Diseases of the foot

Although diseases of the foot generally are not limited, that is they are related to or manifest elsewhere in the body, often the foot, because of its distance from the central circulation, the heart and its constant exposure to pressures from the ground and the weight of the body, is the first place some of these diseases or a sign or symptom of others appear.

Dermatologic foot conditions
Dermatological foot conditions are those related to the skin and nails of the foot. Often there is a distinction made between conditions of the dorsal skin and plantar skin. Common examples include callus thickened skin, fungal infections of the skin (athlete's foot) or nails (onychomycosis), viral infection of verrucae, and ingrowing toenails which may cause bacterial nail infections (paronychia).

Arthritic foot conditions
Arthritic foot conditions are those which either manifest most often in the foot, are seen frequently in the foot or which have a presentation different from other areas of the body.

Vascular disorders
Atherosclerotic restriction to the arterial supply in peripheral artery occlusive disease may result in painful arterial ulcers of the ankle and foot, or give rise of gangrene of the toes and foot. Immobility of a person may result in prolonged pressure applied to the heels causing pressure sores.

Impaired venous drainage from the foot in varicose veins may sequentially result in brown haemosiderin discolouration to the ankle and foot, varicose stasis dermatitis and finally venous ulcers.

venous ulcer