What is a corn and how do you treat it?

What is a corn and how do you treat it?

by Business

What is a corn and how do you treat it? In today’s post we’ll be explaining all.

What is a corn?

A corn is an area of thickened skin which forms due to pressure, rubbing or friction. There are thee types of corns: hard corns, soft corns and seed corns. Corns cause pain, reduced mobility and can become infected when left untreated. For patients with conditions such as diabetes where there is a loss of feeling in the feet, it’s important to see a podiatrist straight away. 

What are the three types of corns?

Hard corns
Hard corns are the most common, and are usually found on pressure points of the foot. Such as the sole of the foot or on the top of toes where you might experience pressure from footwear.

Soft corns
Soft corns tend to be more uncomfortable and painful then hard corns, and are trickier to treat.

Seed corns
Seed corns can appear on any part of the foot and have a seed-like appearance, hence their name. 

How are corns treated?

Corns are best treated by a professional podiatrist. Your podiatrist will be able to diagnose which type of corn you have, and recommend a suitable treatment plan for you. Typically, the corn will be removed using a scalpel. It’s also recommended to soak the corn in warm water before gently using a foot file to rub down the area. 

Your podiatrist can also help you by providing you with devices to help prevent friction between your toes, or redistribute the pressure across the soles of your feet (using orthoses). 

How do I prevent corns?

A good start is make sure you’re wearing comfortable, supportive shoes and socks. By selecting the correct footwear, you can reduce the friction and pressure on your foot.
It’s also important to use foot files or pumice stones regularly to gently rub away hard skin. Also, moisturise the skin on your feet to keep it healthy and soft. 

Need to book in for a treatment or ask for some advice? Give us a call today on 01226 759 660 or contact us here.

How do you pick the perfect school shoes for your child?

How do you pick the perfect school shoes for your child?

by Business

School’s almost in and summer’s almost out! It’s time to start buying those last back-to-school essentials ready for the new term. But, how do you pick the perfect school shoes for your child? In today’s post, we’ll be giving you our top tips.

It’s really important that your child has well-fitting school shoes. After all, they’ll likely be wearing them for six hours or more every single day. So being comfortable and safe, should be the main priority over what’s fashionable. We know: it can be a battle when our children want to wear the latest style or match their friends. But years down the line, we promise they’ll be thanking you for putting their health first.

How do you pick the perfect school shoes for your child?

First of all, we always recommend that your child gets properly fitted for their school shoes. Or any shoes for that matter. Whether your child has an existing foot problem or you simply want to ensure you’re making the best choices, we can help.

If you’re not sure if your child has existing conditions or may need the help of a podiatrist, there are a few telltale signs to look for:

  1. Does your child trip over or fall often?
  2. Does your child walk with in-turned feet?
  3. Do the soles of your child’s shoes show more wear on one shoe than the other?
  4. Does your child ever complain about foot pain/discomfort, or pain/discomfort in their ankles or legs?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then it’s a great idea to make an appointment with your local podiatrist for a consultation. 

How do you pick the perfect school shoes for your child?

How can a podiatrist help with my child’s feet?

It’s always best to spot any foot issues early on so any treatment or advice can be issued. It may be that your child needs orthotics to help their foot remain properly supported in their footwear, or it could even be that your child has an ingrown toenail that needs treatment to make them feel more comfortable in their shoes again. Whatever the reason, a podiatrist is a trained professional who will be able to assess your child’s feet and ensure their needs are taken care of.

General rules for picking the perfect school shoes

If you don’t feel that you need to visit a podiatrist right now, that’s absolutely fine. Instead, read some of our tips below to help you make the best choice.

  1. Get your child’s feet measured properly at a reputable shoe shop
  2. Ensure shoes aren’t too tight, or too loose
  3. Don’t follow fashion: follow the correct fit
  4. Make use of inserts where needed to provide extra cushioning and support
  5. If in doubt, visit your local podiatrist who will be able to help and advise you

Ready to book an appointment?
Call us today on 01226 759660 or contact us here. 

