Foot Care Services.
I am devoted to assisting individuals of all ages in achieving healthier feet. I firmly believe that prevention is key: it is not just about treating foot problems, it is about preventing them by addressing the root causes.
My approach to patient care is grounded in a strong belief that effective podiatry goes beyond treating symptoms.
Our Podiatry Services
Common Foot Problems
Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened and hardened skin caused by repeated friction, pressure or irritation.
Regular visits to your podiatrist can help prevent the build-up of corns and calluses or prevent potential complications where they are already present.
Athletes foot
Also known as Tinea pedis, this is a common fungal infection that affects the skin, particularly in the areas between the toes. Common symptoms include itching, burning, cracking and scaling of the skin.
It is primarily caused by fungi, which develop through direct contact with an infected person or through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as locker rooms, swimming pool areas and communal showers. The fungus also thrives in warm and humid conditions, making it more prevalent among athletes, and those who wear shoes that are too tight for an extended period of time.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the toenails causing a fungal nail infection. Regular podiatry care can help you effectively manage Athlete’s foot, prevent complications and reduce the likelihood of the infection recurring in the future.
Fungal Nail
This common condition affects the toenails and fingernails. It is caused by various types of fungi, most frequently dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and humid conditions. It can cause nail discoloration, thickening, and crumbling. Additionally, the nail may separate from the nail bed, which can be painful and lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Your podiatrist can perform a test to identify if you have a fungal nail infection and various treatment options are available depending on the nature of the infection.
Ingrowing Toenail
This is a common condition in which the corner or edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding soft flesh, causing difficulty walking, pain and often swelling and infection. It typically affects the big toe but can affect other toes too. It can be caused by various factors, including improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, hereditary factors or sustaining an injury to the toe.
In severe or recurrent cases, nail surgery may be required. If an ingrowing toenail becomes infected, it is often the case that it will not heal on its own and nail surgery will become necessary.
Verrucae
A verruca is a wart specifically located on the sole of the foot. It is often accompanied by tiny black dots beneath the skin representing blood vessels.
Verrucae can be quite painful, sometimes feeling akin to standing on needles. While they may persist for extended periods, they are not harmful but can nevertheless be bothersome.
Fortunately, treatment options are available that can be quick and effective. However, the efficacy of treatments can depend on the patient’s response to treatment. In some cases, you may need more than one treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and the sole of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated. This often results from overuse, excessive strain, or repetitive impact on the feet.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually involves rest, stretching exercises, wearing supportive footwear, using appropriate orthotic devices and, in some cases, physical therapy or medication. In the majority of cases, plantar fasciitis resolves itself with conservative treatments, although it may take several months for the pain to completely subside.
Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are common occurrences that can result from various activities, accidents, or medical conditions. These injuries can affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues in the foot and ankle, leading to pain, swelling and limited mobility.
If you have sustained an injury and your symptoms are not improving, this is time for you to consider visiting your podiatrist. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment can involve rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE therapy), immobilization with braces or casts and physical therapy.
Foot and Heel Pain
Foot and heel pain are common issues and may be the reason why you are considering a visit to see a podiatrist in the first place. It is invariably the case that this pain is symptomatic and is indicative of some identifiable foot problem. The podiatrist’s role is to identify what is causing your foot or heel pain and to provide the appropriate treatment.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you are experiencing any foot or heel pain.
Bunions (hallux Valgus)
A bunion, also known as ‘hallux valgus’, is a deformity of the big toe in which the big toe bends excessively towards the second toe and leads to a bony lump on the side of the foot.
The earliest you come to see your podiatrist with your bunion, the greater chance there is of relieving your symptoms.
More severe cases of bunions may require surgery.
Treatments & Services
Initial consultation
Your initial consultation involves a comprehensive evaluation of your foot health.
We will take a thorough medical history at this time, as well as information about any medications you may be taking, any allergies you may have, and any previous podiatry treatment you may have had.
We will also talk about any worries or issues you may be having with your feet.
The treatment will begin with an examination of your lower limbs and feet, paying close attention to your skin, nails, and foot alignment.
