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CHIROPODY
Verrucae or plantar warts were once again the most common reason for school children to seek
chiropody treatment during 1970 many of whom spread the infection before their own condition had been
detected. It was pleasing to note however, that in a number of cases where parents and children were more
knowledgeable about foot complaints, the child attended in the early stages of the condition and thus prevented
the spread of infection.
Other infections such as tinea pedis or athlete's foot appear to be on the decrease due to the
introduction of effective and improved fungicidal powders and creams.
The fifth toe is still the most usual site for superficial surgery. This is quite often due to the wearing
of badly fitting shoes and the long term effects are bunching of all the toes and the dropping of the metatarsal
bones.
While health education is doing much to make school children aware of the necessity for good foot
health, there is still a great deal of work to be done in this field if youngsters are going to avoid pain and
deformity in later life.