These subtle symptoms might seem like nothing at first. But when they keep happening—or stick around longer than they should—they could be warning signs of something more serious.

What’s Causing That Tingling?

While occasional numbness (like when your leg “falls asleep”) is usually harmless, persistent or recurring symptoms should be checked out. Some common causes include:

Peripheral Neuropathy

This is when the nerves that carry messages between your brain and feet become damaged. It’s a very common complication of diabetes, but can also be caused by:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Alcohol overuse
• Side effects of certain medications
• Autoimmune or thyroid conditions

Patients with peripheral neuropathy often report:

• Burning or tingling sensations
• Numbness
• Sharp or stabbing pain
• A “dead” or “wooden” feeling in the feet

Poor Circulation

If blood isn’t flowing well to the feet—due to conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) — you might experience coldness, numbness, or aching feet. Left untreated, this can lead to delayed healing, ulcers, and increased infection risk.

Nerve Compression

Conditions such as sciatica, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or spinal disc issues can compress nerves and cause tingling that radiates down to the feet.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

Tingling and numbness aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re dangerous if ignored. When you lose sensation in your feet, you might not notice:

• Cuts or blisters
• Pressure sores
• Infections

This is especially critical for people with diabetes, who are more prone to complications like ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, amputation. Reduced feeling also affects your balance, increasing the risk of trips and falls—particularly in older adults.

What You Can Do About It

If you’ve noticed strange sensations in your feet, don’t shrug it off. There’s a lot we can do to catch issues early and protect your foot health.

• