Bearing the brunt of our everyday lives, we often take the health of our feet for granted. However, with the soaring temperature opening up new, and building on already existing, potential pathways for harm – now is the time to bring the different ailments to light. Matthew Fitzpatrick, Consultant Podiatrist, College of Podiatry, offers advice as to what to look out for, and how to curb the further deterioration of foot pain.

Foot pain in the summer months – when the feet come out from hibernation – can be for a number of reasons, but the most common are corns, ingrown toenails, and heel pain; all of which can affect an individual’s ability to get out and enjoy the, hopefully, better weather.

It is also fair to note that the extent to which these ailments affect a person can vary. Accessing advice from a pharmacist can be where a person may initially seek first-line treatment, and may include:

Calluses or Dead Skin

Calluses or dead skin – that build up over areas of friction or pressure – can be kept under control with a pumice stone or foot file, and the use of a foot cream regularly will help improve their condition. In cases of a thicker build up, or for a longer lasting effect, the recommendation would be to see a podiatrist who can reduce this with a scalpel and advise on ways of minimising the recurrence and / or consider other adjunctive treatments, such as orthosis (if required).

Corns

Corns are dense plugs of callus which form over the areas with the most pressure. Off-loading pads and hydrocolloid-based dressings can ease discomfort; however, corns should only be removed by a Health and Care Professions Council-registered podiatrist.

In both cases acid-based removal treatments (such as corn plasters) or knives should not be advised for self-administered treatment. These can cause severe damage to the patient – especially those with compromised skin, vascular supply (diabetics), and those who may be immuno-suppressed.

Athlete’s Foot

Another condition that is more noticeable in the summer, warmer times, and when people may be more ‘active’ is athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). If this doesn’t resolve within three rounds of over-the-counter treatment, or if it frequently recurs, then a podiatrist can assess the patient to determine if it is a fungal infection that may have a compounding bacterial involvement or if, for example, there is a secondary nail infection that is causing the issue.

Verrucae

A really common – and for some – quite frustrating condition we see are verrucae. These are viruses and will often disappear of their own accord within six-to-12 months but can last for up to two years, especially in children. If they are rapidly spreading or causing pain, then options to treat them can be discussed. Over-the-counter treatments are available, and instructions should be followed carefully.

Treatments can take many months to cure verrucae due to the nature of the virus. A podiatrist can also offer a range of other topical or mechanical treatments that are not available at the pharmacy.

Plantar Fasciitis

A commonly referenced condition is plantar fasciitis, and its effect on walking. However, it may not always be the fascia that is directly involved, but a more generic heel pain as there are different types of heel pain that can present with a similar location, yet not the same pathology.

If a person has heel pain which lasts longer than three weeks and has tried a footwear change or simply off-loading (resting) – along with maybe topical NSAIDs – then they should seek the advice of a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

In the early stages, though, the person should refrain from long periods of standing and long walks; they should wear supportive footwear; and they may find over-the-counter supports to be of benefit, along with anti-inflammatory medication.