Every patient undergoes a Doppler vascular assessment, which allows us to monitor blood flow and identify any issues with poor circulation.
If you require podiatry care treatments such as minor nail care, the removal of a callus or relief for the discomfort of corns, we can often start this at your initial consultation. We can also use the initial consultation, where appropriate, to discuss biomechanical issues as the first step towards a full biomechanical assessment and the provision of orthotics.
If the initial consultation identifies that you have a chronic ingrowing toenail issue, we can also use this time to pre-assess your condition with a view towards Nail Surgery Procedure.
Some treatments may require more than one session, in which case you may need to schedule one or more follow-up routine podiatry appointments.
Simple Nail (QuickCare) Treatment
It involves trimming and filing the toenails to the appropriate length and shape.
This service is to assist those who experience difficulty in reaching their feet to trim their toenails or have limited mobility.
Routine Podiatry
A routine podiatry appointment helps to maintain your foot health on a regular basis. Patients who suffer with diabetes will particularly benefit from this treatment as regular podiatry visits are essential for monitoring and managing the risk of foot ulcers and infections.
During a routine appointment, your feet will be treated for conditions like calluses, corns, blisters and skin and nail disorders. If necessary, your toenails can be trimmed and filed. You will have the opportunity to discuss any discomfort or pain you have been experiencing in your feet. Additionally, you will receive support on how to treat your symptoms and receive preventative care including changes to your lifestyle, footwear and foot hygiene.
Nail Surgery
It is used to treat various conditions such as ingrowing toenails, fungal nail infections, and other nail deformities. Nail surgery aims to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and promote healthy nail growth.
Nail surgery is considered necessary if other non-invasive treatments have proven to be ineffective in treating the condition.
Verruca Needling
This is a procedure used to treat stubborn and persistent plantar warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Verruca needling is considered an effective treatment for plantar warts that do not respond to topical medications, cryotherapy, or salicylic acid applications.
Diabetic Foot Assessment
Diabetes in any form can significantly increase the risk of developing foot ulcers and infections which can become serious. It is vital if you have foot pain and you suffer from diabetes that you visit your podiatrist as soon as possible.
The diabetic foot assessment is recommended to be performed annually.
Vascular Assessment
A vascular assessment is carried out if it is suspected there are circulatory problems in the lower limb.
If the findings of the assessment corroborate this, it will then be necessary to refer you to your GP for further investigation.
Biomechanics Assessment
This examination is concerned with better understanding how your whole body, not simply the lower limbs, moves and functions. It is an assessment of body posture, gait, joint ligament and muscle function to identify any abnormalities or imbalances that may contribute to pain, discomfort or reduced physical performance. You may be asked to do certain exercises to assess your balance, strength and flexibility. Therefore, the evaluation may include a combination of physical examinations, functional tests and motion analysis with the use of Phits 3D foot scan.
The data collected from the 3D foot scan is then utilized to identify the most appropriate treatment. Treatment will often involve, but not be restricted to, some use of orthotics, either an off-the-shelf (ready-made) insole or a custom made-to-measure one, which you will be fitted for at the clinic. Orthotics are shown to improve foot function, enhance gait mechanics, and alleviate pain and discomfort associated with various foot conditions, such as flat feet, high arches or abnormal gait.
Foot Manipulation
This is a manual therapy technique used it improve foot function, alleviate pain and restore mobility.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy has been shown to be very effective in the management of musculoskeletal injuries. It is a non-invasive procedure that utilises high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies and muscular trigger points.
During a session of shockwave therapy, controlled shockwaves are applied to the affected area to promote cellular regeneration, increase blood flow, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
Before recommending shockwave therapy athorough consultation will be conducted to determine if this treatment aligns with your specific needs and goals.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the suitability of shockwave therapy for your condition, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
MLS® Laser Therapy
MLS® Laser Therapy is a safe, non-invasive and painless therapy for the treatment of pain, inflammation and swelling in joints and tissues.
Please read on for more information about laser therapy and how it could help you to reduce pain and swelling.
Please refer to frequently asked questions section (FAQs).