Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs: the pain is usually worst on standing, particularly first thing in the morning when you get up. It is relatively common, though usually occurring in the over forty's age group. There are no visible features on the heel but a deep localised painful spot can be found in or around the middle of the sole of the heel. Although it is often associated with a spur of bone sticking out of the heel bone (heel spur syndrome), approximately ten per cent of the population have heel spurs without any pain.
Heel Bursitis: pain can be felt at the back of the heel when the ankle joint is moved and there may be a swelling on both sides of the Achilles tendon. Or you may feel pain deep inside the heel when it makes contact with the ground.
Heel Bumps: recognised as firm bumps on the back of the heel , they are often rubbed by shoes causing pain.
Heel pain a very common condition. Plantar fasciitis is not a term you may have come across, but heel spur is probably one you have. The most common cause of heel pain is inflammation of the area around the heel , the plantar fascia, hence the term "plantar fasciitis". You can use heel pads to help with shock absorption which relieves and sometimes corrects the problem. Heel pain is one of the most common forms of foot pain in adults. It often occurs as a result of daily activities and exercise. The heel bone (calcaneus) is the largest bone in the foot and the heel is the first part of the foot to contact the ground during walking.
 

Athletes foot is a fungal infection. It can lead to intense itching, cracked, blistered or peeling areas of skin, redness and scaling. It can occur on moist, waterlogged skin especially between the fourth and fifth toes, or on dry, flaky skin around the heels or elsewhere on the foot. There are a wide range of treatments that can be used on athlete's foot, such as cream, aerosol spray and powder.
 

Verrucae are caused by the wart virus. They are usually caught in and around swimming pools or gyms and can be very persistant. There are various methods of treating them, from acid treatment to freezing with a cryogen. Home treatments are available and should be tried first before undertaking a course of treatment at a podiatry surgery. Treatments work in different ways so please ask for advice before you purchase. Diabetics should be aware that they should ask their GP for advice before treating verrucae.
 

Cracked heels are very painful and are usually caused by wearing sandals or open backed shoes. Simply apply any of these creams twice a day and within a few weeks you will notice a marked improvement.
 

Sweaty feet can cause embarrassment and discomfort especially in the summer. There are a wide range of creams and sprays to stop the smell associated with sweaty feet and these should be used daily throughout the summer.
 

What are bunions?
What most people call a bunion is actually known as "Hallux valgus". Hallux valgus refers to the condition in which the big toe is angled excessively towards the second toe – and a bunion is a symptom of the deformity.
“In a normal foot, the big toe and the long bone that leads up to it (the first metatarsal) are in a straight line,” explains podiatric surgeon Trevor Prior. “However, Hallux valgus occurs when the long foot bone veers towards your other foot and your big toes drifts towards your second toe.”
A bunion actually refers to the bony prominence on the side of the big toe. This can also form a large sac of fluid, known as a bursa, which can then become inflamed and sore.