All your embarrassing questions about feet, answered
How do you get rid of bunions? Why are my toenails yellow? Podiatrist Emily Smith answers the feet questions you’re too embarrassed to ask.
Feet are often overlooked when it comes to our overall health and wellbeing, yet they play a crucial role in our daily lives.
From carrying us through our busy schedules to enduring the strain of various activities (high heels, we’re looking at you), our feet are truly unsung heroes.
However, many of us have questions about foot health that we might feel too embarrassed to ask.
From managing bunions and dealing with recurring athlete’s foot to understanding why our toenails turn yellow (and how to fix it), podiatrist Emily Smith answers the common foot problems you’re too embarrassed to ask about.
What is the best way to get rid of bunions?
There is often confusion between hardness of the skin (a corn or callus) and a bone deformity of the big toe (a bunion).
Bunion
As a bunion develops, the big toe shifts inwards and a bony protrusion develops on the outside of the big toe joint, which can cause pain and footwear fitting issues.
The larger the bunion becomes, the harder it is to manage, so early detection and management are essential.
Often the only way to correct a true bunion is surgery.
However, conservative podiatry measures can effectively manage bunion-associated pain and slow down the deformity’s progress.
This includes orthotic support in the shoe to reduce the load on the big toe, footwear advice, foot strengthening and customised toe splints.
Seeing a podiatrist early is key.
Corn/callus
Eliminating causes such as poorly fitting footwear and biomechanical dysfunction will help get rid of the build-up of hard skin.
A podiatrist can safely cut out the corn or remove the callused skin and also provide advice on how to prevent it from returning.
Why are my toenails yellow?
There are many reasons why toenails become yellow.
Leaving nail polish on for an extended period of time can cause the toenails to discolour, which is superficial and can be removed with a strong file.
If yellowing is still present after filing, the discolouration can indicate a deeper problem that requires diagnosis and management, which can be done via your local podiatrist.
Is wearing high heels a lot OK for your feet?
High heels change the way the big toe joint is loaded, which rolls the foot outwards and places excessive stress on the muscles that stabilise the ankle.
This in turn puts the ankle at risk of injury and makes the muscles work very hard in the foot, causing toe clawing.
The higher, more open and more unstable the heel, the harder the foot has to work.
The pointier and tighter the shoe, the more likely the toes will be compressed, which means a bunion could develop with prolonged exposure.
I recommend wearing high heels for special occasions only and minimising daily use of pointy-toed heels higher than 4cm.
Choosing a well-fitting, well-secured and chunkier-heeled shoe is always a healthier option.
And adding an insole can minimise the onset of pain and prevent fatigue, which contributes to high heel-related injuries.
My plantar fasciitis is so painful. Will it go away by itself?
This painful condition of the heel and/or arch of the foot is characterised by pain in the morning and after rest.
When plantar fasciitis progresses, pain can be continuous when bearing weight and extremely debilitating.
Generally, plantar fasciitis that progresses past three weeks requires assessment and early intervention by a podiatrist.
How can I manage recurring athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot (tinea) is a fungal infection of the skin that is extremely itchy and contagious and spreads via contact.
Fungal spores thrive in a warm, moist environment such as shoes, socks, public pools and bathrooms.
The fungal infection needs to be managed by a topical anti-fungal agent and the directions need to be carefully followed.
The areas that make contact with the skin, such as shoes, socks and bathrooms, also need to be thoroughly sanitised.
Take care to prevent cross infection in change rooms and to family members.
If infection and itchiness persist, see a podiatrist.
More on foot health:
- 6 foolproof ways to get rid of smelly feet
- How to find the best running shoes for your feet
- Ways to love your runner’s feet (and avoid foot problems)
- What to know about unsightly warts and verrucas
Written by podiatrist Emily Smith.
