Skin conditions affecting the feet can include:
Corns
Corns are cone-shaped thickenings of the skin that develop due to friction/shearing and pressure. Primary causes are tight fitting shoes, high heeled shoes or abnormal foot motion during walking.
There are two types of corns:
-
Hard corns: have a nucleus (cone shaped centre or root) whose tip or point can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Hard corns are most often found on the baby toe or on the tops of toes.
Symptoms:
- Pain is usually directly associated with pressure from footwear or from the walking surface. Pain can be relieved by removing footwear.
-
Soft corns: usually seen as areas of white moist skin between the toes. Develops as a result of a bony bump (most often between the 4th and 5th toes) pressing against an adjacent toe.
Symptoms:
- May not be painful at first but may develop into open sores that are very painful
- May look like athlete's foot initially
Calluses
Calluses are areas of localized thickening of skin which develop in response to repeated friction and pressure
Symptoms:
- Pain due to patches of thick, hard skin over an area of high pressure under the foot.
- Most often seen at the ball and heel of the foot
Pedorthic treatment may include:
- Foot and lower limb exam
- Custom-made foot orthotic or over-the-counter device
- Medical Pedicure
- Recommendation of appropriate and proper fitting-footwear
- Toe spacers or padding
If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, you should consult
your physician for a proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Your doctor may refer you to a Canadian Certified Pedorthist for
pedorthic management including orthopaedic footwear, shoe selection
guidance and orthotics.
Reference: Pedorthic Association Canada
