In Growing Toenails, Heel Spurs, Embedded Objects, Hyperhidrosis, and Verrucae
In-Growing Toenails
An in-grown toenail develops when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The big toe is often affected, either on one or both sides. The nail curls and pierces the skin, which becomes red, swollen, and tender. Other possible symptoms include:
• Pain If Pressure Is Placed on the Toe Inflammation of the Skin at the End of the Toe
• A Build-up of Fluid (Oedema) in the Area Surrounding the Toe
• An Overgrowth of Skin around the Affected Toe (Hypertrophy)
• Bleeding
• White or Yellow Puss Coming from the Affected Area
A number of things can cause an ingrown toenail to develop, including:
• Badly Cut Toenails – Cutting your toenails too short, or cutting the edges, will encourage the skin to fold over your nail and the nail to grow into the skin.
• Wearing Tight-Fitting Shoes, Socks, or Tights – This places pressure on the skin around your toenail; the skin may be pierced if it's pressed on to your toenail
• Sweaty Feet – If the skin around your toenails is soft, it's easier for your nail to pierce it and embed itself within it.
• Injury - For example, stubbing your toe can sometimes cause an ingrown toenail to develop
• The Natural Shape of the Nail – The sides of curved or fan-shaped toenails are more likely to press into the skin surrounding the nail.
• A Fungal Nail Infection – An infection that causes your toenail to thicken or widen.
Heel Spurs
A heel spur is an extra growth on the bone of the heel that can build up over a long period. It is also known as a calcaneal spur and may stick out by as much as 1.25cm (half an inch). Heel spurs are more common among people who experience heel pain, though the spur doesn’t actually cause any pain.
Heel spurs occur when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone, a process that usually occurs over a period of many months. They are also often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are especially common among athletes who do a lot of running and jumping.
Heel spurs are sometimes associated with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. Treatments for heel spurs and associated conditions include exercise and orthotics. Book and appointment in the clinic for help and advice.
Risk factors for heel spurs include:
• Walking Gait Abnormalities Which Place Excessive Stress on the Heel Bone, Ligaments, and Nerves near the Heel
• Running or Jogging, Especially on Hard Surfaces
• Poorly Fitted or Badly Worn Shoes, Especially Those Lacking Appropriate Arch Support
• Excess Weight and Obesity
Embedded Objects
Foot pain can sometimes be caused by a small object being embedded in your foot, between your toes, or under your nail. If you are experiencing pain, it may therefore be worth considering whether you have stepped on something sharp with bare feet and examining your foot for a wound. If the object is more deeply embedded, don't try to remove it yourself; seek medical treatment from A&E immediately.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition in which a person sweats excessively. The sweating may affect the whole of your body, or it may only affect certain areas. Commonly affected areas include the armpits, palms of your hands, soles of your feet, face, chest, and groin. Both sides of the body are usually affected equally, for example both feet or both hands. The sweating doesn't usually pose a serious threat to your health, but it can be embarrassing and distressing. It can also have a negative impact on your quality of life and may lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Painful Feet!
Contact us now, in Romford, Essex, to book a treatment at our foot clinic.
Verrucae
Warts are small lumps that often develop on the skin of the hands and feet. Warts vary in appearance and may develop singularly or in clusters. Some are more likely to affect particular areas of the body. For example, verrucae are warts that usually develop on the soles of the feet. Most people will have warts at some point in their life, although they tend to affect children and teenagers more than adults. Warts are caused by an infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV).