6 Common Foot Conditions People Often Mistake For A Bunion

So, you developed a lump on your feet near the big toe. Waking up to terrible foot pain lately? Are you assuming it to be a bunion? Making an appointment with a renowned podiatrist can be the ideal way to identify the actual cause of your foot pain and get the right treatment. Wondering why? Well, there are numerous foot problems which look like bunions but are not.

Bunions are lumps of bony tissues which form on the outside of the joint between the big toe and the rest of your foot. Caused by the metatarsal bone in your feet and the misalignment of your toe, bumps cause excess friction on the side of your foot, leading to corns and calluses. However, you need to know that not every foot condition which causes lumps on your feet is a bunion.

Read on to check out the foot problems which look like a bunion but aren’t.

Foot Care Treatment

From The Best Podiatrist: Foot Problems Which Resemble Bunions But Aren’t

Big Toe Joint Arthritis

One of the most common bunion look-alike foot conditions is arthritis of the big toe joint. Big toe joint arthritis causes swelling which resembles bunion on the side of your foot. It even causes foot pain when putting pressure on your foot or walking.

One of the hallmarks of this foot condition is Hallux rigidus which causes bone spurs to develop in the joint. This deformity leads to inflammation and irritation of the skin, making the bump resemble more like a bunion. While the bony prominence is on the side in bunions, bone spurs with arthritis tend to occur above the big toe joint.

Gout

Gout is a particular kind of arthritis, which develops when high levels of uric acid develop internal crystals in the joints. This is a common problem which affects the toes and feet, causing the area to become red and swollen, which leads to it being mistaken for bunions. The sharp internal crystal of gout causes intense pain and decreases mobility. Chiropodists can treat gout with medication to lessen the pain and inflammation.

Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous tumors which form around the big toe joint. These cysts are firm fluid-filled sacs which occur all over the body and are often confused with bunions. Ganglion cysts are correlated to joint trauma and often cause pain when the affected joint is moved. Ganglions can be differentiated from bunions by feel since ganglions are softer to touch in comparison to bunions.

Never try to remove or pop a cyst on your own. Experts recommend making an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis.

Foot Care

Bursitis

Bursitis is a common cause of swelling and redness which occurs over joints, usually from direct external pressure. The big toe joint is prone to bursitis since it tolerates the entire weight of the body when you walk and can cause irritation from shoes. The bursa is a trapped inflammatory fluid between your underlying bone and skin. The condition is very painful and can often lead to the formation of calcium deposits in the joint, amplifying in the pain.

Bony Prominence

One of the greatest misconceptions with foot problems is that bunions are consequences of bone, which can be easily shaved off. Though bunions are different from bone growths, the underlying bone may often be prominent and enlarged, giving the resemblance of a bunion. While it’s common for bony enlargements to occur with bunions, they even occur when the bunion is absent.

Misalignment In The Ankle Or Foot

Misalignment anywhere in the body can lead to intense pain. For instance, if your ankle is misaligned, the small muscles and tendons in your foot will be affected. Not only will this pull the other bones out of proper alignment, but also lead to irritation and pain in your toes, up through your legs, knees and hips. Misalignment can even cause inflammation in the arch of your foot. Consulting an experienced podiatrist can be the best way to keep your foot properly aligned.

Now that you are aware of the common foot problems, what are you still here for? Quickly schedule an appointment with a chiropodist and seek his advice on good foot care. Time to ensure healthy feet and ankle!

4 Foot Care Tips For Keeping Your Feet Healthy During Summer

Summer is a special time of the year and did you know the summer months can be really hard on your feet? The combination of sun and heat often take a toll on your feet. Wondering how to keep your feet in good condition during warm weather? No worries. All you need to do is seek advice on good foot care from the best podiatrist.

Everyone knows about applying sunscreen, using moisturiser to protect their body from the harmful UV rays of the sun. And, just like other body parts, taking care of your feet is very important in summer. Even if you are just soaking in the sun while enjoying the beach or pool, your feet can be severely burned. Thinking about the ways you can keep your feet healthy during the long and hot days of summer?

Check out a few practical tips shared by a podiatrist on how to keep your feet healthy

Foot Care in Surrey

Foot Care In Surrey: Tips For Healthy Summer Feet

Apply Sunscreen To Your Feet

Podiatrists recommend applying sunscreen to your feet when you are applying it to other parts of your body. Since the upper part of your feet is in direct line of the sun, they need protection just like your face and shoulders. Make sure you use a moisturiser which has an SPF of at least 30 and re-apply it whenever needed.

Always Wear Sandals Or Shoes

Wearing the right footwear at the right time can not only help you prevent injuries but also keep your feet as comfy as possible.

While flip flops may not be the best choice always, they are ideal for the pool and beach. Athletic shoes which are designed for the game you’re taking part in can keep your feet protected and even give you the traction you need for enhancing the performance.

