Chiropody Guide

Chiropody Guide

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What is Chiropody ? Back to top A chiropodist is a foot specialist, they are trained in the treatment of foot disorders, which can vary from corns to athletes foot.   The foot has many bones , tendons and ligaments and is a very complex structure. It is no surprise that 80% of foot problems occur in women when you look at what they squeeze there feet into for the sake of fashion!

Common Foot Problems Back to top CORNS CALLUSES: Thickened layers of skin BUNIONS: Bony lump on the big toe CLAW TOE: Toe looks bent INGROWN TOENAILS: Nail grows into flesh NEUROMAS: Pinched nerve in toe PLANTA FASCIITIS: Inflammation of structure in foot ATHLETES FOOT: Itchy fungal feet FLAT FEET: Low or no arches FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION: Infection of nail

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What are Corns ? Corns are actually calluses which are thickened areas of skin, you can developed calluses anywhere on the body but on the feet they are called corns. Corns are caused by friction and pressure, often from wearing ill fitting shoes, if the pressure continues over a long period of time the bones in the toes can become deformed. The treatment for corns is to have them removed by a chiropodist and change your footwear.

What is Athletes Foot ?

Athletes feet is caused by fungus it is not a predisposition of athletes, anybody can developed athletes foot, the causes are warm weather and exercise causing the feet to sweat, the moisture accumulates in the shoes and the darkness of tight shoes helps the fungus to grow. The infection starts between the toes and the feet feel itchy and hot sometimes small yellow blisters appear, scratching can spread the infection. 

Treatments vary in the worst case antibiotics may be necessary but prevention is always better than cure. Avoid plastic, nylon or canvas closed shoes, wear leather shoes and rotate them daily giving them a chance to dry out even better wear sandals. Over the counter anti-fungal creams are available or try aromatherapy

Flat Feet

Flat feet or fallen arches are feet with  low or no arches, if you look at the bottom of you shoes and they are worn along the inside the cause may be flat feet. Flat feet are not always a problem, if you feel it is a problem you need to consult a chiropodist who will need to mechanically examine the feet and may recommend some kind of foot support.

Plantar Faciitis

Plantar fasciitis or heel spur is the most common cause of heel pain, the cause of this is a tough part of the arch called the plantar fascia which is too tight and actually tearing away from the heel bone every time you walk it tightens more, the fibers cant re-attach them selves  so the bone grows out to them this can continue on and on for years, the heel becomes inflamed and painful. 

 The heel can feel worse in the morning and then warm up and feel better during the day. If you have this problem you need to  advice medical advice it may be necessary to try a heel support or inject the heel with something like cortisone, or in the worst case minor surgery. 

Ingrown Toenail

Toenails that are growing into the flesh. You need to see a chiropodist immediately the sooner the treatment is given the better, often the cause of this is improperly cutting the nail in the first place, nails should not be cut too short or at the corners. 

Treatment involves a local anesthetic in the toe and the area of nail in the flesh removed, if an infection is present you may need antibiotics, if you have on going problems with an ingrown toenail it is possible to have the nail root destroyed so the nail can not re-grow  this can be done with a laser or phenol.

Fungal Nail Infection

As we age our nails become harder and thicker, the can include with it distorted shape, crumbling nail and odor, this can cause infection  the nail may even fall off. You must seek advise from a chiropodist as soon as possible, If medication does not cure the nail problem the nail may be reduced or permanently removed so the problem does not reoccur, removal is not as bad as it sounds, the toe can function pain free without the nail.

Chilblains
Many people suffer from cold feet in winter, but not all of them develop chilblains. Whether they do or not depends to a large extent on the efficiency of the circulation.

Chilblains are small itchy, red swellings on the skin, which can become increasingly painful, can swell and then dry out leaving cracks in the skin which expose the foot to the risk of infection. They occur on the toes, particularly the smaller ones. They can also occur on areas of the feet exposed to pressure.

Heel pain
When walking, your heels repeatedly hit the ground with considerable force. They have to be able to absorb the impact and provide a firm support for the weight of the body. When pain develops in the heel, it can be very painfull, making every step a problem, affecting your posture.
 

Verrucae
A verruca is a wart that is usually found on the soles of your feet, though they can also appear around the toes. In the early stages, a verruca looks like a small, dark, puncture mark but later turns grey or brown. It may become rough and bumpy with a cauliflower-like appearance and may develop a black spot in the middle, which is caused by bleeding. A verruca can grow to half an inch in diameter and may spread into a cluster of small warts.

Bunions
A bunion is known as "Hallux valgus" the condition in which the big toe is angled excessively towards the second toe – and a bunion is a symptom of the deformity.
A bunion refers to the bony prominence on the side of the big toe. This can also form a large sac of fluid, known as a bursa, which can then become inflamed and sore.

Callus
When we walk or stand, our body weight is carried first on the heel and then on the ball of the foot, where the skin is thicker, to withstand the pressure. When this pressure becomes excessive, some areas of the skin thicken, in the form of corns and callus, as a protective response.
A callus is an extended area of thickened skin on the soles of the feet, and occurs on areas of pressure. It is the body's reaction to pressure or friction, and can appear anywhere the skin rubs against a bone, a shoe, or the ground.

Gout

College of Foot Health Practitioners.  Back to top

The Foot Health Practitioner course is NOT a basic course, the college and staff are equipped to deliver 21st century training and support to students. Students that graduate from the Foot Health Practitioner Course have a working knowledge, and qualification to make a living in the private foot health sector.

After completion of the Foot Health Practitioner course, qualified Foot Health Practitioners can attend to all common conditions that affect the foot and leg. These can range from routine care of nails, treatment of verrucas, corns, hard skin, callous, through to functional problems of the foot

Disclaimer
Gelisy strives to be as accurate as possible all the information that is within this web site is not guaranteed to be completely accurate. We do not specifically recommend or endorse any of the treatments displayed on this web site. We do not offer a referral service and do not warranty, guarantee or specifically endorse any of the therapists or companies who advertise their service or products on this web site. Before embarking on any therapy treatment, skin care regime, nutritional supplements or fitness regime consult your doctor.