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There's a popular misconception that chiropody is a service we tend to need as we approach our more senior years. This couldn't be further from the truth, as the diagnosis and treatment of problems in a child usually results in a more comfortable life on our adult feet! Below are some of the common problems we treat:
Flat Feet/High Arches:
If you have either of these characteristics, it is important to have your feet assessed (as young as possible) to ensure there is no underlying cause which is likely to give rise to problems in later life.
Bio-mechanics:
We carry out a basic examination and, if we consider a more advanced one is required, refer you appropriately.
Bunion:
A bunion (an enlargement of the big toe joint) can vary in severity and is usually the result of a hereditary type of gait. It is vital they are treated, as they will eventually lead to severe discomfort in walking or even standing, which in turn will lead to back problems.
Corns and Calluses:
These thickened areas of skin - which are usually soft if between the toes and hard when on top of the toe - are the body's response to too much pressure in a particular area. Often associated with inflammation, pain and swelling (bursitis), they can be disabling and should not be left untreated, particularly in diabetic patients.
Diabetes:
It's common knowledge that regular, professional foot care is essential for the diabetic patient. If we consider it necessary, we conduct a neuropathy test on the feet, using a monofilament and a tuning fork, and also palpate the pulses in the foot. Foot care and footwear advice is also given.
Hammertoes:
This condition is the result of abnormal contraction and a muscle imbalance, leaving your toe in a bent position. Once the toe stiffens, it can can become inflamed and painful from rubbing against the shoe, and a corn or callus may also develop on the top of the affected toe. There are a variety of treatments and, if we feel your condition is sufficiently severe to require injections or surgical intervention, we will refer you appropriately.
Heel Pain:
There are many contributory factors to heel pain and we're usually able to offer palliative care. If, having discussed and examined your individual case, we consider specialist medical advice is necessary, we will make the appropriate referral.
Ingrown Toenails:
There are a variety of causes of this painful condition, usually affecting the big toe, and it is essential that correct treatment is sought, particularly in the diabetic patient or those with poor circulation.
Neuroma:
This condition, which is an inflammation of a sensory nerve in the foot, is most common between the third and fourth toes and can result in varying degrees of pain. It can be treated non-surgically, but we will make the appropriate referral should we consider surgery to be necessary.
Neuropathy:
This disease of sensory and motor nerves, resulting in burning, stinging, tingling or numbness, is most commonly associated with Diabetes, but there can be other contributory factors. We're able to offer palliative care for the symptoms.
Paraffin Wax Treatment:
This is a deep moisturising treatment for very dry feet and can also, for a short time, ease the pain in arthritic feet. The feet are dipped into warm paraffin wax several times, and then covered with a plastic bag and bootees (to keep in the heat) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the wax starts to go cold. Whilst it's a very relaxing treatment, there are contraindications and a consultation would need to be carried out prior to treatment.
Warts:
Warts are most likely to affect children, young people and those with weakened immune systems. The most common area to be affected on the foot is the plantar surface (bottom) and it's usually unnecessary to have warts removed surgically. Depending on their location, they can, of course, be painful to treat.
"Wilde Pedique" Treatment
We're one of the few clinics able to offer this nail prosthesis treatment for people with unsightly, damaged or fungal toe nails.
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