If you put off seeing your podiatrist for too long, you can be left with this foot problem!
It’s Halloween, which means it’s time for ghosts, goblins, zombies, and other creatures that go bump in the night…
But what if this Halloween, it’s your feet that seem particularly spooky? There are a ton of foot problems that may alter how your feet and toes look, but here’s the thing: many of these problems go beyond aesthetics. Because of this, we strongly advise you to visit our Houston podiatry clinicto get those scary creepers examined so you may still participate in trick-or-treating the next Halloween.
Creepy Foot Problems Your Podiatrist Should Fix
The development of elevated skin lesions or bony bumps on your foot may be brought on by a number of various medical disorders. Here are a few examples of the worst offenders.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony growth that develops at the joint of the big toe (or the baby toe, in which case it is called a tailor’s bunion). Your big toe joint grows, causing the toe to press against your other toes. This exerts pressure on your big toe joint, pushing it outside beyond the usual profile of your foot and causing discomfort.
Although we are concerned about these bumps, their appearance is not the main issue. They also make it difficult to wear shoes comfortably. Furthermore, if left untreated, they deteriorate with time, so the sooner you get your bunion examined, the simpler it will be to make you feel better.
Bone Spurs
The term “bone spur” refers to any additional, abnormal development of bone. The tiny toe joints, the top of the foot, or the back of your heel are all frequent locations for bone spurs to develop. Typically, years of walking, running, or participating in other sports cause the recurrent stress to the joint that results in this abnormal bone formation. And just as with your bunions, the sooner you have them looked out, the less likely it is that surgery will be your sole choice for treatment.
Corns and Calluses
Too much pressure, whether from tight shoes, toe deformities, or problems like abnormal gait patterns, may result in corns and calluses. Corns are a thickening of the skin that often develops on the toes. Hard corns are often seen on the top of the toes or on the outside of your little toe. A soft corn may be found between your toes; the moisture in this location (gross, but real) is what keeps those corns soft.
A callus, on the other hand, shows up as a more pronounced thickening on your foot. A callus lacks a focal point, unlike a corn. The bottom of your foot is where calluses most often develop.
Fortunately, there are several non-surgical options available at my Houston podiatry clinic to treat these bumps, but you’ll probably need to see me quite often for a while before they completely disappear.
The Most Dreadful Foot Issue: Diabetic Ulcers
Not only do diabetic foot ulcers seem terrible, but they also pose a significant danger to the health of your limbs and may need an amputation if left untreated. Fortunately, it’s rather easy to prevent ulcers from starting. Simply adhere to these three easy strategies for effective ulcer prevention:
1. Pick the appropriate footwear.
Tight shoes should be avoided if you have diabetes since pressure on the feet sometimes leads to issues. Always wear shoes that are comfortable, cushioned, and have room for your toes; however, avoid wearing shoes that are too loose since they may irritate and result in blisters. It’s equally vital to wear good socks since bad socks might rub against your foot and lead to wounds or blisters. The finest socks to wear are diabetic socks since they feature fewer seams and come with padding to prevent irritation of your feet. Additionally, the tops of these socks are loose-fitting, which aids in promoting healthy circulation in your legs and feet.
2. Maintain foot hygiene.
Gently wash your feet each day with warm water and mild soap. Following that, gently wipe them off with a towel, being sure to reach in between your toes as well. Apply a moisturizer before they totally dry out to help prevent dryness, which may cause cracking and permit germs that can cause ulcers into and beneath your skin.
3. Check your feet every day.
Some diabetics develop neuropathy, which affects your ability to feel in your legs and feet. People who have diabetic neuropathy may not detect foot wounds right away. Unfortunately, disregarding even minor cuts on your foot may result in infections that are more catastrophic. If you can’t see every portion of your foot, use a mirror or ask a friend or loved one for assistance. In order to maintain good foot health, you should also plan regular appointments with your podiatrist. Although there are no assurances in life, adhering to the basics of diabetic foot care can help to significantly reduce the risk of developing ulcers or other alarming-looking foot issues.
You need to get your feet checked out right away if you see bunions, corns or calluses, bone spurs, or diabetic foot ulcers developing. Contact DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center to speak with Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale. We’ll get you in right away for an appointment. You’ll soon be able to walk without experiencing any pain.
