Legs & feet

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot refers to a dermatophyte infection of the spaces between the toes, usually between the fourth and fifth toes.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the soft tissues.

Gout

Gout is a metabolic disorder that may be inherited. It is characterised by recurrent acute joint inflammation (gouty arthritis) in the extremities, caused by crystals.

Plantar warts

Plantar warts are caused by the human papilloma virus, which can be acquired in areas where people commonly go barefoot. They grow into the sole of the foot and can cause pain.

Claudication

Intermittent claudication (from the Latin claudicare, to limp), is one of the first symptoms of arteriosclerosis obliterans, which is a narrowing of the arteries in the legs.

Knee pain

Knee pain refers to any pain felt in or around the knee. It may involve any of the structures forming the knee joint.

Patella-femoral syndrome

This term refers to a group of conditions, all of which can cause pain at the front of the knee. It was previously called chondromalacia patellae.

Short leg syndrome

Short leg syndrome refers to when one leg appears longer than the other. The discrepancy may occur in the femur, tibia or both.

Deep-vein thrombosis

Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot, or thrombus, forms in deep-lying veins, usually in the larger lower veins of the legs. If the clot is large

Leg swelling

It is the unusual accumulation of liquid/fluid in the ankles, feet and legs, which is known as peripheral oedema.

Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is characterised by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, which are worse during periods of inactivity or rest or while sitting or lying down.

Varicose veins

Varicose and spider veins can occur in men and women at any age, but most frequently affect women during their childbearing years and later lives.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when your leg veins cannot pump enough blood back to your heart due to damage to the vein valves.