Move Your Feet Frequently

Podiatrists who excel in offering foot surgery in Surrey believe that flexing your feet and ankles is another great way to ensure healthy feet in summer. Experts recommend moving your toes and wiggling them. This is because feet begin to swell during the hot, summer months. Moving your feet frequently can prevent your joints from stiffening, helping you to keep the blood circulating freely.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Spending those long hot days under the sun in the summer months can wreak devastation on your body, including the feet. When the body gets dehydrated, your feet are often the first to suffer. Since the body does not efficiently use the water it has, it even deprives the tissues of the fluids which they require for remaining healthy. And, drinking plenty of water can help in flushing out toxins which can sometimes accumulate in the feet.

Get your summer started on the right foot and ensure healthy feet!

Suffering From Diabetes? 4 Tips On Good Foot Care From A Podiatrist

Do you know a limb is lost to diabetes in every 20 seconds? Well, when you suffer from diabetes, you are more at risk of having foot problems and complications. Ensuring good foot health is thus essential when you have diabetes. Wondering how to keep your feet in good condition? Seeking advice from a podiatrist on foot care in Surrey can be the ideal way to take care of your feet.

When suffering from diabetes, encountering problems with your feet as well as legs are two of the most common problems of this disease. Diabetes put you at a higher risk for corns, calluses, blisters, bunions and ulcers. Moreover, higher blood pressure means that these minor alterations and injuries can become the getaway to disabling infections. And, the ideal way to keep your feet in good shape is wearing specialised footwear, undergo regular foot exams as well as perform low-impact exercises.

Listed below are a few useful tips shared by a leading podiatrist to help you stride on with confidence while suffering from diabetes.

Foot Care In Surrey: Useful Tips For Diabetic Patients

  1. Inspect Your Feet Regularly

Nerve damage is one of the most common complications of diabetes, making it hard to feel when there are cracks or sores in your feet. If you cannot see all parts of your foot clearly, consider placing a mirror on the floor or you can even ask a relative or friend for help. Remember; inspecting your feet every day for wounds, cracks and sores is important.

  1. Don’t Use Your Feet To Test Hot Water

When diabetic patients develop nerve damage, telling if the bath water is too hot can be very difficult. Stepping into a bathtub without checking the temperature can cause some serious damage to your feet. This is because; both blisters and burns open doors to infection. Experts advise using your elbow to check the water temperature before taking a shower or getting into the tub.

  1. Keep Your Feet Dry

Leading podiatrists with years of experience in offering foot surgery in Surrey suggest you keep your feet dry for ensuring good foot condition all year round. The space between the toes is usually very airtight. The skin here gets very moist and even breaks down, leading to infections. You can prevent this by removing sweaty socks or shoes immediately and by towelling off after washing your feet. You can even use moisturise to prevent cracked and dry skin.

  1. Use Diabetes-Friendly Footwear

The best podiatrist advises diabetic patients of supporting their feet with diabetes-friendly footwear and socks. Look for footwear which covers both top as well as the bottom, has more depth in the toe box. Similarly, you should look for socks without seams, preferably the ones which are padded and made from cotton or another material which controls moisture.

Seeing a podiatrist can be the best way to ensure healthy feet. So what are you still here for? It’s time to schedule an appointment with a reputed podiatry clinic!

Want To Make Your Feet Soft? 5 Easy Foot Care Tips In Surrey

Everyone suffering from cracked heels will know how painful and embarrassing the issue is. Not only walking becomes difficult but you also have to look for innovative ways to keep the cracked feet hidden. Whatever has caused those cracked feet; they are quite uncomfortable and gradually lead to bleeding and pain. This is why everyone tries to keep their foot soft by staying away from improper diet, dehydration and wrong footwear. If the normal pedicure tips are not helping, get in touch with experienced foot surgeons and they will craft a routine pedicure for you.

Few Easy Foot Care Tips In Surrey You Can Include In Your Routine Pedicure

  • Use Banana

Being a tropical fruit, bananas can offer a wide variety of health benefits. Feel free to use it even if you are suffering from extensive cracked feet as it not only helps in curing the issue but creating the banana paste is also quite easy. Just take a few ripe bananas and mix them well in the mixer. Spread it evenly in your feet and allow it to dry before washing it off using warm water.

  • Follow A Daily Cleaning Regime

Strictly following a foot cleaning regime on a daily basis is a must if you are looking for the best foot care treatment. Cleaning the feet regularly helps in getting rid of dead cells which accumulate on your skin with the passage of time. Cleaning the feet keeps the skin protected and prevents them from peeling off and drying. Follow the foot cleaning regime before you go to sleep every night.

  • Use Cleaning Needles

The easiest way to remove dirt from the thumbs and toenails is by using dirt cleaning needles made especially for feet. Though using cleaning needles to keep your feet dirt-free is quite effective, getting it done from experienced foot surgeons is always advisable as they ensure that the needles don’t prick inside the nails.

  • Trim Toenails Frequently

Every professional offering foot care in Surrey suggests their clients to trim the toenails on a regular basis. Not only are long toenails unhygienic but also unsafe. Dirt starts accumulating inside those long toenails and so they don’t look stylish anymore. Unless you want them to break and come off with the live skin, trim them before they become too long.

