There’s more to looking after your feet than wearing shoes and cutting your toenails. Foot conditions and injuries can be very common. Did you know many health conditions affecting other parts of your body can also impact your feet.

Common foot conditions
•    Heel Pain- an example is Plantar Fasciitis caused by poor shoes, flat feet or walking on hard surfaces
•    Bunions- Can occur because your toes and feet change shape, causing skin damage and pain while walking and wearing shoes. 
•    Tinea- Is an infection of the skin characterised by a red, itchy rash or peeling of the skin, especially between the toes. Tinea is also known as Athlete's Foot.
•    Corns and Calluses- These occur due to pressure from footwear or walking, often found on the tops of the toes, balls of the feet and heels
•    Ingrown Toenails- Can happen on any one toe, but they more commonly occur on the big toe
•    Warts- Can occur on your sole, heel or toes. They appear as a white area of skin with tiny black dots in the centre

Please note there are many other types of Toenail, Foot and Skin issues that need regular foot care and advice from a health professional.

What can affect the health of your feet?
•    Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, reduce blood flow and increase the risk of infection. In more extreme cases This can lead to foot ulcers, and possibly amputation if the ulcers and/or infection doesn't heal.
•    Poor blood flow to the feet can cause skin changes, coldness, brittle toenails and pain when walking and/or resting.

•    Circulation problems
•    Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout, can also cause damage to the joints of your feet causing deformity and/or pain in the affected areas.

How does ageing affect the feet?
As you get older, the fatty cushioning under the heels and balls of your feet gets thinner, and your skin loses its elasticity and strength. Toenails become thicker and tougher, making them harder to cut. Bone deformities, such as arthritis and bunions , can lead to foot health issues like pain, corns and calluses, which can increase your risk of falls.

Foot care specialists
Podiatrists are highly trained health professionals who treat medical conditions of the feet and lower legs. 
However you may need a referral from your GP to see other health professionals, such as Orthopaedic Surgeons and Physiotherapists. These health professionals can help with problems of the muscles and bones of your feet and ankles. 

Caring for your feet
•    washing and drying your feet properly

•    moisturising of your feet
•    checking for redness, swelling, cuts, splinters, and blisters on your feet

•    cut your toenails straight across, filing the sharp edges

•    always make sure your shoes fit correctly and suit the activity you are doing.

If you notice any changes and/or problems please seek advice.

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https://renupodiatry.com.au/

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