Many foot problems, including hammertoes, blisters, bunions, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, and athlete’s foot can develop due to neglect, ill-fitting shoes, and normal wear and tear. Your feet can also be indicators of a serious disease. Here are the most common foot problems your Tucson podiatrist can treat:
Athlete’s Foot
Caused by a fungus that likes warm, dark and moist environments like the areas between the toes or on the bottoms of the feet. Athlete’s foot can inflame the skin and cause a white, scaly rash with a red base.
Hammertoes
If your second, third, or fourth toe is crossed, bent in the middle of the toe joint, or just pointing at an odd angle, you have a hammertoe. They are often caused with improper footwear that doesn’t fit right.
Blisters
Soft pockets of raised skin filled with clear fluid, blisters are often painful and can make walking difficult.
Bunions
A bunion is a crooked big toe joint that sticks out at the base of the toe, forcing the big toe to turn in. They have various causes, including congenital deformities, arthritis, trauma, and heredity.
Corns and Calluses
These form after repeated rubbing against a bony area of the foot or against a shoe. Corns appear on the tops and sides of your toes as well as between your toes. Calluses form on the bottom of the foot, especially under the heels and on the sides of toes.
Ingrown Toenails
The right way to clip toenails (straight across) is the key to foot health. If you don’t cut them properly, the corners or sides of the nail can dig into skin and become ingrown.
Many foot problems can be easily treated and corrected by your podiatrist. Don’t suffer any longer!