Oedema, Achilles Tendonitis, and Athlete’s Foot

Oedema

If your whole foot is painful, heavy, and swollen, it may be a sign of oedema. This is a build-up of fluid (mainly water) in the body's tissues that causes swelling to occur in the affected area. Oedema will usually affect your whole lower leg. Sufferers need to see their GP or, if the pain and swelling is severe, go to their nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.

Achilles Tendinitis

These are Achilles tendon injuries that likely manifest themselves as pain and stiffness along the back of your heel, and are also known as Achilles tendinopathy. If you experience sudden and severe pain in your heel, which may have been accompanied by a popping or snapping sound, you may have ruptured (torn) your Achilles tendon. Common symptoms include:

• Stiffness Which Is Often Worse in the Morning
• Weakness in the Affected Area or Being Unable to Move
• Joint Swelling, Sometimes with Heat or Redness
• A Sensation That the Tendon is Grating or Crackling as It Moves; This May Be Felt on Examination
• A Lump That Develops along the Tendon

You should seek medical advice as soon as possible if you think you have gone as far as rupturing your Achilles tendon.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a rash caused by a fungus that usually appears between the toes. The affected skin may be itchy, red, scaly, dry, cracked, or blistered. It's not usually serious, but it should be treated to stop it spreading to other parts of the body or to other people.