CALLUSES AND CORNS

The body may respond to this extra pressure by producing thickenings in the surface layer of the skin. These hard patches of skin are called calluses and are part of the body’s defence system to protect the underlying tissues. If the pressure gets concentrated in a small area, a ‘hard’ corn may develop. ‘Soft’ corns may also form between toes where the skin is moist from sweat or inadequate drying. These appear white and rubbery and are also the result of excessive friction.

ARTS / PLANTAR WARTS

A wart is a growth of skin that develops when the skin is infected by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and can develop anywhere on the foot but most commonly appear on the bottom (plantar aspect) of the foot. Warts on the toes or soles of the foot can cause pain and discomfort, which can make walking, running and exercise uncomfortable, as the thick wart presses inwards on the sensitive nerves of the skin. The tenderness can make us change the way we walk to avoid the pain, and cause strain elsewhere in the body.

INGROWN TOE NAILS

Ingrown toenails are a common condition that impacts people of all ages. An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh of the toe, making the area tender, sore, and often cause redness and bleeding. The pain can begin as moderate and progress to severe if the affected toenail becomes infected. If this is the case then nail surgery (nail wedge resection) may be required to remove the section of the toenail that is growing incorrectly. At Kingsford Foot Clinic we can perform most surgery under local anaesthetic in clinic. In very severe cases, you may be referred onto one of our Podiatric Surgeons to perform surgery in a hospital under general anaesthetic.