Halloween is just around the corner, and while ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night might give you a fright, there are a few things we see in the clinic that can be just as scary! 👻
From painful verrucas to toenails that have taken a turn for the worse, our podiatrists see all sorts of foot and nail problems every day. The good news? Most foot problems are nothing to be frightened of when you know what to look out for and get the right treatment.
So, in the spirit of Halloween, here are five scary things we see with feet — and what you can do about them!
1. Verrucas That Just Won’t Disappear
Few things are more frustrating than a verruca that refuses to budge. These small, rough skin growths are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can develop on the soles of your feet or around your toes.
While some verrucas disappear on their own, others can stick around for months or even years. They can also become uncomfortable when walking, particularly if they develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot.
The treat: There are several treatment options available, depending on your age, the location of the verruca and how long you’ve had it. At South Dublin Podiatry Clinic, we offer treatments including Verrutop, salicylic acid and Swift microwave therapy. Verruca needling may also be suitable for some adults.
If your verruca is persistent, painful or spreading, a podiatrist can help you explore the most appropriate treatment options.
2. Ingrown Toenails That Turn into a Nightmare
An ingrown toenail might sound like a small problem, but anyone who has experienced one knows just how painful it can be!
This happens when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing tenderness, redness and swelling. In more severe cases, the area can become infected, leading to discharge and increasing discomfort.
Common causes include cutting your nails too short or rounding the corners, wearing tight-fitting shoes and having naturally curved nails.
The treat: Avoid digging down the sides of the nail or attempting to cut out the offending piece yourself, as this can make things worse. A podiatrist can assess the nail, relieve pressure and advise on preventing the problem from returning.
For recurring or severe ingrown toenails, nail surgery may be an option. Early treatment can help prevent a small niggle from turning into a much bigger problem!
3. Cracked Heels That Look Like Something from a Horror Film
Dry, cracked heels might not be the scariest thing you’ll see this Halloween, but deep heel fissures can certainly look frightening — and they can be painful too!
Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thickened and less flexible. Pressure from standing and walking can cause this skin to split, particularly if you have hard skin around the edges of your heels or wear open-backed footwear regularly.
In more severe cases, cracks can bleed and increase the risk of infection.
The treat: Regularly moisturising your feet with a suitable foot cream can help keep the skin soft and supple. Creams containing urea can be particularly useful for dry, thickened skin. Avoid cutting hard skin away yourself with blades or sharp tools.
If your heels are deeply cracked, painful or bleeding, book an appointment with a podiatrist. We can safely reduce excess hard skin and recommend a home-care routine to help keep your heels in better condition.
If you have diabetes or reduced circulation, seek professional advice promptly about cracks or breaks in the skin.
4. Thick, Discoloured Toenails That Give You the Creeps
Thick, yellow, brittle or discoloured toenails can be unsettling, especially when they seem to appear out of nowhere.
One possible cause is a fungal nail infection, which can cause changes in the colour, texture and thickness of the nail. However, not every discoloured nail is fungal. Trauma, repeated pressure from footwear and certain skin conditions can cause similar changes.
Leaving a fungal nail infection untreated may allow it to persist or spread to other nails, so it is worth getting any unexplained changes checked.
The treat: The first step is finding out what is causing the problem. A podiatrist can assess your nails and, where appropriate, arrange fungal nail testing to help guide treatment.
Depending on the results, treatment may involve topical products, nail care or referral to your GP to discuss other treatment options.
If your nails have changed colour, become unusually thick or are difficult to manage, don’t just hide them under nail polish — get them checked!
5. Heel Pain That Makes Every Step Feel Like a Horror Story
Imagine getting out of bed on a cold, dark Halloween morning, only to feel a sharp pain in your heel with your very first step. Not exactly a treat!
Heel pain is a common complaint we see in clinic and can have several causes. One of the most common is plantar fasciitis, which affects the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot.
People often describe pain under the heel or along the arch, particularly with their first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. Other causes of heel pain include Achilles tendon problems, bursitis and stress injuries.
The treat: Don’t assume that heel pain is something you simply have to put up with. The right treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include a biomechanical assessment, footwear advice, targeted exercises, orthotics or shockwave therapy where appropriate.
If your heel pain is persistent, worsening or affecting your ability to walk, a podiatrist can assess your symptoms and help you work towards getting back on your feet comfortably.
Don’t Let Foot Problems Haunt You!
This Halloween, remember that you don’t need to live with painful feet, hide your toenails or hope that a stubborn verruca will magically disappear!
Many common foot problems can be managed successfully with the right advice and treatment. The earlier you get a problem assessed, the sooner you can understand what’s causing it and what your options are.
At South Dublin Podiatry Clinic, our team provides a range of treatments for foot and nail conditions, from routine chiropody to specialist verruca treatments, fungal nail assessments and musculoskeletal care.
Are your feet giving you a fright? Get in touch with South Dublin Podiatry Clinic to book an appointment and let us help you put those foot fears to rest.