Overview of Podiatric conditions that I can treat
Skin Problems
Foot Ulcers
A foot ulcer is an open sore on the foot some are deep some are not. A deep foot ulcer may be a cavity that extends through the full thickness of the skin. It may involve tendons, bones and other deep structures. People with diabetes or people with poor circulation are more likely to develop foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are most common for people who have health problems like peripheral neuropathy, circulatory problems and abnormalities in the bones or muscles of the feet.
Athlete's Foot
The medical term for this is Tinea Pedis and there are 3 types.
- Interdigital: found in between the toes and is very itchy
- Moccasin: presenting as dry, non itchy, flaky skin on the bottom & sides of the foot. Often accompanied by fungal toenails. People are generally unaware of this one because there is no itching and usually diagnosed by a Podiatrist.
- Inflammatory: blistering itchy rash, prone to secondary bacterial infections.
Fungal spores can survive in shoes for up to 2 years and at an extra small fee I can treat patients’ footwear and prevent re-infection of the athlete’s foot.
Eczema
Eczema of the Foot is no different to eczema you get anywhere else. Eczema is inflammation of the skin. It varies, but the usual symptoms generally appear as dry, red and extremely itchy patches of skin and can sometimes cause blisters.
Cracked Heels
The medical term for this is heel fissures. Cracked heels are a very common foot condition which can cause discomfort and if serious, can cause pain too. Dry skin, thickened skin and sometimes yellow or brown calluses around the heal edge is the result of them. In most cases the only problem of cracked heels is the appearance of them. Cracked heels can be caused by either most commonly dry skin but also obesity, poorly fitting shoes, or standing for a long period of time.
Corns
Foot corns are the result of hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin reacts to friction and pressure. Symptoms of foot corns are rough, tough, yellowing patches of lumpy or bumpy skin on the sides of the toes. Ill-fitting shoes, tight shoes and high heels can compress areas of your feet to cause you to get them.
Toenail Problems
Fungal Toenails
The medical term for this is Onychomycosis. Early detection and treatment is essential. Once the fungus has entered into the cuticle, the nail will always grow with fungus and the only treatment for this is prescription only medication from the GP. The tablets are only about 70% successful and can potentially cause liver problems, so it is not always suitable for some people.
Thickened Toenails
The medical term for this is Onychauxis. Sometimes caused by trauma to the toenail. Varying degrees of thickness. If very thickened toenails are left untreated, there is a potential risk of developing ulcers under the actual nail plate.
Ingrowing Toenails
The medical term for this is Onychocryptosis. Often associated with involuted (curved) toenails and poor nail cutting. If the toenails are cut too short with a nail spike down the side, then this can lead on to an ingrowing toenail. Antibiotics are often needed to treat any infection, but ultimately the nail spike needs to be removed to resolve the situation. An ingrowing toenail will never ‘grow out’ on its own. In severe cases, nail surgery under local anaesthetic will be required, along with the application of phenol to stop the offending side of nail growing back. A new patient appointment is required beforehand, to determine suitability for nail surgery under local anaesthetic.
Diabetic Foot Treatment
Foot Ulcers
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that can occur with diabetic patients and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Of those who develop a foot ulcer, up to 6 percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complications. These can be caused by lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, and trauma, as well as the duration of diabetes.
Foot Risk Assessments
The diabetic foot assessment is really important when in the care of a patient with diabetes. The assessment includes risk factor identification in both the diabetic patient’s history and physical examination, foot care education, treatment, and referrals as needed.
Referrals
Patients will be immediately referred to a specialised diabetic foot centre for surgical care, revascularisation, and rehabilitation if there are signs of infected ulcers, sepsis or ischaemia.
Footwear Advice
Footcare Education
Looking after your feet is essential. As part of our service we can help educate to understand the things you can do at home to have healthy feet.
Footwear & Insoles
Good footwear and insoles are very important although they can often be overlooked. We can support your understanding about the right shoes for your feet and advise if insoles would be beneficial.
Toe Props, Wedges, Padding & Strapping
There are a variety of other shoe accessories that can be useful to help many conditions. These include props, wedges, padding and straps. We are able to advise on the most suitable foot support to help your problems to restore your foot comfort.
Price Guide
New Patient Assessment: from £58
Follow Up Appointments: from £48
Nail Surgery: from £420
Follow up appointments tend to be cheaper, but this depends on how much treatment is required.
For further information or to book an appointment please contact me.