4 reasons why you may be struggling with toenail pain

4 reasons why you may be struggling with toenail pain

by Business

Toenail pain can be extremely frustrating and debilitating to deal with. From feeling uncomfortable in your footwear to feeling sharp stabs of pain when pressure is applied: toenail pain is certainly trying.

But what exactly is causing your toenail pain, and when should you see your podiatrist for relief? Today, we’ll be discussing four common reasons.

1. Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails can be super painful. They’re usually caused by the incorrect cutting of the nails, but sometimes, injuries or even ill-fitting shoes can be to blame.

If left untreated, ingrown toenails can be very uncomfortable. And if severe enough, they can also lead to infections like paronychia (which we’ll discuss later on in today’s post).

So, when should you see your podiatrist? If your ingrown toenail is causing you a lot of pain and is showing signs of infection (like feeling warm, or looking red and swollen), give your podiatrist a call.

If you have a condition like diabetes, it’s important that you visit your podiatrist or doctor straight away.

2. Toenail Trauma

Toenail trauma can be caused by so many different factors: whether it be stubbing your toe (ouch!), dropping something heavy on your foot or even wearing ill-fitting shoes.

Bruising and mild pain are common symptoms to experience after the above events, however, if your pain is severe, you should visit your podiatrist for treatment recommendations.

To ease any mild symptoms at home, make sure to keep your foot elevated to decrease the swelling, and take over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and paracetamol.

4 reasons why you may be struggling with toenail pain

3. Fungal Infections

Fungal infections can affect your toenails or the skin on your feet and toes.

Toenail fungus has an odour, and also discolours nails and makes them brittle, so it’s quite easy to spot. Eventually, your nail will become thicker and the edges will easily crumble away. Fungus is highly contagious, so it’s easy for you to accidentally pass it along from toe to toe.

There are many toenail fungus treatments available on the high street, but it’s best to see your podiatrist who will be able to recommend the correct treatment for you for the speediest recovery.

4. Paronychia

Paronychia usually affects fingernails, but can also affect toenails, too. It’s an infection that affects the skin around your nails, and can progress to cellulitis in more severe cases. It causes pain and inflammation, and can really be quite bothersome.

Paronychia can develop after suffering trauma to your toenail, or through an untreated ingrown toenail. As mentioned above, if you have a condition like diabetes, it’s really important to see your doctor or podiatrist at the first sign of infection.

Often, soaking the affected toenail in warm water for 20 minutes a few times a day can help ease any discomfort and help you to heal. But, if you do notice signs of an abscess, you will need to seek medical care to check whether you need to have the abscess drained.

Cellulitis is classed as a serious complication, and warrants immediate medical care. Look out for signs such as pain, redness and warmth in the area, along with other symptoms like nausea, chills and a fever. If in any slight doubt, call a medical professional immediately.

Other causes

Sometimes, you may be experiencing toenail pain as a symptom of a completely separate condition. Chronic illnesses like arthritis, or even psoriasis can cause toenail pain. If at all you feel unsure or concerned, visit your podiatrist who will be able to diagnose you and recommend the best treatment to have you pain-free once again.

Ready to book in for a treatment?
Give us a call today on 01226 759 660 or contact us here to book your appointment.

Are flip-flops bad for your feet?

Are flip-flops bad for your feet?

by Business

We can’t tell you the amount of times we’ve been asked: “are flip-flops bad for your feet?” And now that the summer months are here and the days are getting hotter, there’s nothing nicer than wearing footwear that allows your feet to feel the sun, sand and sea. But there are a few rules for flip-flops that will help keep your feet healthy and happy all summer.

Avoid super cheap flip-flops

Although it’s tempting to pick up a cheap pair of flip-flops and wear them all summer: give them a miss. Cheaper, mass-produced flip flops don’t offer a proper fit, and can often be flimsy, thin, and dangerous. If you’ve ever had a flip-flop strap snap on you mid-dash down a pebbly beach, you’ll know exactly what we mean!

Are flip-flops bad for your feet?

Get fitted properly

Just as you would with a regular shoe, you can also get fitted properly for flip-flops, too! From size and shape, to support, it’s important to get it right to avoid injuries and sprains. 

