Athlete's Foot

If you find yourself rubbing your foot across the back of your legs or peeling off your socks and shoes to get to an itch between your toes, you may be suffering from Athlete's Foot. 

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the foot caused by dermatophytes, which are parasites on the skin.   Athlete's foot , known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that develops mainly in the moist areas between the toes. It is more common in men than in women. The most common species of dermatophyte causing  Athlete's foot are Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton, accounting  for 90 per cent of all skin fungal infections. We all have fungi on our bodies, which feed on dead skin cells and are usually harmless. The fungi love warm, moist places with the result they are primarily a problem for people who wear tight-fitting trainers, don't dry their feet properly or those who have foot conditions which prevent separation of the toes for evaporation.


Damp footwear and warm, humid conditions also promote fungal growth; plastic shoes in particular provide a favorable environment for fungal growth and infection. Athletes are at increased risk, hence the common name for the condition, due to increased sweating and closed trainers. Those who necessarily wear rubber footwear due to workplace regulations are also prone to infection.

The fungus can live in footwear and on the surfaces of mats, rugs and clothes for up to six months.

The condition is contagious and is often picked up from going barefoot in places where people with the fungus have walked.  It can also be spread by skin-to-skin contact between people and, those with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.

Common symptoms of athlete's foot include itchiness between the toes, particularly the little toe. Sometimes this is accompanied by a burning or stinging and breaks in the skin. The infection can spread to the rest of the foot and sometimes to the palms of the hands.

Important first steps to take involve washing your feet daily and drying them thoroughly before putting on shoes and socks. You should use a separate towel to dry your feet  and to avoid passing on the infection, you should not share your  towels with others.  Allow the air to get to your feet as much as possible and wear cotton socks which will have a wicking effect, taking moisture away from the feet.

If possible, try to wear shoes that are not made of synthetic materials and use an antifungal powder or spray on the inside of all footwear. Unfortunately, the condition may also cause a fungal infection of the nails.     Check your feet a few times a week, especially between the toes, to see if there are any indications of athlete’s foot. If you have diabetes, please check your feet every day.

There are many antifungal creams, sprays, liquids and powders that are available from pharmacists without a prescription. A very good first line treatment is with our own 'Ditch that Itch', an aromatherapy product from our Body Essentials range                             

  Other antifungal products  include clotrimazole ( Canesten) and miconazole (Daktarin); terbinafine(Lamisil  AT) ), zinc undecenoate,(Mycota)  and tolnaftate (Mycil).  If in any doubt about the diagnosis or treatment of athelet's foot, please pay a quick visit to the Footcare Clinic and chat to your podiatrist.

An itchy foot is not normal and a quick reaction from you may prevent the spread of this uncomfortable disorder.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space that lies on the inside of the ankle next to the ankle bones. The tunnel is covered with a thick ligament (flexor retinaculum) that protects the structures contained within the tunnel—arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition of the foot caused by pressure on the posterior tibial nerve as it passes along the tarsal tunnel just below the bony bit on the inside of the ankle. It produces symptoms anywhere along the path of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot. It is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Both disorders arise from the compression of a nerve in a confined space.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by anything that causes pressure on the posterior tibial nerve, including;

• An injury, such as an ankle sprain, which often produces swelling in or near the tunnel, results in nerve compression
• An enlarged or abnormal structure that occupies some of the space in the tunnel can cause pressure on the nerve. These include a ganglion, varicose veins and a bony spur.
• The outward tilting of a foot which is 'flat' can cause the tunnel to narrow and put pressure on the nerve
• Diseases such as diabetes or arthritis can cause swelling and compress the nerve

People who suffer with tarsal tunnel syndrome complain of tingling, burning, or a sensation similar to an electrical shock which is ,mainly felt on the inside of the ankle or the sole of the foot. Sometimes there is pain - usually a shooting pain which may extend to the heel and the toes and there can be numbness. The symptoms often appear very suddenly.
It is advisable to consult your podiatrist if you suffer from any of the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome. It can be confused with other conditions and if left untreated it may cause unwanted and unnecessary permanent damage.

Treatment advice would always start with resting the affected foot. It promotes healing without causing further damage. If it is very painful or inflamed, applying an ice pack to the area may reduce swelling. Always put a thin towel between the ice pack and the skin. Your podiatrist may suggest some exercises for you to do and a biomechanical assessment may be necessary. The biomechanist may prescribe orthotic devices to be worn inside your shoes to reduce the nerve compression. Sometimes, immobilising the foot with a cast or walking boot, may be necessary.
The symptoms often subside very quickly, especially if the problem was caused by injury. As ever, don't suffer in silence...

The Footcare Clinic can help!

Mortons Neuroma

A neuroma is a benign growth of tissue on a nerve. The most common neuroma in the foot is an interdigital neuroma or a 'Morton's Neuroma' which most often forms between the 3rd and 4th toes, although this is not the only site for a neuroma.

The nerve becomes 'pinched' between the metatarsal heads and is swollen and painful.

There is often a 'clicking' effect which is known as Mulders Sign, but it isn't always present. The clicking is actually the nerve moving up and down between the two bones.

Patients complain of a burning or a sharp pain.  The pain can become intense, affecting every step. Sometimes pain travels forward into the toes and occasionally the affected toes become numb. The pain is often relieved temporarily when the foot is rested without footwear. The site of the pain is easily palpated and sometimes a small lump can be felt through the skin.

Mortons neuroma can be caused by the specific architecture of the foot.  For example, hammer toes may cause the metatarsal heads to take excessive pressure during the walking cycle and press against each other. A neuroma may be due to occupational factors, such as excessive kneeling which causes  an 'overpull' on the structures. It is also caused by tight footwear, especially high heels which have the same effect on mechanical structures as kneeling and hammer toes. Even flat shoes may cause the problem if the toe box squeezes the metarasal heads and causes friction.

The discomfort from Mortons Neuroma can be relieved by separating the metatarsals which can be achieved conservatively. The first line of treatment is to assess footwear and decide if one particular pair of shoes is causing the problem. If the neuroma is more established and relief cannot be obtained through a change in footwear alone, your podiatrist can help often through the use of orthotics.

A podiatrist will advise on the best orthotic for your foot, although these do require extra space in the footwear and a shoe with more room for your forefoot is still a requirement. Sometimes the problem is so painful that surgery may be required; but often, once the inflammation subsides, the problem is more easily managed.

If you think you may be suffering from Mortons Neuroma, seek professional help, today!