Common Foot Conditions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

At Clare Foot Clinic, we specialize in chiropody services to help you maintain healthy, pain-free feet. Our experienced chiropodist provides expert care for a variety of foot conditions, from minor discomforts to more serious foot issues. Below are some of the common conditions we treat, along with information on symptoms and treatment options.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that form due to repeated pressure or friction, typically caused by poorly fitting shoes or abnormal walking patterns.

Corns: Small, hardened patches of skin that press into the deeper layers, causing pain.
- Hard Corns: Found on bony areas like the tops of toes or the sole.
- Soft Corns: Typically form between toes, often due to moisture.
- Seed Corns: Tiny, clustered corns, usually on the soles.
Calluses: Larger, broader thickened skin, typically on the soles or heels. While they may not hurt initially, they can become painful if left untreated.

Treatment: At Clare Foot Clinic, our chiropodists carefully remove corns and calluses, relieving pain and recommending solutions to prevent them from reoccurring, including advice on suitable footwear.

Warts and Verrucas

Warts are small growths caused by a viral infection (HPV), and verrucas are warts that appear on the soles of the feet.

Symptoms: Rough, hardened patches of skin that can be painful when pressure is applied, often appearing on the feet.
Treatment: We offer various treatments such as cryotherapy (freezing), salicylic acid, and safe removal techniques to eliminate warts and verrucas.

Our Approach: We focus on effective, non-invasive treatments tailored to your condition, aiming for fast relief and long-term prevention.

Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

A bunion is a bony deformity that forms at the base of the big toe, causing it to lean toward the other toes, which can lead to pain and difficulty finding comfortable shoes.

Symptoms: A visible bump on the side of the foot, pain, swelling, and redness around the big toe joint.
Treatment: Non-surgical options, such as padding, orthotic insoles, and advice on footwear. In more severe cases, we can refer you for surgical consultation if necessary.

Expert Care: Our chiropodists can help alleviate bunion pain with treatments that focus on reducing inflammation, improving foot alignment, and preventing further deformity.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itching, redness, and peeling skin, typically between the toes. It's highly contagious and thrives in warm, damp environments.

Symptoms: Itching, burning, redness, and peeling skin, often between the toes and on the soles of the feet.
Treatment: We offer effective antifungal treatments and provide advice on preventing recurrence, including keeping feet clean and dry.

Prevention: We recommend wearing breathable footwear, using antifungal powders, and avoiding shared public spaces like swimming pools and changing rooms to reduce the risk of infection.

Fungal Nails

Fungal nail infections cause nails to become thickened, discolored, and brittle. Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails.

Symptoms: Thickened nails that may turn yellow, brown, or green, and may crumble or lift away from the nail bed.
Treatment: We offer topical antifungal treatments, nail debridement, and advice on maintaining nail hygiene to treat and prevent fungal infections.

Treatment Options: Early intervention is key. Our chiropodists can help restore your nails to their healthy state with targeted treatments.

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often causing pain, redness, and swelling. This condition is most commonly seen in the big toe.

Symptoms: Pain, redness, and swelling at the edge of the toenail, which may become infected.
Treatment: We safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, providing immediate relief and advice on proper nail trimming techniques to prevent future ingrown toenails.

Relief and Prevention: Our chiropodists are skilled in providing both immediate relief and long-term care to prevent recurring ingrown toenails.

Why Choose Clare Foot Clinic?

At Clare Foot Clinic, our qualified chiropodist is dedicated to providing comprehensive foot care for a range of conditions. We focus on non-invasive treatments, patient education, and personalized care to ensure the best outcomes for your foot health.

Expert Care: Our experienced chiropodists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of foot conditions.
Personalized Treatment: We tailor each treatment plan to meet your specific needs, ensuring comfort and effectiveness.
Comfortable Environment: We strive to make every visit to our clinic as comfortable as possible, providing a relaxed and caring environment.

Foot Health Tips

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Make sure your shoes fit properly to avoid unnecessary pressure on your feet.
Maintain Foot Hygiene: Wash and thoroughly dry your feet every day, paying special attention to the areas between your toes.
Trim Your Nails Properly: Cut nails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
Keep Feet Dry: Change socks regularly to avoid fungal infections, especially after exercise.
Avoid Sharing Towels: Prevent the spread of infections by using your own towels and wearing sandals in public showers or pool areas.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you're experiencing any of the conditions mentioned above or have concerns about your foot health, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Clare Foot Clinic, we provide expert chiropody care to help you feel your best.

Phone: 065 905 1000 | 085 138 1383

Email: clarefootclinic@gmail.com