Our feet keep us moving, carry our weight, and help us stand tall, but we don’t always look after them the way we should. In today’s post, we look at common foot ailments, what may have caused them, and how to stop them.

Bunions: bunions (scientifically known as hallux valgus), are bumps that develop around the main joint of the big toe. The prominence can become swollen and painful causing the sufferer limited options in foot wear, and can affect the distances that can be comfortably walked.
Although bunions can be caused by arthritis, the main reason for them developing is prolonged wearing of ill-fitting shoes. Dance shoes, stilettos with toes that taper to a point, and anything ill-fitting to your size can lead to a bunion forming. Bunions can be padded and appropriate footwear selected, but may still result in the possibility of a surgical correction.

Verrucas: We all remember these from the school swimming pool. These are normally circular areas of hardened skin that occur on the base of the foot and between the toes. They are a highly contagious occurrence caused by a viral infection and are often seen in children. The circular areas are often found to contain a small black dot at the centre; this is a collection of blood sent to try and fight the virus.
Treatments can be sought from the chemist, though they may need specialist treatment from a chiropodist if there are many at the same time or they do not respond to treatment.

Corns and Calluses: these are caused by an accumulation of dead skin at areas of pressure, and appear as hardened thick skin that can be very rough to touch. These too are caused by ill-fitting footwear. They can be uncomfortable and irritating for the sufferer and can be relieved by padding the area with special plasters bought from the chemist. If corns or calluses persist, you should visit a foot health professional, who will be able to help with them safely.


Hard Skin: hard skin accumulates when the feet have been working all day and footwear causes friction. If it is left untreated, heels can become cracked and can bleed. A pumice stone is a natural product that helps to slough the skin off. It is best achieved after a bath as the water will have softened the skin. Once the bulk of hard skin has been removed, it is recommended that you use a Hard Skin moisturiser designed for the feet.

Toenails: toenails are very important in protecting the ends of the toes, and also in the general appearance of feet. Incorrect trimming technique can cause the nail to become embedded in the toe and nail bed; using clean sharp clippers (not scissors), trim straight across the nail without following the curve of the nail. File down sharp corners with an emery board. If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, you should visit your nearest foot health professional at your soonest convenience, as these can become infected.

General foot care involves washing regularly, drying properly, including between the toes and the base of the nail, using an appropriate moisturiser and wearing appropriate footwear. Many people find themselves on their feet all day, and walk miles during normal everyday routines or with work; feet have a lot of responsibility as they have to achieve all of this and carry our body weight as well. Due to this heavy workload, surely they deserve a little TLC at the end of the day; after all they have many more years of work to do.