Foot problems can be easily treated

Feet are prone to aches and pains and a variety of problems and conditions. These can include corns and calluses, tinea, bunions, papillomas and ingrown toenails. Most foot problems are easy to avoid and simple to treat. People with diabetes are more likely to develop serious foot problems.

Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure and friction, usually through poor-fitting shoes. If left untreated, they can lead to painful ulcers.

Avoiding and treating corns and calluses

• Wear shoes that fit properly to relieve the pressure and friction
• Use a moisturiser on the affected areas
• Ask a podiatrist about other treatments.

Tinea

Tinea is easy to catch and is often picked up in communal areas, such as public showers. It usually develops between the toes, causing the skin to become red, moist and itchy.

Avoiding tinea

• Wear shoes whenever possible
• Wear thongs in public showers.

Treating tinea

• Try anti-fungal creams available from your pharmacist
• Ask a podiatrist about other treatments.

Bunions

Bunions are a foot deformity in which the big toe joint of the foot is distorted, leading to the toe pointing inwards and the bone protruding. The joint is easily inflamed by pressure and can be very painful.

Easing the pain of bunions

• Wear shoes that are not too tight
• Ask a podiatrist for advice
• Sometimes surgical correction may be required.

Papillomas

Papillomas are warts that can be caught by touching an infected site on a person. They are commonly picked up from public showers and swimming pools.

Preventing papillomas

• Wear thongs in public places, such as showers and pools.

Treating papillomas

Papillomas are not thought to be a health risk and, unless they are painful, do not need to be removed.

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails generally occur due to poor nail cutting technique, abnormal nail shape or poor footwear.

Preventing ingrown toenails

• Do not cut nails into the corners - this can leave a spike of nail which can embed itself into or irritate the flesh next to the nail. If you do have to cut your toenails into the corners, make sure that a nail spike is not left behind.
• Make sure that you and your children wear shoes that fit properly and support your feet.

Treating ingrown toenails

Some people have toenails that are prone to ingrowing regardless of how they cut them. In these cases, the only permanent solution is to remove the outer margins of the nail through a minor surgical procedure. This is a relatively painless operation with quick post operative recovery.

People with diabetes have a greater risk of serious foot problems
The main risk factors for the feet of people with diabetes are:

• Circulation impairment which can delay healing.
• Nerve damage which causes individuals to lose sensation in their feet. This means a person may not know that their shoe is rubbing or that they have cut their foot.

People with diabetes should check their feet daily for cuts, blisters, bruises or signs of injury, and wear shoes that protect feet from injury and do not rub.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Local podiatrist
• Your local community health centre
• Australian Podiatry Association (Vic) Tel. (03) 9866 5906

Things to remember

• Most common foot problems can be easily avoided and simply treated.
• Make sure that you and your children wear shoes that fit properly and support your feet.
• People with diabetes should check their feet daily and have them assessed by a podiatrist at least once a year.