Have alternatives to hand

Flip-flops are best for short journeys or casual wear to take you from your sun-lounger to the pool. They’re not the best for longer walks due to the lack of foot support that they offer. Always make sure to have well-fitting footwear on hand such as trainers, walking boots or even sandals or slides. As always, make sure your footwear is properly fitted for you to prevent injuries. 

So, there you have it. Although flip-flops aren’t the best footwear of choice, they certainly do come in handy for very occasional wear provided you take extra precautions. 

Need some help or advice?
Give us a call today on 01226 759 660 or contact us here to book your appointment at our Darfield clinic.

How to cut your toenails properly at home

How to cut your toenails properly at home

by Business

Have you ever wondered how to cut your toenails properly at home? Chances are, unless you’ve suffered with an ingrown toenail after cutting them yourself, probably not. However, it’s actually a really common topic of discussion in our clinic.

Typically, our toenails need cutting every six to eight weeks. But the technique you use is extremely important in keeping those toes happy – especially this flip-flop season!

How to cut your toenails properly at home

1. Soften your toenails first
Enjoy a relaxing foot soak, bath, or shower before cutting your toenails. Not only does this soften the nails and make them much easier to cut, but it also keeps your feet clean and healthy. Why not treat yourself to a few drops of essential oil and a foot massage and make it into a self-care ritual?

2. Choose toenail clippers over scissors
Toenail clippers are much better for cutting toenails due to their size, shape and cutting power. They help you to get a smooth clip first time, and can help prevent those pesky snags that are easy to get with scissors.

3. Perfect your technique
Clipping the nails straight across is a much better option than following the curve of the toe. Why? Following the curve actually encourages the nail to grow back in towards the skin which can lead to ingrown toenails – ouch! As you would with your fingernails, make sure you don’t cut too far down to avoid a painful few days as they settle down.

4. File the Edges
Using an emery board, gently file away any jagged edges to ensure a smooth, comfortable nail edge that won’t get snagged on your socks!

5. Keep Your Tools Clean
Do you sanitise your nail clippers and emery boards? It’s probably something you don’t give much thought to either, but it’s important to keep them both clean and sanitised. Otherwise, bacteria and fungal infections can be easily spread from one foot to another. 

6. See a professional 
Sometimes, medical conditions mean that you should leave toenail trims up to your podiatrist. Patients with conditions like diabetes have to be carefully attended to in order to prevent damage and serious complications. If in doubt, seek professional advice first. 

How to cut your toenails properly at home

When to visit your podiatrist

1. You struggle to reach your feet or find cutting awkward
If you struggle to reach your feet to begin with, there’s a higher chance that you’ll accidentally cut yourself or cause unwanted damage to your toenails (or even your toes!) Alleviate the stress and let your local podiatrist look after you in a comfortable, safe environment.

2. You have toenail fungus
Not only does toenail fungus smell, but it also discolours nails, and makes them brittle. Eventually, the nail becomes thicker and the edges easily crumble away. Not to mention that fungus is also highly contagious, so it’s easy for you to accidentally pass it along from toe to toe. Especially if your tools aren’t sanitised properly each time. Your podiatrist will be able to cut your toenails safely whilst also treating the infection for you and helping to prevent a cross-spread.

3. You have ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails can be super painful and are usually caused by the incorrect cutting of the nails. Sometimes, even injuries or ill-fitting shoes can be to blame. Your podiatrist will be able to cut and shape your nail to alleviate the pain whilst it grows back into a comfortable shape once again. 

4. You have a medical condition like diabetes
Medical conditions like diabetes can cause serious implications, so it’s always best to see a professional to ensure a safe, healthy and happy treatment. 

Need to book in for a treatment?
Give us a call today on 01226 759 660 or contact us here to book your appointment.

Answering your FAQ's on Verrucas

Answering your FAQ’s on Verrucas

by Business

Today we’re going to be answering your FAQ’s on Verrucas to conclude our mini series.

Missed any of our previous posts? No problem! Catch up below before we dive into your FAQ’s!
What is a Verruca?
How to prevent Verrucas
How do you get rid of a Verruca?

