Browse foot terms that start with 'P' and view definitions.
Padabhyanga, an Indian term for foot massage, is said to be able to restore energy, reduce stress, cure headaches, relax physiology, increases circulation and heal foot pain.
Palmoplantar keratodermas, also called keratosis palmaris et plantaris or PPKs, are a heterogeneous group of disorders marked by an unusual thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Paraffin wax is a soft substance derived from petroleum, coal or oil shale often used in candles, crayons, lipsticks and during manicures and pedicures.
Paresthesia is the tingling, prickling, “pins and needles” sensation people experience when their arms, legs and feet fall asleep.
Paronychia is a bacterial infection of the hand or foot where the skin and nail meet. The infection often shows itself as red, painful swelling near where the skin meets the nail.
Paronychium is the soft tissue that surrounds fingernails and toenails. It helps keep dirt and bacteria from getting underneath the nail and causing infections.
A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment for the feet that includes a foot soak, callus removal, a short foot and leg massage, a toenail trim, cuticle oil and polish.
A pedorthist is a health care specialist who is trained to modify footwear and suggest supportive devices that address conditions and ailments in the feet. They’re considered experts in lower limb anatomy and the proper use of corrective footwear and orthoses (also called orthotics).
A common circulatory problem, peripheral arterial disease happens when narrowed or clogged arteries reduce blood flow to the body’s limbs.
Pes Cavus is the medical name for high arch foot, a foot deformity characterized by fixed plantar flexation of the foot (or, in other words, when the sole of a person’s foot doesn't flatten while bearing weight from the body).
Pes Planus is the scientific name for flat feet (also called over pronation or fallen arches), a foot deformity in which the arch of the foot collapses.
Phalanges are digital bones in both the hands and feet. In a human foot, each phalange (or phalanx) connects to a metatarsal bone via metatarsophalangeal articulations.
Pigeon toe (also known as intoeing, false clubfoot, and in-toe gait) is a condition in which an infant or child’s toes point inward when walking.
Palmoplantar psoriasis is a specific type of psoriasis that affects the hands and feet. Patches of red, itchy and dry skin are common symptoms of this non-contagious skin condition.
The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.
Plantar fasciitis, sometimes called jogger’s heel, is a condition that happens when the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes — experiences pain and inflammation.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which a part of the body sweats excessively. It’s called plantar hyperhidrosis when the condition affects a person’s feet.
A plantar wart (also called a verruca) is a contagious and oftentimes painful hard wart on the sole of the foot.
Podagra gout is a type of arthritis that affects the metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the big toe. Over 50% of all gout cases are podagra gout.
A podiatrist (also called a chiropodist) is a doctor who specializes is medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the feet, ankles and lower extremities.
Podomancy, also called solistry, is the practice of using the shape of the feet and the lines of the soles to predict a person’s personality and past hardships.
Podophilia is a term used to describe a strong fascination or obsession with feet, both of a sexual nature or a non-sexual nature. Simply put, it is another word for foot fetish.
Pre-dislocation syndrome is another name for capsulitis, which is inflammation of certain joint capsules (ligaments). Often affecting the shoulder and the metatarsal joint of the second toe, it can lead to joint dislocation if not treated.
Presenile spontaneous gangrene is another term for Buerger's Disease, a disease that affects the blood vessels in the arms and legs. It is most always associated with smoking.
Pronation is a naturally occurring movement of the body in which the foot rolls inward to distribute the force of impact of the ground as you walk and run. The movement is a transfer of weight from the heel to the forefoot as you move.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by patches of skin that are red, itchy and scaly. It can appear anywhere, including on the hands and feet.
A pumice stone is a porous piece of volcanic rock used as an abrasive tool to remove hard skin, corns and calluses during pedicures or after soaking the feet.
Pump bump is a common nickname for Haglund’s deformity, which is a bony enlargement that develops on the back of the heel, usually due frequently wearing high heeled shoes.
