Corns

Corns usually form on the toes or soles of the feet. They consist of layers of thick, dead skin and a hard layer called keratin. If left untreated the corn will often form a very tough central core. Over time the corn will begin to put pressure on the underlying soft tissue and can trigger significant pain and discomfort.

So, what causes corns?

Corns are the body’s response to too much pressure or friction on the specific area. Corns commonly occur if your shoes are too tight, you stand for long hours or have gait problems that cause you to place excessive pressure on one part of the foot.

How do you treat corns?

A trained podiatrist can offer long-term relief for corn problems. Your podiatrist will identify the cause of your corns and can supply Urea creams and other foot care products to help reduce the pressure points.

Our expert podiatrists can also craft beautifully comfortable orthotics that will eliminate the pressure points and ensure your feet function as they were supposed to. We can also suggest suitable supportive footwear that will reduce the incidence of corns.

Podiatrists are trained in the correct removal of corns. Do not attempt to dig them out or treat them yourself as this can make the problem worse. You risk infections and damage to healthy tissue. This is particularly true for diabetics where infections can lead to severe ulceration problems.

Calluses

Calluses, like corns, develop as a result of excessive pressure or friction and usually occur on the ball or heel of the foot or the side of the big toe. The causes of calluses and corns are similar and include:

• Tight fitting shoes
• High heels
• Poor foot alignment
• Gait problems

The thick layers of skin and hardened keratin that form when a callus develops can cause a great deal of discomfort.

Self-medication and treatment for calluses is not a recommended option. Many self-help solutions come with significant risks for making the problem worse. Your podiatrist can offer truly effective solutions including:

• Shoe fitting recommendations
• Gait analysis & Custom orthotics
• Foot mobilisation& manipulation
• Callus removal & Urea creams

Bunions

Bunions (Hallux Valgus) are enlarged and inflamed bumps that form on the base joint at the side of the big toe or the 5^th toe (tailor’s bunion). If left untreated they can eventually force the toe to bend in towards the other toes causing severe pain, difficulty walking, and the immobilisation of the toe. Bunions can also cause other foot problems such as corns & calluses.

So, what causes bunions?

Bunions are more frequently seen in women and there is a link to wearing high heels and cramped footwear but genetics may also play a role. Arthritis too may trigger the development of bunions.

How do you treat bunions?

If you seek help for your bunion in the early stages then non-intrusive treatment may be all that is called for. Mild bunion treatment may include:

• Supportive footwear
• Bunion shields and padding
• Custom orthotics
• Foot and toe mobilisation

Minor surgery may be necessary in severe cases and involves the podiatrist removing some of the bone to correct the alignment. Your podiatrist will discuss this with you.

Foot and heel pain

Are you experiencing pain in your feet or lower limbs?  This can provide clues to many related ailments throughout your body.  Here is a round-up of what your various pain signals may indicate:

What are the main causes of foot and lower limb pain?

There are many causes of this kind of pain, including:

• Injury – Such as sprains, breaks and fractures
• Tendonitis – Inflammation of the tendon structures that attach to the bones of your feet (e.g. The achilles, which connects your calf muscle to your foot)
• Arthritis – Inflammation of the joints
• Shin Splints – Inflammation of the shin bone
• Peripheral Vascular Disease – Where blood flow is restricted
• Osgood Shattler Disease – Inflammation in the knee, and common in children
• Deep Vein Thrombosis – Caused by blood clots, which can be serious!
• Sciatica & radiculopathy – caused by pinched nerves
• Buerger’s Disease – swelling of the arteries causing pain in the legs if this is the area affected
• Flat feet, Corns, Calluses, bunions, plantar fasciitis or a range of other ailments
• Arch pain

Croydon Total Footcare uses the latest advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause of your foot or heel pain and provide lasting solutions.

Warts (verrucae pedis or plantar warts)

Warts are the result of a common virus (papilloma virus) and develop on the feet or hands. Plantar warts tend to grow inwards. They may look like a corn but contain nerves so will hurt if you squeeze them whereas corns tend to hurt only if you apply direct pressure.

Not all warts cause pain but they are extremely contagious and may be easily passed on in public showers and changing rooms. Your podiatrist can correctly diagnose your foot condition and recommend the right treatment.

Warts are the result of a virus and so cannot be killed but painful warts can be removed.

Commonly used techniques include:

• Chemical cauterisation
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Laser therapy

If you develop warts you should see a qualified podiatrist. Treatment may not be necessary and the wrong treatment can cause scar tissue that is more painful than the original problem.