They might not be our our bodies’ most glamorous bits, however their good well being is significant to our every day lives. Now a brand new TV present, The Unhealthy Foot Clinic, sees prime Harley Road podiatrist Dr Marion Yau and her GP husband Dr Kenny deal with a few of the most surprising issues.
However how will you take the best steps to forestall and deal with a few of the commonest circumstances?
Fungal toenails
A nail an infection, also referred to as onychomycosis, which happens when fungi invade the nails. Typically, individuals with fungal nail infections additionally endure from fungal pores and skin infections. Signs embody discolouration of the nail, turning it yellow, white, or brown. It might turn out to be thick and brittle and, in extreme circumstances, elevate or detach fully. These infections may even injury the nail plate, nail mattress and surrounding tissues.
Prevention: Washing your ft twice a day, sporting flip-flops in communal areas, altering your socks usually and sustaining good foot hygiene.
Therapy: For delicate infections, topical antifungal medicines like Curanail may be efficient. Proceed utility till the nail is totally clear. Podiatrists can apply stronger topical medicines, oral antifungals, and use cutting-edge laser remedies.
Athlete’s Foot
A typical fungal pores and skin an infection which causes itching, burning, peeling and cracking of the pores and skin across the affected foot.
Prevention: Preserve the contaminated space clear and dry. Breathable footwear fabricated from supplies like leather-based, canvas, or sure synthetics is very really useful. Socks fabricated from bamboo or silver fibre could assist forestall an infection as they possess antimicrobial properties.
Therapy: Over-the-counter topical antifungal medicines are the primary line of defence. Nonetheless, if these remedies fail to supply reduction, searching for skilled recommendation is essential. A podiatrist can file down the affected pores and skin to boost the penetration of antifungal medication.
Corns
A build-up of useless and thick pores and skin with a core, referred to as the nucleus, these typically happen in high-pressure areas of the foot, such because the tops of the toes, inflicting appreciable discomfort.
Prevention: Keep away from tight-fitting sneakers and use protecting pads for additional cushioning. Footwear with a large toe field are extremely really useful to alleviate stress on the toes.
Therapy: At residence, scale back the highest layer of useless pores and skin utilizing a pumice stone or foot file. This not solely reduces the thick pores and skin but additionally gives ache reduction. Over-the-counter corn plasters containing salicylic acid are one other self-treatment choice. Fastidiously comply with the directions to keep away from damaging wholesome pores and skin or creating ulcers. Podiatrists can painlessly take away corns with a scalpel.
Verrucas
These warts are small growths or lumps brought on by the human papillomavirus. They are often flat, irregular, and should have little black dots. Whereas some are painless and should resolve on their very own, others could cause discomfort.
Prevention: Finest achieved by sporting flip-flops in communal areas and lodge rooms.
Therapy: Over-the-counter remedies containing acid or cryospray. If ache persists, search skilled remedy. Podiatrists can make use of numerous strategies on verrucas, together with laser remedy, microwave remedy, dry needling and surgical removing. However no remedy ensures success.
Bunions
Lumps brought on by the inward pull of the primary metatarsal and the extension of the hallux (massive toe) in direction of the second toe, inflicting swelling and ache on the base of the large toe.
Prevention: Sporting sneakers with a large toe field to forestall irritation and discomfort can assist.
Therapy: Orthotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and bodily remedy. In additional extreme circumstances, surgical procedure could also be required to alleviate the ache and proper the deformity.
Gout
A painful situation that usually impacts the large toe joint and generally different foot joints, inflicting intense sudden ache, redness and swelling. It typically happens at evening and is brought on by elevated ranges of uric acid within the blood.
Prevention: Keep a wholesome balanced eating regimen, scale back weight and restrict alcohol consumption. Staying hydrated is essential in managing the situation. Hydration with plain water and the avoidance of sugary drinks and alcohol are easy but efficient methods to assist handle gout
Therapy: Relieving ache and irritation by means of medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, steroids or colchicine. Life-style adjustments and medicines to cut back uric acid could also be required to forestall future episodes.
The Unhealthy Foot Clinic is on Actually on Wednesdays at 9pm, and obtainable to stream on Discovery+
