Common Foot Problems

Ingrowing toenails

The nail, often the big toe nail, grows into the skin down the side of the toe, becoming embedded as the nail grows, this can cause it to weep or bleed and become infected. If it has a sharp edge (usually at the side) this digs into the flesh causing pain, irritation and possible infection. The nail is tender under pressure.Treatment varies depending on how severe the problem is.

Permanent relief from this debilitating and painful condition can be achieved under local anaesthetic.

We are able to offer, uniquely, oral sedation for the needle phobic patient!

Phone for details on 01932 227233

Corns

When we walk our body weight is first carried on the heel and then subsequently transferred to the ball of the foot where the skin is thicker to withstand pressure. When this pressure becomes intense due to mechanical imbalance, growths may occur in the form of corns and callus [hard skin]. These usually occur over a bony prominence, such as a joint.

Do not cut corns yourself, especially if you are elderly, diabetic, sight or vascularly compromised or taking anticoagulants. Do not use medicated corn plasters or paints that burn the healthy tissue around the corn. They contain Salicylic Acid. Home remedies like lambswool around  toes shrink and can be potentially dangerous. A podiatrist or chiropodist will be able to remove the corn painlessly.

Verrucae

Verrucae are warts found on the feet. They are caused by viruses and show as small growths within the skin. They often present as a single lesion and can be painful when over an area of high pressure. They can spread and become harder to treat if left for a long time so having them treated early is recommended. There are a variety of treatment options which will be discussed at your first appointment

 Electrocautery under local anaesthetic is also available at this practice.  

Gout

Gout can be a very painful condition and is the result of the bodies inability to metabolise naturally forming uric acid.This results in acid crystals [tophi] forming in the joint capsule.

Differential diagnosis between septic/traumatised joint and gout is often confused but can be confirmed by a blood analysis test.

Medication may be prescribed by your GP to alleviate the symptoms.

Diabetes

Diabetes may reduce the blood circulation and therefore sensation in your feet. 

Appreciation of temperature and sensation may diminish resulting in damage to the foot that the diabetic sufferer may not be aware of.

Diabetics should consult a HPC registered Podiatrist on a regular basis to monitor their condition as it pertains to their feet and ensure their continued foot health.

They should also undertake routine examination of their own feet in the interim.

Sterilisation Procedures

At this practice we follow a strict hygiene code where all instruments are routinely scrubbed, autoclaved and placed in sealed bags for all patient procedures.

At set intervals they are ultrasonically cleaned to ensure their absolute hygiene.

Not all practices do this!

SOCAP Accreditation

We are proud to inform you that we are currently one of only 29   [as at March 2005] private practices in the whole of the U.K. to be awarded accreditation to The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists practice accreditation scheme, the NHS clinical practice benchmark.

Only 7 Area Health Authorities [NHS] have thus far been awarded this accreditation.

This is a voluntary scheme subject to 'spot checks' which continually monitors conditions and practices within individual surgeries.

Its award is extremely prestigious and difficult to achieve.

Has your practice achieved this award?

We have!