TREATMENTS

ATHLETES FOOT

Symptoms

• Broken skin, often with redness.

• Broken skin between toes.

• Scaly skin under the foot which can spread up the soles of feet.

• Blistering, itchiness and burning.

Treatments

• Topical medications can be very effective in alleviating and treating this condition. Your podiatrist can suggest the various treatment options.

INGROWN TOENAILS

​Symptoms

• Most frequently occur on the big toes, and can be very painful.

• Associated with very curved nails, poor cutting and filing and or trauma.

• Described as a spike or piece of nail which is growing into the skin of one of the sides of the toe.

• Redness, inflammation and sometimes infection is present.

Treatments

• Treatment by an HCPC Podiatrist involves removing the piece of nail and treating any infection present.

FUNGAL NAIL INFECTIONS

​Symptoms

• Thickened, crumbly, discoloured nails.

• If caught early, topical treatments may be effective.

Treatments

• Long term infections where the infection has spread to the nail bed can be unresponsive to topical treatments and may need systemic prescription antifungal medication.

THICKENED NAILS/ ONYCHOGRYPHOSIS

​Symptoms

• Thickened, discolured nails often with a "rams horn" appearance.

• Can be caused by trauma, ill fitting shoes and neglect.

Treatments

• The physical appearance of nails such as these can be vastly improved through regular treatment from an HCPC registered Podiatrist. 

CORNS AND CALLOUS

Symptoms

• Areas of hard and thickened skin.

• Caused by pressure and rubbing. Corns in particular can be very painful if left untreated and allowed to build up.

Treatments

• Regular treatment to reduce the thickness of callus and enucleate corns provides comfort to the to the affected area.

CRACKED AND SPLIT HEELS

​Symptoms

• Visible cracks, these can be superficial or deep around the border of the heels.

• Cracks can be painful on standing and walking.

• Often associated with thick callous around the heels.

Treatments

• Seek treatment from your Podiatrist to reduce any thick and dry skin, this will make it much easier for topical emollients to be effective. Your Podiatrist can recommend what type of emollients would be most suitable for your particular skin type.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Symptoms

• Pain in the connective tissue in the heel and arch of the foot on standing and walking, particularly after rest.

• Causes can vary and can include; overuse, flat feet, obesity.

Treatments

• Treatment involves, rest, pain medication, orthotics and stretching exercises.

METATARSALGIA

Symptoms

• Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot around the metatarsals. Often described as a burning sensation.

• Caused by overuse, foot deformities and poorly fitting footwear.

Treatments

• Orthotics with arch supports can often help.

HAMMER TOES

​Symptoms

• A toe with a bent over middle joint.

• Caused by imbalances and instability in the feet, causing the toes to claw and grip in an attempt to stabilise.

• Can lead to corns on top of the toe due to shoe pressure and corns on the tip of the toes due to the clawing type movement made.

Treatments

• Reduction of the callus/corns can ease discomfort as well as appropriate footwear choices. Surgical intervention may be needed in severe cases.

VERRUCAS

​Symptoms

• Caused by a viral infection these can appear as a single lesion or a cluster. Often covered with thick dry skin and may have tiny black dots at their center.

• Verrucas may not be painful unless over a weight bearing area.

Treatments

• If you believe you have a verruca please see an HCPC registered Podiatrist for an assessment as they are often difficult to self diagnose and are easy to confuse with corns. Your Podiatrist can recommend various treatment options.