Aromatherapy

the therapeutic use of specially prepared essential oils or aromatic oils obtained from the different parts of plants, including the flowers, seeds, wiood, roots and bark. The oils may be diluted for use in massage, baths or infusions. *

Arthritis

inflammation of one or more joints. Movement in the joint is restricted, with pain and swelling. See Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. *

Athletes Foot

a fungal infection between the toes. Easily transmitted to other people.Also referred to as Tinea pedis. *

Bacteria

a general name given to a minute vegetable organism which may live on organic matter. There are many varieties, some of which are pathogenic to humans, animals and plants. Each bacterium consists of a single cell, and given favourable conditions, multiplies by sub division. *

Blister

A collection of serum between the epidermis and the skin. A blood blister is a blister containing blood, usually cased by a pinch or bruise. *

Bunion

a prominence of the head of the metatarsal bone at it's junction with the great (big) toe. The prominence is caused by inflammation and swelling of the bursa at that joint. Can be a result of shoes that distort the natural shape of the foot. *

Callosity

the plaques of thickened skin often seen on the soles of the feet or the pams of the hand - areas subject to friction. *

Callus

as above. Hard, thickend skin that forms in areas that are subject to friction.

Cartilage

a common type of connective tissue that is tough and resilient. **

Chilblain

a condition resulting from defective circulation when exposed to cold. There is localised swelling and inflammation of some areas of teh hands or feet with severe itching and buring sensations. *

Chiropody

the study and care of the feet and the treatment of foot diseases. *

Comfort

to provide relief or freedon from pain. *

Diabetes

is a group of metabolic diseases characterised by hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both.Chronic hyperglycaemia of diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dsyfunction and failure of various functions. Type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus IDDM) results from the destruction of insulin producing cells in the pancreas occuring most commonly in childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus NIDDM) or maturity onset diabetes is due to an insufficiency of insulin and usually occurs after the age of 40. the goal of treatment is to mainrain blood glucose and lipid levels within normal limits to prevent complications.*

Diabetic

a person affected with diabetes. *

Ezcema

a general term for a very superficial inflammatory process involving the skin marked early by redness, itching, weeping, crusting and scaling in the later stages. Childhood ezcema often begins in infancy, the rash appears on the face, neck and folds of the elbows and knees.  It may disappear when offending food is removed from the diet or can become more severe. Severe ezcema may become complicated by additional skin infections. The cause can be due to external or internal factors. *

Flatfoot

a condition due ot the absence or sinking of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, caused by weaking of the tehndons and ligaments. *

Fungus

a low form of vegetable life. Some varieties cause disease.*

Gait

the manner of walking. *

Gout

a metabolic disorder causing attacks of arthriris, usually on a single joint. ** It is a hereditary form of arthririt with an excess of uric acid in the blood. It is characterised by painful inflammation and swelling of the smaller joints especially the big toe and thumb. *

Hallux

the big toe. *

Hallux Valgus

a deformity in whcih the big toe is bent towards the other toes.*

Hallux Varus

a deformity in which the big toe is bent outwards away from the other toes.*

Hammer Toe

a deforminity in which the first phalanx (bone) is bent upwards.*

Ingrowing Toenail

a condition in which the flesh overhangs the edges of the nail. A sharp corner of which may pierce the skin causing a wound that can become septic. *

Neuropathy

a disease process of nerve degeneration and loss of function. *

Podiatry / Podiatrist

a speciality concenred with the care of feet. *

Raynauds Phenomenon or Diseae

characterised by episodic digital ischaemia (a deficiency in blood supply to a particular part of the body) provoked by stimuli such as emotions, cold, trauma, hormones and drugs.

Tarsal bones

the seven small bones of the ankle and instep. *

Tarsalgia

pain in the foot, usually associated with flattening of the arch. *

Verruca

alson known as a wart. Hypertrophy of the prickle cell layer of the epidermis and thickening of teh horny layer. Caused by a virus. *

References:

* B. Weller (2005)The Nurses Dictionary, 24th ed. Elsevier. London.

** Dr S Davidson, Dr P Preston & Dr I Guinan (2007). The Human Body.Dorling Kindersley Limited. London.