During this time of year, our thoughts often turn to our health. We ponder our diets, perhaps contemplating increasing our exercise or even joining a gym. But how many of us truly appreciate the significance of foot health? We must recognise that our feet merit the same level of care and attention as the rest of our bodies. After all, maintaining healthy feet is pivotal for all facets of our lives – be it exercise, leisure activities, or the demands of work.
So, what problems are feet susceptible to?
Foot and heel pain
Experiencing foot pain can severely hinder one’s ability to perform daily activities, causing even the simplest tasks to become challenging. For instance, heel pain is particularly excruciating during the early hours of the day, progressively worsening as the day goes on. This condition, often referred to as Plantar Fasciitis or ‘Policeman’s heel,’ may also manifest as pain in other areas of the foot, such as the ball. Consulting with a skilled podiatrist or chiropractor will enable accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment solutions. Restoring comfort and functionality to your feet is their expertise.
Dry and cracked skin of the feet and heels
Dry and cracked skin can cause significant discomfort. If dryness is the culprit, consistent application of a specialised foot cream can provide relief. It’s important to note that not all creams, even those marketed as foot creams, are effective. The skin on our feet is particularly tough and requires the use of specific creams that often contain urea to effectively soften and hydrate the skin.
Cracked heels
Dry and callused heels can lead to painful cracks, posing a potentially serious threat. The skin’s fissures create an entry point for infection, such as cellulitis, typically caused by bacteria. Infections can develop when dry, cracked skin or insect bites allow bacteria to penetrate deeper layers. Infected skin becomes hot, red, and tender, necessitating immediate medical attention and antibiotic therapy. It’s crucial to seek urgent care from your general practitioner or visit your nearest A&E without delay.
Cellulitis signs appearance
Athlete’s foot and fungal skin infection
Fungal infections are surprisingly common but often go undiagnosed. The appearance of dry skin on the soles of the feet can be a sign of a fungal infection. Without proper treatment, improvement can be challenging. Athlete’s foot, a well-known form of fungal infection between the toes, is more frequently recognised. All types of skin fungal infections can also lead to breaks in the skin, creating an opportunity for bacterial infections like cellulitis to occur. It’s important to note that cellulitis is a serious infection that requires urgent medical attention and antibiotic therapy. Consulting a podiatrist or chiropractor can help ensure accurate diagnosis of fungal skin infections and provide information on treatment options. Typically, topical antifungal skin preparations are recommended and have shown significant efficacy.
Athlete’s foot infection between the toes
Fungal nail infections
The same fungus that causes Athlete’s foot can often lead to the discolouration of nails. It turns them brown or yellow while also becoming thicker, making them challenging to trim. Fungal nail infections tend to progress slowly if left untreated. At Waverley Foot Clinic, we specialise in the treatment of nail fungus using Lunula’s ‘cold’ Laser Therapy. Consider booking a consultation to explore our fungal nail and skin treatment options.
Healthy feet MOT
If you’re motivated to enhance your foot health, why not schedule an appointment at Waverley Foot Clinic for a comprehensive foot health MOT? Our team will provide a detailed explanation of any concerns and present you with various treatment options, guiding you on the most effective ways to maintain long-term foot health.
Give us a call at Waverley Foot Clinic on 01252 716611.
