Podiatry & Chiropody

General foot & lower limb pain advice & treatment
Take a step towards more comfort and less pain

Podiatry & Chiropody

What is Podiatry

    • New patient Podiatry / Chiropody
    • Routine Podiatry / Chiropody
    • Biomechanics assessment
    • Biomechanics review
    • Insoles & Footwear
    • Nail care; cutting, fungal, corns
    • Verrucae treatments
    • Ingrown toenail care and nail surgery
    • Nail reconstruction

    What is Podiatry?

    • General foot & lower limb advice & treatment including orthotic insoles

    What issues can Podiatry help with?

    • Lower back pain – such as Sacro-Iliac Dysfunction
    • Hip pain – such as Trochanteric Bursitis
    • Knee pain – such as Patellafemoral pain or Illiotibial Band Friction Syndrome
    • Shin pain – such as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (shin splints) or Compartment Syndrome
    • Foot pain – such as Plantar fasciitis or Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia)
    • Podiatrists also deal with children’s growth problems, complications from medical disorders and provide routine chiropody.

    New patient Podiatry / Chiropody

    What is this appointment for?

    A new patient appointment is for all of our new customers who have problems with their nails, corns, callus and other surface level problems.

    What happens at this appointment?

    On your first appointment we will take your medical history, any medications you take and perform some assessments such as: circulation and nerve sensitivity. This helps us understand your health status and improve our treatment options for you.

    We will agree on your treatment plan and perform any foot care / treatments needed on the day within the time frame available.

    Routine Podiatry / Chiropody

    What is this appointment for?

    This is for all our existing patients that have already had their new patient assessment. We will provide your ongoing foot care as previously agreed.

    What happens at this appointment?

    We will check for any changes or new problems and provide the foot care you need.

    Can I book this appointment?

    If you have been within 6 months by our practitioners then you can book this appointment.

    Podiatry IABA; Initial Assessment and Biomechanics Assessment

    What is this appointment for?

    This appointment is for people who have pain or injuries in their feet or lower limb. Whether it is new or old pain or for preparation for an upcoming physical event. This appointment can also be used for a more detailed gait analysis with a view to purchasing insoles and shoes.

    What happens at this appointment?

    We will take an in depth medical history, recording any incidents of injury, trauma or accident in the past. This helps us understand the origin of pain and any compensatory presentation. We examine the foot and lower limb for range of movement, strengths and weaknesses. If appropriate a gait analysis can be performed to help our diagnosis.

    We will agree a treatment plan based on our findings and one that fits with your lifestyle. This may involve exercise plans, footwear advice and insoles. Sometimes we refer to colleagues for further investigation and imaging.

    What should I wear?

    For comfort and ease of movement, leggings or shorts, or loose-fitting joggers.

    What should I bring?

    To help us understand more about your gait and standing please bring a few pairs of your most worn shoes as well as those you currently wear.

    Can I book this appointment?

    If this is a new biomechanical problem then book this appointment.

    Podiatry review; Biomechanics review

    What is this appointment for?

    This is a follow up appointment to review progress of your treatment plan and discuss any further exercise regimes, referrals or advice needed to ensure we stay on path for your goals.

    Can I book this appointment?

    If you have been seen before by our practitioners then you can book this appointment.

    Fungal nail care – Book New or Routine Chiropody Appointment

    What is this?

    Fungal nails can be worrisome and unsightly for many people. A fungal nail is an infection of the nail bed and not considered harmful., if left untreated the infection can spread to other toes. Once the infection has covered most of the nail bed it can cause longer term problems and is more difficult to treat.

    What are fungal nails?

    Fungal nail (onychomycosis) is a type of infection. This infection is not bacterial but instead is caused by a fungus which can cause the nail to become thickened, crumbly and discoloured. A number of different fungi can cause fungal nail.

    They thrive in warm, moist dark environments; footwear provides a perfect breeding ground.

    What causes fungal nails?

    Fungal nails can occur when there is damage to the nail and the fungal elements can enter the nail bed.

    What are the signs and symptoms of fungal nails?

    The signs of a fungal nail can vary, but may include:

    • Thickened nails
    • Discoloured nails
    • Debris beneath the nail plate
    • Cracks in the nail
    • Crumbing nail

    How are fungal nails diagnosed?

    A fungal nail can usually be diagnosed based on the signs, symptoms and a history of the nail presentation. Prior to any treatments we would confirm the presence of a dermatophyte infection with a nail test (additional fees apply) on site that takes 5 minutes to ensure we are recommending and offering the correct treatment options.

    Benefits of Podiatry treatment for fungal nails

    The podiatrist can advise you on treatment, as well as provide information and advice on how to prevent the infection from either spreading or recurring. If nails are thickened your podiatrist can thin the nail(s) making them less unsightly. Thinning the nail will also allow any topical antifungals to penetrate the nail; making topical anti-fungal treatment more effective.

    What would podiatry for fungal nails involve?

    Following assessment, which includes recording a medical history as well as a history of the problem. This information, along with examination of the affected nail(s) and an assessment of the foot will enable the podiatrist to usually reach a diagnosis.

    There are a number of treatments for fungal nails, this is dependent upon the extent and severity of the infection, and the individual patient. The treatment plan will be will be one that is mutually agreed between the patient and the podiatrist, and in some cases the GP. Please see following for further information on treatment options:

    Can I book this appointment?

    For fungal nail care Book New or Routine Chiropody Appointment

    Verrucae treatments; Book New or Routine Chiropody Appointment

    What is a verruca?

