Podiatry Questions Answered

In the UK, Podiatry is simply the new name for Chiropody. The name was changed to Podiatry in 1993 as it has become the internationally recognised name for a foot specialist.

Preventing common foot problems like athlete’s foot and ingrown toenails involves incorporating good foot hygiene practices and taking precautions to minimize the risk of these conditions.

Keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear and changing your socks regularly can help prevent fungal growth. Trimming your toenails properly, wearing properly fitting shoes and avoiding picking or tearing nails can reduce the likelihood of the nail growing into the skin.

If you do encounter any persistent issues or discomfort, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0161 383 8301 for advice.

Managing and preventing common foot problems like corns, calluses, and bunions involves a combination of proper foot care practices and lifestyle adjustments.

To help reducing the appearance of Corns and Calluses ensure you wear properly fitting shoes to avoid excessive friction and reduce pressure on the affected areas and use cushioning insoles or pads to provide extra protection and reduce pressure on the affected areas.

Bunions can progress into a more advanced foot deformity called Hallux Abductor Valgus (HAV). Ensure to wear comfortable and roomy shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the bunion. Consider using bunion pads or orthotic devices to help alleviate discomfort and provide additional support. Apply ice packs to the affected area to help reduce inflammation and pain.

As a general preventative measure, ensure to maintain proper foot hygiene by regularly washing and thoroughly drying your feet and keep them moisturises to prevent dryness and cracking which can lead to corns and callouses.

At quantum Footcare, I can provide you with a comprehensive assessment, specialized advice and a specific treatment tailored to your condition.

A verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is a benign (non-cancerous) growth on the sole of the foot, usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). A verruca can appear as small, rough, and grainy lesions that may have a black pinpoint at their centre. They can occur singly or in clusters, and they are often flat or slightly raised.

Verrucae are typically acquired by walking barefoot in public areas where the virus thrives, such as swimming pools, communal showers, or locker rooms. The virus can enter the body through tiny cuts or abrasions on the sole of the foot.

Although there are various over- the-counter treatments available such as salicylic acid solutions or patches to gradually remove the wart, these are not recommended for everyone especially if you have diabetes or circulatory issues. This can lead to complications.

If you are suffering from a painful, long-standing verruca, I will be happy to help. We can discuss the most suitable treatment option based on the location and severity of the plantar wart.

Foot pain can have various causes, ranging from minor to severe issues. Some common causes of foot pain include Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, Sprains and strains, bunions, ingrowing toenails, Metatarsalgia, Stress fractures, Arthritis.

Treatment for foot pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some general treatment options include Rest, Ice and elevation, Pain Medication, Physical Therapy, Orthotics devices, Proper footwear, Splints or braces, Surgery.

Please get in touch if you are suffering from foot pain for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, as some foot pain may require specific medical intervention.

While standing, observe the arch of your foot. If it appears to touch the floor or is extremely low, it could indicate flat feet.

Having flat feet doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience complications, as many individuals with flat feet do not encounter any problems. However, some flat feet can lead to various issues including foot pain, overpronation (inside of your foot rolling inwards), bunions and hammer toes, pressure on the tendons which run under your arch.

It’s important to note that not all individuals with flat feet will experience complications, and many can manage the condition effectively through proper footwear, orthotic inserts, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles.

If you have concerns about flat feet or experience pain and discomfort, please contact me on 0161 383 8301. I can provide you with the appropriate diagnosis and design the most effective treatment approach for you.

A biomechanics assessment is a comprehensive evaluation typically conducted by a podiatrist or an orthopaedic surgeon to assess the structure, alignment and function of the musculoskeletal system particularly focusing on the lower limbs and feet. The assessment aims to identify any biomechanical issues or abnormalities that may be causing pain, discomfort, or affecting overall movement patterns.

Whether you need a biomechanics assessment depends on various factors, including any persistent foot or lower limb pain, discomfort, or difficulty with movement. You may need a biomechanics assessment if you experience chronic pain and discomfort, recurring injuries during physical activities or sports, changes in your gait pattern or difficulty walking, persistent lower limb problems affecting your daily activities, foot deformities or structural issues.

By undergoing a biomechanics assessment, you can gain a better understanding of the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms. This assessment can help identify the root cause of your discomfort and guide me in developing a tailored treatment plan, which may include exercises, orthotics, physical therapy, or other interventions aimed at improving your overall biomechanical function and reducing any associated pain or discomfort.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.

 The signs and symptoms include pain in the bottom of the foot usually near the heel. The pain is often most noticeable in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. You may experience stiffness and tenderness especially along the arch and heel.

Treatments usually include resting and applying ice packs to alleviate pain. You may wish to take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS) such us Ibuprofen to help reduce pain and inflammation. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may need to wear an orthotic device  to provide additional support and help distribute pressure evenly to the foot. Regular stretching exercises and physical therapy will help to reduce the tension in calf muscles and plantar fascia. It will also help to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles in the foot and the lower leg.

