Common foot conditions
Services and conditions treated
Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are areas of the skin that thicken due to repeated contact with a rough surface or pressure. Corns are thick and deep patches of skin seen at the top or at the sides of the toe or foot. Calluses are slightly flatter lesions that are found at the soles of the feet.
Diabetes foot care
Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves in the peripheral areas of the body, such as the feet. One of the complications includes not being able to feel wounds in the foot, which can cause a widespread infection and progress to amputation. Diabetes foot care includes controlling sugar intake, meticulously checking the feet daily for any wounds, keeping the skin moisturized, and wearing proper footwear.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition involving inflammation of the joints. This can be due to trauma or injury, an infection, increased uric acid, or an overactive immune system. Symptoms include stiffness, redness, limited movement, pain and swelling. Analysis of the joint fluid and imaging tests can help determine the type of arthritis involved.
Bunions
Bunions are small, bony bumps seen at the base of the big toe. A bunion may develop due to pressure on the inner side of the big toe, causing the toe to shift towards the second toe. This makes the joint at the base of the big toe protrude as a bump. There may be pain, redness and swelling on the affected area.
Knee pain
Knee pain is a symptom seen in different conditions and illnesses. It may be mild initially, but could become severe enough to cause difficulty in walking and completing daily activities. Knee pains may be due to problems in the joint or soft tissues around the knee. Some cases may also be due to infection or an overactive immune system.
Orthotic therapy
Orthotic therapy addresses several problems involving the foot, leg or the back. It is one of the treatment options for people with foot or heel pains. Your doctor will assess how you position your feet and ankles when walking or moving in certain positions. Treatment involves a customized heel insert or pair of shoes called orthotics.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition involving inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is a thick, small band of tissue supporting the bottom of the foot. Patients usually experience heel pain and swelling, felt during the first few steps in the morning and decreasing throughout the day. Prolonged standing may also trigger the pain.
Fungal Nails
Most nail infections are due to fungi. This happens when your fingernails or toenails are exposed to warm, moist environments. Symptoms include a yellowish discoloration, thickening nails, rough or crumbly nails, or changes in the shape of the nails. Fungal nail infections are commonly seen in people with diabetes and other conditions with poor blood circulation.
Warts
Warts are small, elevated lesions in the skin that look like calluses. Warts are due to a viral infection that can be passed on by contact with the affected area.
Tinea
Tinea, also known as ringworm, is a type of fungal skin infection that can be seen in any age group, but more commonly seen in children. It presents as a ring-shaped rash on the skin or nails. Other symptoms include itchiness, dry skin, swelling and loss of hair in the affected area.
Chilblains
Chilblains is a condition involving inflammation of small blood vessels of the skin from exposure to cold air. This can cause redness, swelling, blisters, pain or itchiness on the hands and feet after exposure to cold weather or environments. Chilblains can cause ulcers and secondary bacterial infections to form if not treated.
Children’s walking patterns & growing pains
Children have changes in their walking patterns that coincide with different periods of growth. They may initially be bowlegged or have knock knees, but these usually resolve as they grow. Growing pains are painful throbbing of the legs, thighs or calves, and are usually seen in children. These often happen at night, and may be accompanied by headache or abdominal pain. The true cause of growing pains is unclear, but too much exercise can contribute to the symptoms.