Many types of ailments occur within and to the feet. Feet are one of the most neglected parts of our body and often only seen to when problems arise. The following are some ailments that are routinely treated by podiatrists.

This condition is caused by the nail cutting into the skin around the toe. The most common cause is poor cutting of the nail – leaving a small spike which grows into the skin. Thickened and misshapen nails due to trauma such as stubbing your toe are also common causes.

Podiatrists can carefully remove the ingrown piece of nail. Sometimes with the use of anaesthetic – and this provides immediate relief. Some cases may require a simple office based procedure giving permanent relief.

Pain in the heels is one of the most common problems treated by Podiatrists. Excessive stretching of the connective tissues (called plantar fascia) on the sole of the foot can lead to a painful condition called plantar fasciitis. This condition can progress into heel spurs.

Podiatrists regularly treat this condition very successfully with custom-made orthoses, ultrasound and footwear advice.

Plantar warts / Papilloma / Verruca are various names used to describe the same problem. A wart is a growth caused by the Human Papilloma Virus and is known to spontaneously disappear as the body builds up its own immune defences. This virus is easily passed on from one family member to another and most warts that remain may spread to other areas of the foot.

Warts can be painful, particularly if they are on a weight bearing area of the foot. There are many forms of treatment ranging from simple home remedies to more extensive therapies. Whatever the case, do not become complacent about warts on your feet, they often multiply and spread making them difficult to treat.

These painful lesions are a direct result of pressure and friction. A callous is a thickening of the skin due to pressure. It is nature's way of protecting an area being traumatised. Corns usually form over a bony area of the foot. Generally speaking they form on top of toes, between toes and on the soles of the feet.

Corns have a hard centre which places pressure on the nerves, which results in pain. A common myth is that corns have roots or that they ingrow. Corns simply have a harder section of skin in the centre than a callous does. This skin is quite hard and causes more pain than a callous as they often occur over a bony part of the foot. Causes are poorly fitted footwear, poor walking posture or clawing toes. We can remove corns with little discomfort.