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Feet are one of the most neglected parts of the body. But with so many potential problems, they shouldn't be left to suffer in silence. Foot health experts share advice on solving some common foot woes

New research from The College of Podiatry shows that 90 per cent of adults experience some type of foot problem, with 20 per cent admitting to suffering with foot pain often or constantly. Yet only 23 per cent of people with a foot problem seek professional help and 16 per cent admit to ignoring the problem, hoping that it will simply go away. Feet are one of the most neglected parts of the body.

Many people don't take notice of them until the weather improves in the spring and summer months and they put their feet and legs out on show. But foot and leg problems exist all year round, especially in customers who suffer from chronic health problems or find it difficult to look after their feet themselves.

Many minor foot and leg problems can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) products and simple self help advice. Here are some common customer questions that may be encountered in the pharmacy.

Can I treat corns and calluses myself?

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin caused by prolonged pressure or friction. According to consultant podiatrist Michael O'Neill, as long as there are no underlying problems, customers can treat corns and calluses themselves. But OTC products are not suitable if customers have diabetes, heart disease or a circulatory problem, as these conditions increase the risk of infection.

"Customers can soften their foot in a bath or warm soapy water, before using a gentle abrasive non-metal foot file or similar (e.g. a pumice stone) to remove some of the thickness," says Michael. "A softening moisturiser may also help, and customers should be advised to moisturise and exfoliate every day for a couple of weeks. Customers can use OTC corn plasters and paints, but these are far more aggressive and can damage the surrounding tissues. If they do use them, they must use these carefully and as instructed."

Can shoe inserts help my heel pain?

This will depend on what's causing the pain. Around one in 10 people experience heel pain at some point in their lifetime. Most heel pain is caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis, which occurs when a band of tissue in the foot (the plantar fascia) becomes damaged and thickened.

This is particularly common in people who run or jog regularly or those aged 40 to 60. Shoe inserts often help, as well as wearing well-fitted shoes that support and cushion the feet. "For a high arch, use gel heel pads," advises Michael.

"For a low arch, use orthotic insoles. But these need to be accompanied by stretching exercises and using an ice pack on the foot. If the pain continues for more than three or four weeks, the customer should see a podiatrist for advice."

What's causing my cracked heels?

Dry, cracked heels are usually caused by a loss of elasticity in the skin, when the skin has become so dry that it breaks under pressure. They not only look unsightly, but can also cause pain and discomfort.

"Cracked heels may occur due to a range of factors, including cold weather, dehydration, not moisturising, using strong soaps and taking hot showers and baths," says Sanil Gautamal, pharmacy manager at Health and Beauty Pharmacy in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. "Other factors include diabetes and sustained pressure on the feet."

To prevent cracked heels, customers should be advised to moisturise regularly and use a pumice stone or non-metal file in the bath or shower. The skin on the feet tends to be particularly thick and dry and requires a richer emollient than most ordinary moisturisers. Severe cases can require strapping of the cracks to allow the feet to heal.

How can I stop smelly feet?

Teenagers and pregnant women are prone to sweaty feet because hormonal changes make them sweat more often. But poor hygiene is a common trigger in all adults, especially in people who go to the gym regularly. An antibacterial wash, followed by a wipe with cotton wool soaked in surgical spirit, can help to combat any odour.

Medicated insoles and "feet fresh" socks have a deodorising effect. "Choose socks containing at least 70 per cent cotton or wool, although some man-made fibre socks are specifically designed to keep feet dry," says Emma Supple, podiatrist from The College of Podiatry.

"Wash feet at least once a day and dry carefully between the toes. Wear alternate shoes daily to allow them to dry out."

Why does my athlete's foot keep coming back?

Most cases of athlete's foot can be treated with OTC antifungal creams, gels and sprays and clear up after a few days or weeks. But it's important to practise good foot hygiene to stop the infection coming back. As with all fungal infections, athlete's foot is highly contagious.

It spreads easily in warm and humid environments, such as swimming pools, showers and changing rooms. Common symptoms include intense itching and cracked, blistered or peeling areas of the skin between the toes. Customers should dry their feet thoroughly after washing (particularly between the toes), wear clean, cotton socks and change their shoes and socks regularly, especially after exercising.

They shouldn't walk barefoot or share towels or clothes. Michael says that customers are often not addressing their shoes as well as their feet, shoes can be a common source of re-infection. "All footwear needs to be cleaned out thoroughly," says Michael.

