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. 

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.

women's feet on a brown rock

Answering your FAQ’s on Plantar Fasciitis

by Business

Today we’re going to be answering your FAQ’s on Plantar Fasciitis to conclude our mini series on this bothersome issue that so many of us have and will experience. 

Missed any of our last posts? Don’t worry! You can find them all here:
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
5 tips to get relief from Plantar Fasciitis at home
How a Podiatrist can treat Plantar Fasciitis

women's feet on a brown rock

Let’s begin answering your FAQ’s on Plantar Fasciitis.

Why have I got Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis can be caused by a number of reasons. Some of which include: standing or sitting for long periods of time, exercising on hard surfaces, being overweight and wearing poorly-fitting footwear. 

How can I prevent Plantar Fasciitis?

First and foremost, consider your footwear carefully. You need to make sure you’re wearing well cushioned footwear that support your foot and arch. 

Before exercising, make sure you warm up and stretch properly to avoid injury, and try to do low-impact exercises like swimming over running.

How long will Plantar Fasciitis last?

Usually, Plantar Fasciitis resolves by itself within 6-18 months with self-care at home. However, it can last much longer and become a chronic condition. It’s important to speak to your Podiatrist if you’re struggling with Plantar Fasciitis – you may need specialist care which will help you get the relief you deserve.

Should I lose weight to get relief?

If you’re overweight, it’s always a great idea to healthily lose the extra weight. This reduces the pressure on your Plantar Fascia, which will in turn give you some relief.  

What is the best painkiller to take?

Ibuprofen is a great over the counter medication for Plantar Fasciitis pain. NSAIDs like this (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) work by blocking your body’s production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. In turn, this decreases swelling and eases pain.

Alternatively, your GP may prescribe a medication called Naproxen which is also an NSAID.

Can I still exercise if I have Plantar Fasciitis?

Yes! It’s as important to keep moving as it is to rest when it comes to Plantar Fasciitis. As we mentioned above, go for low impact exercises like swimming. Also, make sure you do your stretches as recommended by your Podiatrist (you can find them in this post here.)

I’ve got back pain – is this caused by my Plantar Fasciitis?

Sometimes, perhaps, due to the change in your posture (as you try to avoid the pain), you can experience back pain with Plantar Fasciitis.

What’s the best thing to do if I think I have Plantar Fasciitis?

Call your Podiatrist and arrange an appointment to go see them. They’ll be able to offer you a diagnosis and treatment options. 

We really hope you’ve enjoyed our mini post series on Plantar Fasciitis 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.

January 2021 restrictions

by Business

We remain open during the January 2021 restrictions

January lockdown

Hello, I hope you are all staying safe? I’m sure that you are all aware that the Prime Minister announced that in order to curb the spread of the new mutant COVID-19 virus, England will return to a full lockdown with immediate effect.

Health Care is not affected HCPC registered Podiatrists are allowed to remain open.

Podiatrists can continue with clinic visits, home visits and treating patients in nursing homes. Patients can still travel for their healthcare needs.

We will continue to review this information and correspond any changes advised from our governing bodies; GOV.COM, NHS and CoP (College of Podiatry).

Shielding

Patients who are shielding, we are a safe environment for you to visit, we have, HEPA air purifiers in all our rooms, and the surgery is certified Bio-Clean once a month, this is in addition to our daily routines. For your safety and the safety of our staff we have installed shielding screens in our reception and our treatment room, all staff are wearing PPE.

Should you have any concerns please contact the surgery 01226 759660 or use the contact form on this site. Contact Us.

Safety First

To make your visit as safe and as efficient as possible, we ask that you follow the below protocol:
– Please arrive just on time – our waiting room will not be available during this time.
– Please arrive to your appointment alone or ask your chaperone to wait outside.
To minimise the risk of infection, we are adhering to the strictest of hygiene practices as usual. Additionally, we will be allocating extra time in-between appointments to allow us to clean our workspace and reception area thoroughly.
We will also be wearing PPE including aprons, double gloves and face protection.
We appreciate if payments are made by card where possible.