Answering your FAQ's on Verrucas

Answering your FAQ’s on verrucas

How do I know if I have a verruca?
Verrucas are fairly easy to identify by looking for the telltale signs. From their ‘cauliflower’-like appearance to the tiny black dots (broken blood capillaries) that you’ll see at their centre. They can often feel itchy, and sometimes, due to their location, they can even be painful.

If you’re unsure about whether you have a verruca or not, visit your local chiropodist who will be able to diagnose and treat you.

Who can get verrucas?
Verrucas are most common in children and younger adults, but they can affect anybody.

Are verrucas contagious?
Yes, highly! Passed on by the human papilloma virus (HPV), infection can spread easily through broken or damaged skin.

Find out how to lessen your chances of getting a verruca in our blog post here.

How long do verrucas last?
It’s difficult to pin a timeframe to just how long verrucas last. Left untreated, they may last months or even years – there’s also a higher chance that they can spread which makes treatment more difficult. It’s always best to seek treatment as early as possible for the best results.

Is it normal for a verruca to bleed?
Verrucas can, and often do, bleed if they are scratched or disrupted. Sometimes, the friction from walking can also cause a verruca to bleed.

How do I prevent getting a verruca?
Find out how to lessen your chances of getting a verruca in our blog post here.

How can I get rid of a verruca?
We’re glad you asked! The best way to get rid of a verruca is to visit your local chiropodist who will advise you on the best treatment for you. In the meantime, if you’d like some information on the various common treatments available for verrucas, you can find out more in our blog post here.

Need some help or advice?

We really hope you’ve enjoyed our mini post series on verrucas, and that it’s been helpful.

Don’t forget that we’re always here for you if you need us. Give us a call today on 01226 759 660 or contact us here to book your appointment.

How do you get rid of a verruca?

How do you get rid of a verruca? Keep your feet happy this summer

by Business

Welcome to part three of our mini series all about verrucas! Today’s post will cover another common question we get asked in clinic: how do you get rid of a verruca? 

Although not the most glamorous subject to discuss, verrucas are actually much more bothersome to patients during the summertime making them a hot topic for pods! (That’s podiatrists, by the way!) 

Spread easily via skin-to-skin contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces, it makes sense that verrucas run rife throughout the warmer months whilst more of us head poolside to cool off in the heat. 

Need to catch up?

Missed our first two posts all about what verrucas are and how to prevent them? Catch up below:

What is a verruca?
How to prevent verrucas 

How do you get rid of a verruca?

How do you get rid of a verruca

Acid-based treatments
Acid-treatments such as formic acid or salicylic acid can help in treating verrucas by destroying the infected skin cells.

Formic acid works by penetrating into the verruca and drying it out – a process that can take many weeks, whereas Salicylic acid treatments work by peeling off the layers of infected skin. 

Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is classed as a controlled destruction of the infected cells. Using very cold temperatures, ice is formed inside and outside of the infected cells which disrupts the virus. The desired result is that the treatment ruptures the cells, and releases the virus into the blood stream where the body’s immune system takes over to fight off the infection. 

Verruca Needling
Verruca needling is our most popular treatment. This technique involves using dry needling to treat stubborn and persistent verrucae. It works by breaking down the verruca in order to prompt the body’s immune system to fight off the infection, leaving you verruca free in as little as one treatment.

Treating any condition is never ‘one size fits all’. So if you’re struggling with verrucas or any other foot complain, please do get in touch with us so we can assess how best to help you.

Need to book in for our verruca treatments?
Give us a call today on 01226 759 660 or contact us here to book your appointment.

How to prevent verrucas

How to prevent verrucas: keep protected poolside this summer

by Business

Welcome back to our mini series all about verrucas! If you missed part one, you can catch up here: ‘What is a verruca?’ Today, we’re talking about how to prevent verrucas whether you’re poolside or staying home this summer.

Firstly, let’s recap on exactly what a verruca is. Commonly referred to as a ‘plantar wart’ by chiropodists, a verruca is a wart on the sole of the foot. Caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), verrucas are super common. Whether through skin-to-skin contact or via a contaminated surface, verrucas are easily spread. But there are measures you can take to lesson your chances of getting them.

In today’s post, we’ll take a look at some of the more common preventative measures. 

