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Frequently asked questions

Please see some of the most common footcare concerns and questions below.

Do you have any general footcare advice?

Nails that grow too long can cause soreness, infection, and ulceration as they press against the end of the shoe. The more you take care of your feet, the more likely they will stay supple as they age. Make sure to check your feet regularly, daily if necessary, and moisturise them (but not between the toes).

For further footcare advice:

Basic footcare advice

Why moisturise your feet?

Personal footcare

Footwear advice

I think I have athletes' foot. Can you tell me more about it?

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin that can cause intense itching, blistering or peeling of the skin, redness and scaling of the skin. This condition can occur on moist, waterlogged skin, typically between the fourth and fifth toes. It can also occur on dry, flaky skin around the heels or elsewhere on the foot.

For further information : Athletes foot

I have fungal nails. What treatment is available?

Your GP can prescribe oral medications for fungal nails. Infections usually disappear within three to six months, but can sometimes take longer. It is also possible to treat fungal nails with over the counter remedies such as anti-fungal nail lacquer. It may take up to a year for these treatments to take effect, as a nail takes this length of time to grow out completely.

For further information : Fungal nail infection (Onychomycosis)

What is a verruca and what treatment is available?

Verrucae are plantar warts that commonly appear on the soles of the feet and around the toes. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which may be transmitted directly from person to person.

For further information: Verrucae

I have an ingrown toenail what can be done?

An ingrown toenail is where a piece of nail pierces the flesh of the toe. It may feel as if you have a splinter, and it may be extremely painful and inflamed or infected. In more severe cases, it can cause pus and bleeding. Ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe, but they can also occur on other toes.

For further information:

Nail surgery

Nail Surgery Dressings

There is pain in my heel and arch. Would you be able to tell me what it is?

It is not uncommon to suffer from heel pain. Most often, the pain is caused by a mechanical injury caused by small repetitive injuries that occur at a rate faster than the body can heal them.

For further information:

Plantar heel pain

Musculoskeletal MSK Podiatry

Other pages in Podiatry (foot health)

Foot pain

Toenail problems and personal footcare

Children and young people

Diabetes and tissue viability

Rheumatology

Learning disabilities

Care homes

Nail surgery

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