Bunions

Bunions are bony lumps that form on the side of the feet. Surgery is the only way to get rid of them, but there are things you can do to ease any pain they cause.

Symptoms of bunions include:

You may also have pain along the side or bottom of your feet. This is usually worse when wearing shoes and walking.

Gangrene

Gangrene: An Overview

Gangrene is a serious medical condition that occurs when body tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. It can affect any part of the body, although it most commonly begins in the toes, feet, fingers, and hands. Gangrene can result from injury, infection, or long-term conditions that impair blood circulation. It requires immediate attention as it can rapidly progress and cause life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of Gangrene

The symptoms of gangrene vary depending on the type and cause of the condition. However, some general signs to watch out for include:

• Redness and Swelling: The affected area may become red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
• Pain or Numbness: Initially, the area might be painful, but as the tissue starts to die, there may be a loss of sensation.
• Sores or Blisters: These may develop and, if the gangrene is infection-related, they may bleed or discharge a foul-smelling pus.
• Skin Changes: As gangrene advances, the skin may turn cold, pale, and begin to change color, often from red to brown, purple, or black.
• Gas Accumulation: In some cases, a crackling sound may be heard when pressing the skin, caused by gas trapped under the tissue.

In more severe cases, the person may experience:

• Fever: A high temperature (38°C or above) accompanied by chills.
• General Malaise: Loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, dizziness, and confusion.
• Septic Shock: If the infection enters the bloodstream, it may lead to septic shock, characterized by dangerously low blood pressure and potential organ failure.

Lipoma

Lipoma

Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under your skin. They're harmless and don't usually need any treatment.

Check if you have a lipoma

Lipomas are common. They:

feel soft and squishy

can be anything from the size of a pea to a few centimetres across

may move slightly under your skin if you press them

aren't usually painful

often appear on your shoulders, chest, arms, back, bottom or thighs

grow slowly

Tummy tuck - Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck, or 'abdominoplasty', is cosmetic surgery to improve the shape of the tummy area (abdomen). It can involve removing fat and excess loose skin and tightening the abdominal muscles.

The aim is to remove excess tummy skin that can't be removed through exercise - for example, after losing a lot of weight or after pregnancy. But it’s not a quick fix for losing weight.

An abdominoplasty is regarded cosmetic surgery, so not normally available on the NHS. If you are thinking of going ahead, you must make sure that you are aware of the costs and the fact that it is major surgery, with risks to consider.  You must take time to reflect on your decision.

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a tear or ulcer (open sore) which develops in the lining of the anal canal. The most common symptoms of anal fissures include:

• a sharp pain or burning sensation when passing a stool (poo)
• noticing bright red blood on toilet paper or on the toilet seat