Diagnosing problems with your feet can be difficult if you’ve never had to before and you might feel embarrassed to ask. Knowing what you have and if it requires treatment is a question asked by many. Luckily most foot problems fall under what we see as common foot care complaints. If you are unsure if you need a treatment, continue reading to see if any of your symptoms match. If you are still unsure, remember you can always contact us for professional advise.

 

CORNS & CALLOUSES

A corn is a build up of thickened skin with a hard center core that can become painful.They are caused by excessive pressure or rubbing (friction) on the skin and can develop on the soles of your feet or on your toes.

It is your body’s protective response to repeated friction or pressure, Corns formed between toes are kept moist and soft by the protective area they grow in, and are known as soft corns.

Callouses are a separate condition.

Callouses are hard, rough areas of skin that and are often yellowish in colour and form as a consequence of rubbing, friction or pressure on the skin. they can develop on the balls of the feet and can make walking painful.

It is your bodies protective response to repeated friction or pressure, Corns formed between toes are kept moist and soft by the protective area they grow in, and are known as soft corns.

They often form over the ball of your foot because this area takes most of your weight when you walk and can also form on the heel as this is particularly the case when high heels are worn regularly.

 

VERRUCAS

Verrucas are warts found on the soles of the feet and have a blood and nerve supply of its own. They are usually extremely painful and tend to spread if left untreated.

Often they are found on the heel or ball of the foot.and range in size from approximately 1mm to 10mm. They are flat and can appear in pairs or groups,sometimes with a cluster of black dots at their center. Verrucas (like warts) are contagious but the risk of passing them on to others is low.

 

ATHLETES FOOT

Athletes foot is a skin infection caused by a fungus and tends to start between the little toes it begins with an itchy rash that can spread if left untreated.This fungus most commonly attacks the feet where it thrives best because of the warm, damp and airless conditions that exist between the toes.

Anyone can get athletes foot, it is easily spread from person to person.The rash can cause the skin to become scaly, flaky, dry and red. It may lead to other symptoms such as blisters, swelling and stinging, or burning sensations in the skin. However, it is not a serious condition and can be treated with anti-fungal cream. Keeping toes clean and dry will help to prevent it reoccurring.

Please seek advice from a Foot Health Care Professional if you suffer with any of the above. Flexible Feet offer foot care services that treat and prevent these issues.