This time of year we often think about our health. Looking at our diet; maybe up our exercise or join a gym. But how many of us consider the importance foot health?. Our feet need as much attention as the rest of our body and we need healthy feet for exercise, recreation and work.

So what problems are feet susceptible to?

Foot and Heel Pain

Foot pain can be very debilating, preventing many activities and making the simplest tasks difficult. Heel pain for example; is often very painful first thing in the morning, then flaring up throughout the day. This condition may be Plantar Fasciitis or ‘Policeman’s heel’.                                                        Foot pain may occur elsewhere (e.g  ball of the foot pain)  and your Podiatrist or Chiropodist  will be able to diagnose the  cause and offer treatment solutions.

Dry & cracked skin of the feet & heels

Dry & cracked skin is very uncomfortable. Should the cause be dry skin regular treatment with specific foot cream can help. However, not all creams (even creams sold as foot cream!) are suitable. This is because the skin on the feet is very tough and requires specific foot cream often containing urea to soften the skin.

 

Cracked Heels

If the heels are dry with callus build up the heels may crack. This is now a potentially serious situation because cracks in the skin may bleed opening the feet to infection such as Cellulitis, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Dry cracked skin or insect bites allow the bacteria can infect the deeper layers of your skin. The skin becomes hot to the touch, red and painful and requires URGENT medical attention and antibiotic therapy. Always visit your GP urgently or A&E.

 

Cellulitis signs appearence

 

 

 

 

Athletes Foot & Fungal Skin Infection

Fungal infections are surprisingly common, but often diagnosed. Dry skin appearance on bottom of the feet may also involve a fungal infection. Therefore, without treating the fungus improvement may be difficult. Fungal infection known as Athlete’s foot between the toes is more commonly recognized. All such skin fungal infections may also cause breaks in the skin which may allow bacterial infections such as Cellulitis. As stated before this is a serious infection and requires urgent medical attention and antibiotic therapy. Visiting a Podiatrist or Chiropodist can help with the correct diagnosis of fungal skin infections and treatment options discussed. Often topical anti fungal skin preparations is advised with great effect.

Athletes foot  infection between the toes

 

 

 

 

Fungal Nail Infections

This is often the same fungus causing Athletes Foot. The nails become a brown/yellow colour and thicker making them difficult to cut. Fungal nail infections grow and spread slowing without treatment. Waverley Foot Clinic specializes in treating nail fungus with Lunula ‘cold Laser so consider booking a  fungal nail and skin treatment consultation.

 

Healthy Feet MOT

If you feel inspired to take greater care of you foot health why not book at Waverley Foot Clinic for a foot health MOT. We will explain any issues and discuss treatment options with the best ways to maintain good long term foot health.

Waverley Foot Clinic 01252 716611

ku.oc.liamtoh@cinilctoofyelrevaw