How to prevent verrucas

1. Protect broken or damaged skin 
HPV easy infects broken or damaged skin, so protecting any broken or damaged areas is a great way to lesson the risk of infection. Waterproof plasters are a great option to protect your feet whilst poolside.

2. Wear flip flops or sliders poolside or in communal areas
As HPV is passed on easily by skin-to-skin or contaminated surfaces, it makes sense to avoid going barefoot in communal areas. Swimming pool tiles or even gym changing rooms are real hotspots for verrucas, so keep a pair of flip flops or sliders handy to protect your feet. 

3. Keep your feet dry
Verrucas tend to spread easier when skin is damp, so ensure to dry your feet thoroughly after activities like swimming.

4. Always use clean towels/socks/hosiery 
As bacteria and germs thrive in warm, damp places, it makes perfect sense to ensure that your towels, socks and hosiery are always clean and dry before wearing. 

5. Don’t share towels, socks or shoes with other people
Sharing personal items is a great way to heighten your risk of getting a verruca. So eradicate that risk by keeping personal items like these just for yourself. 

How to prevent verrucas

Already got a verruca and want to prevent the spread?

1. Seek treatment as soon as possible
It’s always much easier to treat one verruca, rather than many. So seeking treatment at the first sign of a verruca before the infection has the chance to spread is the most sensible approach. 

2. Avoid touching or scratching the verruca
As verrucas are spread via contact, it’s really important to avoid touching or scratching them where possible. If you do need to touch them for any reason, ensure that you wear gloves and that you wash your hands thoroughly before and afterwards.

3. Wash socks, hosiery and towels at 60 degrees
As HPV can spread via contaminated surfaces, ensure your towels/socks/hosiery are washed at a higher temperature to help kill any bacteria that might be lingering.

4. Don’t go barefoot
Help protect yourself and others by keeping your feet covered, whether that’s by wearing shoes in communal areas, or wearing a waterproof plaster whilst swimming.

Join us next Friday where we’ll be discussing the most common treatment options for verrucas.

Need to book in for our verruca treatments?
Give us a call today on 01226 759 660 or contact us here to book your appointment.

what is a verruca

What is a verruca?

by Business

Welcome back to another mini series! This time, we’re discussing another popular question we get asked in our clinics: what is a verruca? 

Now that the summer months are here (yippee!), the number of patients seeking treatment for verrucas are beginning to rise. So, over the coming weeks, we’ll be giving you all the information you need to know on what exactly a verruca is and how to lower your risk of getting them. We’ll also be sharing our top tips on how to treat them to help keep your feet looking and feeling great this summer.

So, what is a verruca? 

A verruca is a wart on the foot that’s caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): a super common virus that most people will have at some point in their lives. HPV is often asymptomatic, unproblematic, and disappears on its own without treatment. However, it sometimes leads to growths – like warts or verrucas. It can easily enter the sole of the foot through broken skin, making HPV highly contagious, and verrucas very common.

Verrucas are small, rough lumps that can vary in size: from the size of a tiny pinprick to 1cm more or more. They’re often white or have a yellow tinge. You can often spot the telltale sign of a verruca by their ‘cauliflower’ appearance, and the tiny dots of dried blood capillaries that can be spotted at their centre. Sometimes, a chiropodist may refer to them as a ‘plantar wart.’

Are verrucas painful?

Commonly appearing on areas of larger pressure, like the balls of the feet, or the heels, means that verrucas can indeed feel painful. Our patients often say that the pain feels like ‘standing on a needle’.

Image courtesy of NHS.uk

Can verrucas spread?

Yes – verrucas can actually spread fairly quickly if they’re left untreated. Because verrucas can be very itchy, patients often can’t resist the urge to scratch them. This can lead to the spread of the infection which causes a cluster of warts (known as ‘mosaic warts’). These are harder to get rid of and often cause more pain as the infected area becomes larger. 

It’s also really easy to infect other people if you have a verruca. The infection spreads by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contaminated surfaces. So as you can imagine, places like swimming pools and communal changing rooms are real hotspots for picking up the virus. What’s more, if your skin is damaged or damp, you’re even more susceptible.

How do I prevent verrucas?

