Martin was recommended by my brother having treated both my brother and nephew successfully. Very pleased I saw Martin as I realise how important feet are and feel I have identified an issue just in time.
S. Marrs
It is mandatory for Podiatrists to be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council and to undertake regular ongoing training and development in order to maintain the necessary skills to practice safely and effectively.
Podiatry (and chiropody) involves the diagnosis, treatment and management of disorders that affect the foot, ankle and lower limb. This can involve everything from simple foot and nail treatments, to more complex problems, such as foot, knee, hip and back pain arising from misalignments in the lower limb. The fitting of specialised insoles, called Orthoses, to improve balance, stability, and alignment in the joints of the lower limb, can compensate for such misalignments.
When Should I See a Podiatrist?
Many people don’t know when to visit a podiatrist, and we find that many of our patients wait longer than they need to before they come in to see us. Foot pain is not normal and putting up with painful feet is very uncomfortable.
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1. Ingrown Toenails
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Ingrown toenails are caused either by curvature of the nail or abnormal skin growth that creates a very painful border to the toenail. It can occur on any toenail of the foot, and can get infected very fast so it is very important to seek treatment to prevent the ingrown toenail from getting worse. There are three main solutions to the problem of ingrown toenail: minor resection, bracing or wedge resection with phenolisation using local anaesthesia.
2. Numbness or Swelling
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If you have pain and swelling (oedema) in one foot and not the other you should see a podiatrist. There are many problems that need to be investigated which could be causing the pain and swelling for example a broken bone, infection, tendinitis or tendon rupture. Swelling in both feet and ankles could be due to lymphoedema. Whatever the cause it is always a good idea to come in to see the podiatrist to diagnose and treat a problem before it gets worse. At Petts Wood Practice we liaise with your family doctor and other specialists for best care.
3. Flattened Arches
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If you notice that your feet flatten out when standing this could be a sign of excess pronation and/or tendon dysfunction or even rupture. A tendon that does not work properly can lead to the bones not being lined up which in time can cause arthritis in the joints. Seeing a podiatrist for analysis of your gait and treating the problem early may prevent further joint damage.
4. Heel Pain
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Any kind of pain in the heel needs to be seen by a podiatrist. With heel pain it is important to take note of what kind of pain it is and when it occurs. Classically heel pain is called plantar fasciitis and treatment includes assessment, diagnosis, insole therapy, physiotherapy, advice and injections if needed. Also an x-ray may be required to rule out the possibility of bone spurs, gout crystals, and other injuries or pathologies.
5. Bunions
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Bunions are a structural deformity of the bones in the foot and can often become become swollen and irritated. They can be painful and may require surgical correction. Bunions should always be assessed as they are usually inherited and early advice can be very helpful in managing this condition over your lifetime.
6. Verrucas
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Verrucas are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), leading to warts on the soles of the feet. They can be painful, particularly when walking or standing for long periods. Verrucas are contagious and can spread in communal areas, so prompt treatment and prevention are important. Early assessment and intervention can help manage the condition effectively, and there are various treatments available to reduce discomfort and prevent recurrence.
Conditions treated by Chiropody / Podiatry
The following examples are instances where a visit to the podiatrist would be recommended.
Verrucas and Warts
Verrucas and warts are caused by a viral infection from the human papillomavirus (HPV), affecting the skin on the feet and other areas. These growths can be painful, especially on weight-bearing areas of the feet, and may spread if left untreated. Treatment options include cryotherapy, salicylic acid applications, and minor surgical procedures to remove the warts, reducing discomfort and preventing further spread. Treat with: chiropody
Flattened Arches
If you notice that your feet flatten out when standing this could be a sign of excess pronation and/or tendon dysfunction or even rupture. A tendon that does not work properly can lead to the bones not being lined up which in time can cause arthritis in the joints. Seeing a podiatrist for analysis of your gait and treating the problem early may prevent further joint damage. Treat with: chiropody
Bunions
Bunions are a structural deformity of the bones in the foot and can often become become swollen and irritated. They can be painful and may require surgical correction. Bunions should always be assessed as they are usually inherited and early advice can be very helpful in managing this condition over your lifetime. Treat with: chiropody
Pain in the Pad of the Foot
With any type of pain in the foot, a podiatrist should be seen to evaluate what is causing the pain, and to review treatment options. In many cases ball of foot pain coincides with seasonal changes – the problem directed at one particular pair of shoes. Other reasons are related to gait, occupation or age. Treat with: chiropody
Soreness in Toes
Soreness in the toes can be due to any number of injuries or conditions that our podiatrists would need to evaluate at the Practice. Local padding and insoles can be fitted to your shoes to alleviate toe pain, however, the root cause of your problem needs to be fully understood if long term treatment is to succeed. Treat with: chiropody
Heel Pain
Any kind of pain in the heel needs to be seen by a podiatrist. With heel pain it is important to take note of what kind of pain it is and when it occurs. Classically heel pain is called plantar fasciitis and treatment includes assessment, diagnosis, insole therapy, physiotherapy, advice and injections if needed. Also an x-ray may be required to rule out the possibility of bone spurs, gout crystals, and other injuries or pathologies. Treat with: chiropody
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused either by curvature of the nail or abnormal skin growth that creates a very painful border to the toenail. It can occur on any toenail of the foot, and can get infected very fast so it is very important to seek treatment to prevent the ingrown toenail from getting worse. There are three main solutions to the problem of ingrown toenail: minor resection, bracing or wedge resection with phenolisation using local anaesthesia. Treat with: ingrown toenail treatment
Discoloured or Yellow Toenails
Discoloured or yellow toe nails are often caused by a type of fungus of the nail, this can be very easily treated with topical ointments or in the more severe cases by oral medication. Alternatively, thickened toenails can just be painlessly ground down. Treat with: chiropody
Discomfort with Toenails
If you have problems reaching your own toenails, or have trouble trimming them properly to ensure that you don’t get ingrown nails or other nail problems, our clinical assistant in podiatry will be happy to trim them for you. Treat with: chiropody
Corns and Callus
Hard skin on your feet can be very painful and needs chiropody care to gently remove the hard skin with advice and treatment to prevent recurrence. Treat with: chiropody
Verrucas
A verruca, commonly known as a viral wart, typically appears on the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot. These warts are caused by a virus and can easily spread from person to person or from one part of the body to another. If a verruca persists for an extended period or becomes painful, it may require treatment from a podiatrist. At Chiropody.co.uk, we offer the following verruca treatments:
- Acid Treatment
- Verruca Needling
- Cryotherapy
- Debridement
- SWIFT Microwave Treatment
SWIFT Microwave Treatment for Verrucas
SWIFT is a cutting-edge, non-invasive procedure that uses microwave energy to target and destroy the virus causing verrucas. This treatment involves delivering controlled microwave energy to the affected area, effectively stimulating the body’s immune response to eradicate the wart. Clinical studies have shown that SWIFT has a higher success rate compared to traditional methods, with up to 83% of patients experiencing complete clearance of verrucas, making it a more comfortable and effective treatment option.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in affected tissues. It is particularly effective for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and other chronic tendon issues. By promoting blood flow and cellular repair, shockwave therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve function without the need for surgery.
Prices
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Consultation and treatment starting from... £65
To book and form more details on pricing including itemised treatments, please use our booking system.
Book an appointment
Use our online scheduling system to check availability and prices before booking your appointment.