 If you think you are suffering with plantar fasciitis, it is essential to consult a health care professional as the symptoms are most likely to worsen with inappropriate care and lack of a professional advice. Early intervention and a comprehensive approach often lead to successful outcomes in managing plantar fasciitis.

 Please can contact me on 0161 3838301 for an initial assessment and obtain your individualised treatment plan.

Orthotic inserts are specially designed devices that are placed inside shoes to provide additional support, improve foot alignment, and help alleviate various foot and lower limb conditions. They work by providing support to the arches, heels and other key areas of the foot. They help distribute body weight more evenly, reducing pressure on specific points and realigning the foot to improve overall biomechanical function.

These inserts can be custom-made or bought off the shelf and depending on the specific needs of the individual they can be modified to improve foot motion when striking the ground. Custom made orthotics are tailored to the specific needs of the individual, considering the unique foot structure, gait pattern, and any existing foot conditions.

Preventing foot and ankle injuries during physical activities or sports is crucial for maintaining overall fitness and avoiding prolonged downtime due to injuries. Here are some essential tips to help prevent such injuries:

•  Always start with a proper Warm up routine that includes dynamic stretches. This helps prepare your muscles and tendons for the activity ahead.
• Choose footwear specifically designed for the sport or activity you are participating. The right shoes provide adequate support and cushioning, reducing the risk of injuries.
• If you have foot conditions or structural issues, consider using Orthotics to provide extra support and stability to the foot and ankle.
• Gradual progression will build up your strength and endurance to reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Therefore, avoid sudden increases in the intensity or duration of your activities.
• Try to incorporate Cross-Training into your routine. This will avoid overworking specific muscles and joints and help maintaining overall body balance, reducing the strain on your feet and ankles.
• Consider incorporating exercises into your routine that improve Balance and Stability. This will help strengthen your muscles around your ankles and lower legs, reducing the risk of sprains and strains.
• Maintain Flexibility- Regularly perform stretching exercises to maintain flexibility in your calf muscles, Achilles tendons, and feet, which can help prevent injuries.
• Pay attention to Technique: Ensure you are using proper technique and form when engaging in physical activities or sports. Incorrect form can lead to overuse injuries and strains.
• Ensure to stay hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining muscle and joint function during physical activities.
• Cool Down: Always finish your activities with a cool-down routine, including static stretches, to help your muscles relax and recover.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of pain or discomfort. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort, stop the activity and consult a healthcare professional.

If you have diabetes, it is essential to pay special attention to foot health due to the increased risk of developing complications such as neuropathy and poor circulation.

These are my top tips that will help you improve your foot health if you have diabetes:

 Daily Foot Inspection Check your feet every day for any signs of blisters, cuts, redness, swelling, or sores.

Proper Foot Care: Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water. Be sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.

Moisturize Regularly: Keep your feet moisturized to prevent dry and cracked skin. Do avoid putting lotion between your toes to prevent moisture build-up.

Trim Nails Carefully: Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges to prevent ingrown toenails. If you have trouble seeing or reaching your feet, consider visiting a podiatrist for professional nail trimming.

Wear Proper Footwear: Always wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes to prevent blisters and ulcers. Ensure that your shoes provide adequate support and protection for your feet.

Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity improves circulation and control blood sugar levels.

Control Blood Sugar Levels: Properly manage your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help prevent nerve damage and improve circulation.

Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular foot check-ups. At Quantum Footcare we can  monitor your foot health and address any concerns promptly.

Protect Your Feet: Avoid walking barefoot, especially outside, and protect your feet from extreme temperatures. Always wear socks and shoes to prevent injuries and infections.

Quit Smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting, as smoking can further impair blood circulation and increase the risk of complications.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches on the inside of the feet are flattened, causing the entire sole of the foot to come into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. Among the causes are genetics, weak arches, foot injuries and certain medical conditions such as arthritis, nerve problems or muscle diseases.

In many cases, flat feet in children do not cause any pain or problems and may not require any treatment. However, regular monitoring is required by a healthcare professional to assess any changes and ensure that the condition does not worsen.

Treatment for flat feet, especially in children, depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms. Some common treatment approaches include the use of supportive footwear that offer proper arch support, physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and tendons in the feet, ankles and legs and weight management. By maintaining healthy weight can help reduce the strain on the feet and alleviate symptoms associated with flat feet.

Surgery may be considered in severe cases where other treatments have not been effective, although surgery may be considered as a last resort.

Laser therapy safely and painlessly uses light to help to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling and to promote healing. It is appropriate for both chronic (long term) and acute (new pain/injury) conditions.

Laser therapy involves directing light energy into inflamed or damaged tissue to accelerate the body’s natural healing process. The laser is placed in direct contact with the skin which enables specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the tissue and interact with molecules within the cells to cause several biochemical effects (see the video below for further information on this).

Generally, we recommend 3-6 sessions. Often acute conditions respond more quickly than chronic problems.

For any enquiries, please contact me on:

Tel: 0161 3838301

Email: quantumfootcare@gmail.com