  • Try Baking Soda

Not everyone knows that using baking soda helps keep your feet soft . All you need to do is to take some warm water and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Let your feet soak in the solution for around half an hour. Adding bath salts in it will also help in maximising the benefits. The muscles are eased and the skin softens.

These being said, it’s time you follow the foot care tips stated above and make your foot softer will become easier.

Learn To Handle Ingrown Nails Like Chiropodists In Surrey

Whatever the reason for which you have groomed your feet a bit aggressively; there are high chances that ingrown nails will soon become an unsightly issue. Though fixing them looks quite easy, it is actually not without the aid of an experienced chiropodist or podiatrist. Trying the DIY route is a strict no-no if you are suffering from any sort of vascular diseases or diabetes. But if you think that the issue is a minor one, just get in touch with a reliable doctor and they will assess the condition of your ingrown toes before suggesting how to get rid of it with some at-home solutions.

Willing To Get Rid Of Ingrown Nails? 3 Easy Steps To Follow

  • Soak

Soaking your feet in lukewarm water is the first thing you need to do if you are suffering from ingrown nails. Just put some warm water in a large bowl or tub before adding a tablespoon of Epsom salts. Though you can add some more Epsom salt according to the recommendation of your podiatrist or add a pinch of table salt. Let your foot soak in that lukewarm water for around 20 minutes. Not only will it help to draw out fluids from below the nails but also helps in soothing the area if you are suffering from any sort of infection.

  • Massage

The area around the ingrown nails becomes quite pliable or workable after you soak your feet in the water as the skin becomes tender. This is the best time to massage the skin gently using your fingers. Massage it in such a way so that the skin moves away from the nail and there is adequate space for the nails to grow over the skin. Neglecting the issue is more dangerous than you think as the issue can complicate and you might have to choose foot surgery.

  • Lift The Nail

The easiest way to lift the ingrown nail is by taking a small piece of cotton and sticking it below the nail. Don’t forget to make the cotton firm by rolling it up before putting it below the nail which is growing into the skin. Every experienced chiropodist in Surrey will suggest you leave a bit of cotton outside the nail so that you can change or remove it whenever you feel like. If you feel that the area around the nail has become warm or red, don’t forget to put some antibiotic ointment on the cotton as it helps in preventing nail infection.

What To Do If Its Condition Isn’t Improving?

Though following the steps stated above will help you to get rid of ingrown nails if the issue is a minor one, get in touch with a reliable chiropodist or podiatrist at www.advancedfootcaregroup.co.uk if the condition isn’t improving. A majority of them have years of experience in taking care of ingrown nails. They know how to exactly remove a sliver of the nail which helps in handling infection by preventing it to reach the bones.

Why Is It Good To Take Regular Care Of Your Feet?

It is quite common among people to take their feet for granted until the development of any pain or issue like calluses or blisters. You need to be kind to and take care of feet before they start giving you a challenge. It is also needed to go for foot care treatment for any existing issues before it becomes severe and limits your normal functionalities.Foot Care in Surrey

And Here Are The Key Reasons To Take Care Of Your Feet On A Regular Basis.

  • Better Quality Of Life

It improves your ability to function and helps to enhance the quality of life. The quality of life is directly involved to one’s ability to be self-dependent and self-sufficient so he or she can perform all the activities of daily living like walking, working, shopping, playing and lots more. If the feet hurt or you have any foot issues, you can’t function at your best. If you change your gait to avoid bunion, for instance, your overall body balance and posture can be badly affected making you prone to falling.

  • Work Productivity

Good foot health is optimally important if your job requires you to be on your feet for a reasonable amount of time. Even if you don’t need to stand longer, you still need to get up occasionally. If you work sitting at the desk, you certainly need taking a break and get up to avoid shoulder and neck pain associated with sitting in front of a computer for long hours. Get up at least once in an hour. But if you have a problem in the feet, you may not stand up and take a walk. And that is very likely to affect your work performance resulting in lost time, lower job efficiency, lost productivity and lots more. So foot care in Surrey is important.

Foot Health Checkup

  • Physical Activities

As you know, physical activities are extremely useful for overall health and wellbeing. Even if you are strong and healthy, you need to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activities every week. If you have any foot issues, you can’t follow such a fitness regimen. It is true that any amount of physical exercises is better than none but, as already mentioned, if you have poor foot health you may not feel likely to perform even a minimal amount of physical activities. The less you practice, the less you can do. As a result, you will face a loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, lower endurance, and higher risks of ailments related to a sedentary lifestyle. This often includes cardiac issues, diabetes and cognitive declination.

Therefore, it is important to take regular care of the feet and perform a foot health check. And here is what you need to do:

  • Check your feet every day for any bruises, cuts, red spots and blisters. Feel for bumps or lumps, if any.
  • Wash your feet well daily. Rinse off soap lather completely and make the feet dry, especially the places between toes.
  • Trim the nails straight across but not too short. Don’t cut at corners.
  • Don’t ever use any generic, over-the-counter medications to remove calluses or corns. Visit a foot specialist, if things go out of control.