We are unable to accept patients who are isolating, or live within a household that is isolating.

November lock down

by Business

Hands – Face – Space

We remain open during the forthcoming lockdown

Hello to my wonderful clients. I hope you are staying safe? I’m sure that you are all aware that the Prime Minister is moving us all into a November lock down.

As regulated medical professionals I’m pleased to announce after confirmation from the College of Podiatry that we are able to remain open, obviously this will be kept under review and may change as we continue to get medical updates from our governing bodies; GOV.COM, NHS and CoP (College of Podiatry).

We feel confident that our surgery is a safe environment for our patients. We will continue to provide treatments for our existing and new patients, in our Covid compliant surgery.

Shielding patients rest assured that we are a safe environment for you to visit, we have, HEPA air purifiers in all our rooms, and the surgery is certified Bio-Clean once a month, this is in addition to our daily routines. For your safety and the safety of our staff we have installed shielding screens in our reception and our treatment room, all staff are wearing PPE.

Should you have any concerns please contact the surgery 01226 759660 or use the contact form on this site. Contact Us.

Safety First

To make your visit as safe and as efficient as possible, we ask that you follow the below protocol:
– Please arrive just on time – our waiting room will not be available during this time.
– Please arrive to your appointment alone or ask your chaperone to wait outside.
To minimise the risk of infection, we are adhering to the strictest of hygiene practices as usual. Additionally, we will be allocating extra time in-between appointments to allow us to clean our workspace and reception area thoroughly.
We will also be wearing PPE including aprons, double gloves and face protection.
We appreciate if payments are made by card where possible.

We are unable to accept patients who are isolating, or live within a household that is isolating.

Emergency appointments extended

by Business
Stay Alert – Control the Virus – Save Lives

Hello to my wonderful clients. How are you all doing? I’m sure that you were all pleased to hear that the Prime Minister recently announced that many of us will now able to start cautiously returning to work. I’m pleased to say that this includes my team and I. However, our revised opening hours will be kept on review and may change as we continue to get medical updates from our governing bodies; GOV.COM, NHS and CoP (College of Podiatry).

As some of you may have seen from our last blog post, we have been able to treat some emergency appointments during the lockdown. Although we cannot see all patients, I’m pleased to announce that we are now able to include a further group of patients.

When booking appointments, strict triage rules will continue as we prioritise our appointments.

Emergency patients

– Are at risk of ulceration
– Are at risk of the break-down of ulcers
– Patients with infections
– Patients experiencing severe pain
We are also able to accept patients who are key workers, who if not treated, would not be able to continue to work.

Booking Appointments

If you need to book an appointment at our clinic or arrange a home visit for those eligible, please call 01226 759660. A surcharge of £3 per appointment will be added to all appointments.

Safety First

To make your visit as safe and as efficient as possible, we ask that you follow the below protocol:
– Please arrive just on time – our waiting room will not be available during this time.
– Please arrive to your appointment alone or ask your chaperone to wait outside.
To minimise the risk of infection, we are adhering to the strictest of hygiene practices as usual. Additionally, we will be allocating extra time in-between appointments to allow us to clean our workspace and reception area thoroughly.
We will also be wearing PPE including aprons, double gloves and face protection.
We appreciate if payments are made by card where possible.

We are unable to accept emergency patients who are isolating, or live within a household that is isolating.

Revised Opening Times

OUR REVISED OPENING TIMES

You can book an appointment with us during the Covid-19 restrictions on the following days and times:

Mon 10 – 2 pm
Wed 8.30 – 12 noon
Thu 1.30 – 4.30 pm Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you feel that you need help – we will be happy to advise you on whether you should visit us for an appointment at our clinic or home visit for those eligible. 

Take care and please do stay home as much as possible to stay safe and help to support our NHS.