Chiropody and Podiatry
what do we treat? Chiropody
what do we treat? Chiropody
Children & Foot Health
We treat all types of feet, including children's feet. After all, they can get just as many foot problems!
Common problems include verrucae, in-growing toenails and "flat feet". We always try to create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere so that the child doesn't feel intimidated.
Children must be accompanied by an adult who can give consent for the treatment. If you have any queries regarding your child's feet, please to do not hesitate to speak to a podiatrist/chiropodist who will be able to advise you accordingly.
Diabetes & Foot Health
Diabetes affects your whole body, including your feet. It is very important to look after your feet, particularly if you have diabetes, as changes can occur to the blood circulation, skin quality, nails, pain sensation and joint movement. Any infections you acquire may be more difficult to clear and wounds can be slower to heal.
Hard skin and callous should be removed by the podiatrist/chiropodist because if this is left untreated the skin can breakdown underneath and can lead to an ulcer. This is why it is vital that you look after your feet to prevent problems from occurring. Your podiatrist/chiropodist will be able to advise you on this and answer any questions you may have.
We provide diabetic foot checks that will show us the condition your feet are in and whether you or your doctor needs to be made aware of any changes. It is advisable that you have a foot check every year as your feet will change. The podiatrist/chiropodist will check your pulses, skin, nails, joints, skin sensation and let you know if you require any treatment. We will also let your doctor (G.P.) know of the results to ensure that all your records for diabetes are kept together.
Foot checks last approximately 30 minutes.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections can affect the skin and/or the nails and is often a source of embarrassment for many people. Depending on the type of fungus, the appearance of an infection varies - the skin may be flaky, red, white, dry or moist and itchy; nails may be thickened, crumbly, splitting, white, yellow or brown. It can be treated though, so for all of you who simply hide your feet away - make an appointment to see your podiatrist/chiropodist and have happy feet again!
Treatments for fungal infections are usually a combination of home treatments (applying various creams, sprays and tinctures) and appointments with your podiatrist/chiropodist. Occasionally oral medication is required. It is important that the advice given is followed, and problems are discussed with your clinician.
The treatment of fungal infections is usually carried out in a general chiropody appointment. Your initial appointment will be approximately 30 minutes and thereafter depending on your individual condition.
In-growing toe nails
In-growing toe nails are basically nails that grow into the skin around the nail, making the toe painful. They can sometimes become swollen, red, infected and have a mixture of yellowy liquid and blood coming from the painful area. They should be treated as soon as possible as they usually become more difficult and painful the longer they are left.
Your initial treatment will last approximately 30 minutes. Future appointments will be arranged by your podiatrist/chiropodist accordingly.
Verrucae and Warts
Verrucae and warts are caused by viruses. They are usually contagious and caught in areas where there are many people walking around without any shoes on - e.g. swimming pools, public changing rooms and dance studios. They can be painful, though this is not usually the case.
You should always have a verruca checked by your podiatrist/chiropodist before having any treatment. As there are many different treatments (each with their own advantages and disadvantages), it is important that you and your clinician decide on a treatment plan suitable for you. Options include, home treatments, homeopathic remedies, caustics and freezing.
The first appointment will last approximately 30 minutes, allowing the podiatrist/chiropodist to assess your feet and treat the verruca. You will then usually be required to return for a series of treatments - the number of treatments is dependant on your particular verruca.
Thickened Nails
Some of my nails are thicker than the others and my little toe nails grow to a point?
Nails grow thicker when the nail cells have been damaged by trauma (e.g dropping a heavy item on your nail) Friction from shoes can also be the cause either from narrow fitting shoes or pressure to a nail if a toe is bent for instance.Little toenails are most commonly affected.In most cases they are unlikely to return to their normal thickness, however,they can be reduced and shaped gently with an electric burr to improve their appearance,reduce discomfort and make them easier to cut.
Corns Callous and thickened skin and heels
Dry cracked heels are fairly common, especially in ladies and particularly in summer.The soreness is probably due to the hard skin cracking and splitting,medically known as 'fissures'.Occasionally they can bleed and care has to be taken to prevent an infection.The reason for the cracking is due to the hard skin becoming very dry.During a Chiropody treatment we would gently reduce the thickness of the area and recommend certain creams for you to use which will definately help.
Heel orthotics are helpful and paraffin wax baths are very effective in softening the hardened area aswell.