    Verrucae are also known as plantar verruca and plantar warts. The virus that causes them is called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and has 46 distinct types. Each a slightly different type of wart. They are abnormal tissue growths that are confined to the outer layer of the skin. They are found mostly in the younger population but can occur at any age.

    They do not always have to have visible black spot, but some do, and they are not always painful. Some warts may have spontaneous resolution whilst others may be very resistant to treatment or last a life time.

    Are they contagious?

    The virus is contagious and is often transmitted in public areas such as changing rooms and swimming pool areas. The verruca virus enters the skin in areas of trauma, cuts, grazes and wounds.

    How can I prevent catching a verruca?

    • Never use anyone else’s towel or shoes
    • If you have any broken skin on your feet, always keep it covered with a waterproof plaster. This will keep it clean and help prevent many infections
    • Always keep your feet covered; flip flops, pool shoes, socks, when in a communal area such as changing rooms, pools and showers

    What are the types of treatments?

    As the source of the problem is a virus, it is your own immune system which will fight it off. The majority of treatments are designed to cause trauma to the area that is infected. This will cause your immune system to target the area.

    Many treatments are available by a podiatrist and over the counter products are also easy to come by. People with diabetes or patients with a poor circulation should not use these products. Many treatments can be a very slow and frustrating process.

    All treatment options will be discussed with you during the appointment to ensure you have the best possible outcome. As the treatment options are so varied and dependent on each person’s preference and suitability it is not possible to agree a plan before an initial assessment.

    Can I book this appointment?

    For verrucae treatments Book New or Routine Chiropody Appointment

    Ingrown toenail care and treatments; initially Book New or Routine Chiropody Appointment

    An ingrown toenail can be very painful, and if left untreated the pain can affect the way we walk.

    What are ingrown toenails?

    Ingrown toenails occur when the side/s of the nail pierce and then grow into the surrounding skin. The result is pain and inflammation, and in some cases infection.

    What causes an ingrown toenail?

    Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails than others. For example, some people inherit a nail shape that makes then more susceptible. Other causes include:

    • Poor nail cutting
    • Ill-fitting footwear
    • Fungal infection
    • Sweaty feet

    What would you do for an ingrown toenail?

    We will discuss the treatment options open to you, and these are dependent on medical history and the lifestyle of each individual.

    Ingrown toenails can be treated either conservatively (non-surgical intervention) or surgically.

    The following treatments may be offered:

    • Nail surgery: This involves removing either part of the nail (a partial nail avulsion), or the entire nail (a total nail avulsion) under local anaesthetic. A chemical called phenol is then applied to prevent the nail from growing back and causing reoccurrence.
    • Removal of nail spike. Sometimes if it is caught early we are able to use a small nipper to remove the spike causing the pain and wound.
    • Packing. This is available of the nail spike / corner is visible or able to be reached. Packing is the placement of sterile gauze under the offending nail corner to lift it away from the skin and allow the nail to grow up avoiding puncturing the skin.

    Can I book this appointment?

    For ingrown toenail care and assessment Book New or Routine Chiropody Appointment

    Nail reconstruction; Book New or Routine Chiropody Appointment

    We are able to reconstruct and remodel your toenails using this safe and effective treatment. Wilde-Pedique Silver plus (also called LCN, which stands for light-cured nails) is known World-Wide and has been used for cosmetic reconstruction of nails for over 20 years. Many nail reconstructions will be performed in conjunction with a podiatry treatment.

    What is Wilde-Pedique Silver plus?

    It is a cosmetic light cured medicated gel with antimicrobial properties which can be used to correct or reconstruct toenails or as a prosthesis. It contains colloidal silver and piroctone olamine (a slow-release antifungal agent) with hypoallergenic characteristics. The gel comes in a variety of natural colours to suit skin tone and personal preference.

    When applied it functions as a strong and flexible natural nail without being thick. They can be cut and filed and nail polished applied and removed as with natural nails. The nails function with all sports and water activities, as with a natural nail it can be damaged by trauma direct to the nail.

    The nail reconstruction can last up to 4-7 weeks. Ideal for summer holidays and special occasions when we need our feet out and nails to look good.

    Why would you want a Wilde-Pedique Silver plus treatment?

    ·       Fungal nails

    This treatment can be used in conjunction with fungal nail treatment either in the form of topical or oral anti-fungal treatment. Although Wilde-Pedique Silver plus is not a cure for fungal infections, it should help in limiting the spread of the fungal infection and it can boost your confidence to show off your feet.

    ·       Nails damaged by trauma or removed surgically

    A prosthetic nail can aid nail regrowth in conjunction with podiatric treatment where possible, sometimes the nail bed is too damaged to allow regrowth, this can be discussed with the podiatrist. In the case of totally missing nail a prosthetic can be made and glued to the nail bed.

    ·       Cracked / split nails

    Wilde-Pedique Silver plus provides an overlay to the nail to prevent snagging and protects until the split has grown out.

    Can I book this appointment?

    For an assessment for nail reconstruction to see if this is the right appointment for you and your first time visiting us please book a new patient podiatry / chiropody appointment.

    All practitioners are HCPC registered.

What are Orthotics?

Orthoses are special inserts that go inside your shoes, designed from impressions of your feet. These are intended to control or improve the way your foot and leg works during normal walking and running (functional), or redistribute force and cushion your foot and leg from the pressure it receives during walking and running.

Our practitioners have excellent links with the private hospitals and specialist consultants in the area. Treatment can be covered by most major insurance companies.
All practitioners are HCPC registered.