Great question! Next week, we’ll be sharing our top tips with you on how you can minimise the risk. Look out for our new post on Friday!

Need to book in for our verruca treatments?
Give us a call today on 01226 759 660 or contact us here to book your appointment.

Girl standing on painted yellow smiley face with arrow pointing to the smiley face

How a Podiatrist can treat Plantar Fasciitis

by Business

Welcome back to our blog! We hope you’ve been enjoying our mini post series all about Plantar Fasciitis. In today’s post, we’ll be telling you all about how a Podiatrist can treat Plantar Fasciitis.

If you’ve missed our previous posts, you can find them here to catch up:
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
5 tips to get relief from Plantar Fasciitis at home

So, now you’re all clued up on what Plantar Fasciitis is, and how you can treat it at home – what happens if you still can’t seem to get any relief?

This is where your local Podiatrist will become your new best friend!

A healthcare professional, a Podiatrist is a specialist in diagnosing and helping to treat conditions and issues of the feet and lower limbs. So whether you’re struggling with a verruca, have an ingrown toenail or have Plantar Fasciitis, a Podiatrist will help get your feet feeling fabulous again. 

Girl standing on painted yellow smiley face with arrow pointing to the smiley face

Here’s how a Podiatrist can treat Plantar Fasciitis.

1. Giving you a diagnosis

Your Podiatrist will usually be able to diagnose Plantar Fasciitis by asking you about your symptoms, and giving you a foot examination. Sometimes they might check your BMI to ensure you’re within a healthy weight (as obesity can make you more likely to experience Plantar Fasciitis). They may also refer you to have an X-ray, or an ultrasound to rule out any other causes.

2. Recommending the best at-home self care to try

Podiatrists are true experts in all things feet, and have plenty of home-care tips and tricks to help you get the pain relief you deserve. Click here to read our previous post to check out five of our top tips for at-home relief. 

3. Showing you pain-relieving exercises

Along with the tips above, your Podiatrist will show you the most effective exercises to help you find relief. 

A great source of information for effective exercises comes from BUPA:

“Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretch
Keep a towel by your bed. Before you get up, loop a long towel around the ball of your foot and pull it. Keep your leg straight. Hold this for 30 seconds. Repeat this three times for each foot.

Wall push
Stand facing a wall, with one foot in front of the other. Your feet should be shoulder width apart and facing the wall, with your front knee bent and your back knee straight.

Place both your hands on the wall, shoulder width apart. Lean towards the wall by bending your front knee. You’ll feel the stretch through your calf in the back leg. Hold for 30 to 45 seconds, then relax. Repeat three to four times, two to three times a day.

The further the back leg is from the wall, the greater the stretch. So, you should start closer to the wall to begin and over time move the back leg further way from the wall.

Stair stretch
Stand on a stair, facing upstairs and holding onto the rail for support. Position your feet so that your heels hang over the end of the step, and your legs are slightly apart. Lower your heels, until you feel tightening in your calves. Hold this position for 20 to 60 seconds, then relax. Repeat six times.

Plantar fascia stretch
While you’re sitting down, roll your foot over a round object – such as a rolling pin, drinks can or tennis ball. Allow your foot and ankle to move in all directions. Carry on for a few minutes or until you feel discomfort. Repeat at least twice a day.

Another way to stretch your plantar fascia is to sit down, crossing one foot over your knee. Then, grab your toes and pull them back towards your body. Hold this for 15 to 20 seconds and repeat three times.”

4. Making custom-made orthoses

From insoles to heel and arch supports: did you know that Podiatrists can actually make custom-made orthoses for you? This gives you the perfect support within your footwear and helps to give you relief. Additionally, your Podiatrist might suggest taping your foot or even wearing a splint during the night. 

5. Referring you for further treatment 

Sometimes, further treatment for Plantar Fasciitis is needed. From steroid injections to shockwave therapy. If your Podiatrist feels this is necessary, they’ll refer you for further treatment and help you get the relief that you need. In extreme cases, surgery is sometimes offered as a very last resort.

Need a little help or advice for your Plantar Fasciitis? Give us a call today on 01226 759 660 or contact us here to book your appointment.