Other Treatments

Thickened toenails can be caused by various factors, ranging from fungal infections to underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes:

1. Fungal Infections

• Onychomycosis is the most common cause of thickened toenails. Fungal infections can infiltrate the nail bed and the nail plate, leading to thickening, discolouration, and brittleness. The nail may become yellow, brown, or white and crumble at the edges.

2. Trauma or Injury

• Repeated Trauma: Continuous pressure or injury to the toenail, often caused by running or wearing ill-fitting shoes, can cause the nail to thicken as a protective response.
• Acute Injury: A single traumatic event, such as dropping something heavy on the toe, can damage the nail and cause it to thicken as it grows back.

3. Aging

• Natural Changes: Toenails can naturally thicken and become more brittle as people age. This is due to a slower nail growth rate and reduced blood circulation.

4. Underlying Health Conditions

• Psoriasis: This skin condition can affect the toenails, causing thickening, pitting, and discolouration. Nail psoriasis often accompanies skin psoriasis but can occur on its own.
• Eczema: Chronic or dermatitis can also affect the toenails, leading to thickening and other changes.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease: Reduced blood flow to the extremities can affect nail growth, causing them to become thickened and brittle.

5. Genetic Factors

• Inherited Conditions: Some people may be genetically predisposed to thickened nails. Conditions like pachyonychia congenita can cause thickened nails from birth or early childhood.

6. Poor Circulation

• Vascular Issues: Conditions that affect blood flow, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, can lead to thickened toenails due to insufficient nourishment reaching the nail bed.

Conclusion

Thickened toenails can result from various causes, including fungal infections, trauma, ageing, underlying health conditions, genetic factors, and poor circulation. Identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment and management. If you notice persistent thickening of your toenails, it is advisable to consult a foot health professional or a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Cracked heels, or heel fissures, occur when the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry and thick, leading to splits or cracks. Here are some common causes:

1. Dry Skin

• Lack of Moisture: Dry, thickened skin loses its elasticity, making it more prone to cracking. This is often exacerbated by cold weather, low humidity, and exposure to water.

2. Pressure and Friction

• Standing for Long Periods: Prolonged standing, especially on hard floors, increases pressure on the heels, contributing to the development of cracks.
• Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not support the heel or are open-backed can increase pressure and friction on the heel, causing the skin to crack.

3. Medical Conditions

• Eczema and Psoriasis: These skin conditions can cause dryness and scaling, leading to cracked heels.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes often have poor circulation, which can lead to dry skin and an increased risk of heel fissures.
• Hypothyroidism can reduce sweat production, leading to dry skin and cracked heels.

4. Obesity

• Increased Pressure: Excess body weight puts more pressure on the heel pad, causing it to expand sideways and leading to cracks in the skin.

5. Aging

• Reduced Skin Elasticity: Our skin loses moisture and elasticity as we age, making it more susceptible to cracking.

6. Hygiene and Foot Care

• Improper Care: Not moisturising the feet regularly or using harsh soaps can dry out the skin, leading to cracks.

Prevention of Cracked Heels

1. Moisturize Regularly

• Daily Moisturization: Use a thick, oil-based moisturiser on your feet daily to keep the skin hydrated.
• Specialised Creams: Consider using creams specifically designed for foot care, which often contain ingredients like urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids that help retain moisture and exfoliate dead skin.

2. Wear Proper Footwear

• Supportive Shoes: Choose shoes that support your heels and have a closed back to reduce friction.
• Avoid Flip-Flops and Sandals: These types of footwear can increase heel pressure and contribute to dryness and cracking.

3. Practice Good Foot Hygiene

• Gentle Cleansing: Wash your feet daily with mild soap and water, and ensure they are thoroughly dried, especially between the toes.
• Regular Exfoliation: Use a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead skin cells from the heels gently.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the heels, helping to prevent cracks from forming.

5. Hydrate from the Inside Out

• Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated helps maintain skin moisture and elasticity.

6. Protect Your Feet

• Socks: Wear socks to bed after moisturising to help lock in moisture.
• Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can strip away natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness. Use lukewarm water for foot baths instead.

Conclusion

Cracked heels occur due to various factors, including dry skin, pressure, friction, and underlying medical conditions. Preventing cracked heels involves regular moisturising, wearing proper footwear, practising good foot hygiene, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated.

Padding and Otoform are commonly used in foot health to alleviate pressure, provide cushioning, and improve the comfort of the feet. Here’s why someone might need them:

1. Pressure Relief

• Corns and Calluses: These thickened areas of skin form due to pressure and friction. Padding can help reduce the pressure on these areas, providing relief and preventing further development.
• Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. Padding can cushion the area and reduce pain caused by pressure from shoes.

2. Cushioning and Comfort

• Heel Pain: Conditions like plantar fasciitis cause heel pain due to plantar fascia inflammation. Padding provides cushioning to the heel, reducing pain and discomfort.
• Metatarsalgia: This condition causes pain and inflammation in the football. Padding can help distribute pressure more evenly and reduce pain.

3. Corrective Support

• Toe Deformities: Conditions like hammer toes or claw toes can be painful and lead to calluses or corns. Padding and Otoform can help realign the toes and reduce discomfort.

What is Otoform?

Otoform is a silicone-based material used to create custom pads and orthotics. It is moldable and can be shaped to fit the foot's contours, providing tailored support and cushioning. Here are some specific uses:

 Custom Padding

• Custom Fit: Otoform can be moulded directly onto the foot to create a pad that perfectly fits the patient’s needs, offering targeted relief and support.
• Durable and Comfortable: It’s durable yet flexible, making it ideal for long-term use without causing discomfort.

Conclusion

Padding and Otoform are essential tools in foot health. They reduce pressure, provide cushioning, and offer corrective support. They help manage corns, calluses, bunions, heel pain, metatarsalgia, and toe deformities. Custom-made solutions using materials like Otoform ensure a precise fit, enhancing comfort and effectiveness.