"Rinse under cold water and scrub with washing up liquid until clean, then use surgical spirit or a foot spray inside the shoes. Ideally, replace the insoles inside the shoes regularly as well, especially with trainers."

Why do I get more blisters in hot weather?

Blisters can appear at any time, but are caused by friction so tend to occur when people wear shoes or sandals without socks or tights. In hot weather, feet tend to sweat, making the skin softer and more prone to damage. Blisters are often painful, and should be covered with a protective gel dressing to reduce the risk of infections.

"Use foot balm to protect your skin from chaffing," says Emma. "If a customer does get a blister, they shouldn't pop it. They should cover it with a plaster and if it bursts, apply some antiseptic."

How can I recognise a verruca?

A verruca is a wart that develops on the sole of the foot. It is triggered by the human papilloma virus. In the early stages, it can be difficult to distinguish a verruca from hard skin or a corn. But a verruca usually appears as a small cauliflower-type bump, which may then develop dark dots at its centre.

Because of the pressure of walking, verrucas tend to be flat, rather than raised. "A verruca is a type of wart that looks like a small, dark puncture mark in the early stages, but later turns grey or brown," explains Emma. "It's contagious through direct contact."

There are many OTC remedies available, and Emma suggests recommending products with salicylic acid and advising customers that if, at any stage, the verruca becomes painful and the surrounding skin goes red, to stop treating immediately and see a podiatrist.

How can I prevent ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful, as the skin around them tends to become red, swollen and tender. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected. According to Emma, ingrown toenails can be prevented by using nail cutters and cutting the toenails straight across.

"Don't cut too low at the edge or down the side," she says. "If a customer has an ingrown toenail, they should see a podiatrist, who can remove the offending spike of nail and cover with an antiseptic dressing. If they have bleeding or discharge, they may require antibiotics."

Why does my toenail look yellow?

If a toenail is discoloured or thickened, this could be a sign of a fungal nail infection. The nail may turn white, black, yellow or green, but isn't usually painful. "As well as a change in colour, other signs include lifting of the nail from the nail bed and brown or dark nails," says Michael.

Fungal nail infections are very common. They can affect anyone, but are most likely to affect people who wear shoes in hot, sweaty weather, regularly damage their nail or skin or have certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes or psoriasis. People who suffer from athlete's foot may also find that the infection will spread to their toenails.

Most people ignore the infections or don't know how to treat them properly. OTC products are available, but Michael warns that the infection can be hard to treat at home.

"If the infection is towards the end of the nail, OTC products are more likely to be successful," says Michael. "But if the infection is towards the base of the nail, generally people need a prescribed oral antifungal medicine from their GP."

Why am I prone to varicose veins?

Varicose veins occur when small valves inside the veins stop working properly. The blood flows backwards and pools in the veins, rather than flowing forwards to the heart. According to vascular specialist Professor Mark Whiteley of The Whiteley Clinic, varicose veins are hereditary, so parents and genes are the biggest influence.

"In reality, 30 per cent of all adults will be affected by varicose veins and, contrary to popular belief, the condition can strike at any time of life," he says. "As with the majority of medical conditions, they are more common the older one gets, but that doesn't stop young people getting them if their genes determine it." Varicose veins are usually visible as lumpy, bulging blue or dark purple veins on the legs.

Other symptoms include aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs, swollen feet and ankles and dry skin and colour changes in the lower leg. For most people, varicose veins don't pose a serious health problem and don't need to be treated. Using compression stockings, taking regular exercise and elevating the affected area when resting may reduce their appearance.

But if the varicose veins cause pain or discomfort or any complications (e.g. blood clots, eczema or ulcers), customers should be advised to see their GP for advice. Why are my legs aching? Could I have deep vein thrombosis?

Many people have tired, aching legs from time to time, particularly if they stand for long periods. Advise them to move around regularly or flex their legs up and down to improve their circulation. Putting their feet up at the end of the day, and not crossing their legs, can help.

Ideally, customers should also wear supportive trainers for walking and vary their heel heights during the day. If aching legs persist or are particularly severe, customers should speak to their GP. Occasionally, this is a sign of poor circulation.

Some people may worry about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but DVT doesn't always cause any symptoms. "DVT occurs as a result of blood clotting while it's still inside the blood vessel, in this case, a deep vein of the leg," says Professor Whiteley.

"In many cases, a warning sign will present itself in the form of a painful swelling in the leg. However, this is not always the case and, on some occasions, DVT will present no obvious warning signs."