Credit: Rex
Each foot has 26 bones but most of us don't pay a lot of attention to them until something goes wrong. We identify common probs
Foot conditions: bunion, corns, athlete’s foot, verruca, oedema, chilblain
Foot problems
Each foot has 26 bones and many more joints and ligaments, but most of us don’t pay a lot of attention to them until something goes wrong.
Hopefully this gallery will help you identify your problem…
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Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a condition that most people associate with schoolchildren, but anyone can get it. It’s not usually serious and is easily treatable using an anti-fungal cream.
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Bunions
Bunions are when the big toe points inwards towards the second toe, causing a large painful lump at the base of the big toe. They’re often caused by wearing shoes that are too small for you and are most easily treated by wearing more sensible, comfy shoes.
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Chilblains
Chilblains, also known as pernio, are small itchy lumps on your feet that can occasionally blister. They often appear after extreme changes in temperature and usually last for around 7 days before going.
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Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are painful areas on your feet where the skin has thickened. They’re often caused by bad-fitting shoes and can usually easily be treated by chiropodists.
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Idiopathic oedema
An idiopathic oedema is basically a swelling in the foot caused by fluid retention. It is not usually serious and mainly affects middle-aged women. There is no effective treatment for it and many sufferers simply choose to live with it.
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Ingrowing toenail
When the side of your nail starts to cut into the skin, you’ve got an ingrowing toenail. No-one knows what causes them, but big toes are most commonly affected. There are different treatments, depending on how serious the ingrowing is.
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Plantar Fasciitis
Ever get a pain in your heel? You may be suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, a condition caused by wearing shoes and especially high heels without enough cushioning. It mainly affects women over 40. The basic treatment is rest, better-supporting footwear and special exercises can also help.
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Verrucas
Verrucas are small rough lumps of skin that appear on the underside of feet and mainly occur in children. They aren’t serious and can be treated easily using a special acid, freezing treatments or duct tape.