How to Identify Foot Problems

Foot problems can be common with people who are on their feet for hours at a time. In addition, some people do not always exert good judgment when it comes foot care and footwear. Tight shoes and high heels worn for long periods of time can lead to foot problems. A person who is concerned about her feet should consult a podiatrist, but it is possible to identify some of the more common foot problems. Those who suffer from diabetes should take particular care of their feet and should also consult a physician with any problems.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine your feet, particularly if you notice red, itchy, flaky skin between your toes. You may be suffering from a fungal condition, commonly known as athlete's foot. This is properly known as tinea pedes and is more common in men and teenagers. Treat this with an antifungal medications. This condition may be spread through the use of communal showers.

• 2

  Look for either a soft, or hard small area of raised white skin if you feel sharp, intense pain in an area of your foot. This may indicate a corn, which is a common foot complaint. Corns are found in the areas of your foot that are subject to pressure. They can also usually be treated effectively by over-the-counter treatments that break down the corns. If you feel an intense pain and cannot find an obvious corn, check this with your podiatrist or physician.

• 3

  Examine your foot if you are suffering pain around the big toe joint. Look for signs of inflammation. Bunions happen where the big toe becomes angled inward toward the middle of the foot and the second toe. This can force the top of the first metatarsal to protrude from the foot, at the bottom of the big toe, where a painful bunion forms. This is treated with painkillers, special pads and, in severe cases, by surgery.

• 4

  Check the joint of your toe to see if the end curls back on itself and if it is becoming rigid. This may be indicative of hammertoe. You may also notice a corn on the end of the toe. Medical attention should be sought if you suspect this condition, as it will not get better on its own. Hammertoe is due to contracture of the joint, possibly triggered by a tendon/muscle imbalance, and is made worse by tight shoes. Early intervention may involve splints, cortisone injections or orthotic devices.

• 5

  Check your foot if you suspect a verruca, also known as a plantar wart. This may be situated on the ball of your foot, the bottom of your toe or on your heel. Verrucas may have small black spots near the center and can be painful if weight is put on the area. Verrucas are caused by a strain of papillomavirus and seem to be easily caught if you have a break in the skin. Verrucas may be treated with over-the-counter lotions.

• 6

  Check your toenails for any discoloration or signs of infection. Any painful sensation around the toenail might indicate infection. You might also notice a brittleness, crumbling and discoloration of the nail itself. This is caused by a fungal infection and should be treated by a podiatrist.