other body parts as well, which is why it is imperative to visit a foot doctor as soon as this is diagnosed.

Blisters

The sole cause of blisters is the fitting of the shoe that we wear. If your shoes fit well, you won't have blisters. Blisters are recognized by soft pockets of raised skin that get filled with clear fluid. Blisters are usually cause a lot of pain and can make walking extremely difficult. It’s important to keep the blister area clean and use a sterilized needle to open the part of the blister.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses form after repeatedly being rubbed against a bony area of the foot or a shoe. Corns appear on the top and sides of the toes as well as between the toes. Calluses form under the heels or balls, on the bottom of the foot, and on the sides of toes. They are compressed patches of dead skin cells that are usually hard and painful. To relieve the pain, people typically try placing moleskin or padding around corns and calluses. Trying to remove corns and calluses yourself is a big no-no. People must visit a podiatry clinic instead for care.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in joint tissues and joint fluid, which happens when the body is unable to keep uric acid levels in check. To prevent a gout attack, one must identify triggers, including high-purine foods, red meat, seafood, and alcohol in their diet. To treat gout, applying ice, keeping hydrated, and staying in bed helps too.

Ingrown toenails

The right way to clip toenails — straight across — is fundamental to foot health. If you don’t cut them correctly, the corners or sides of the nail can dig into the skin and become ingrown. Ingrown toenails are sometimes caused due to shoe pressure, a fungus infection, and even poor foot structure. While cutting your toenails, use larger toenail clippers and avoid cutting nails too short, as it can also cause ingrown toenails or infection.

Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus gives nails an unattractive and deformed appearance. It also alters the nail’s color and spread to other nails, even spreads to fingernails sometimes. If you walk through wet areas where people tend to go barefoot, such as locker rooms and swimming pools then avoiding toenail fungus is difficult. People with chronic ailments, such as diabetes or immune deficiency diseases like HIV, are especially vulnerable and must keep their shoes on at such places.

Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprain is caused due to twist in ankle bone. When they receive too much force, the ligaments surrounding the outside of the bones suffer from over-stretching or tearing, resulting in acute pain in the ankle. There are different levels of severity when it comes to ankle sprains. The ankle treatment must be taken seriously at all times because if the injury is not adequately diagnosed and treated, it can cause permanent, lasting ankle trouble.

Our feet most often is the most ignored part of the body, but according to research the severity of treating foot problems have been adverse I the past. Hence keeping your feet happy is just as important as keeping your body happy.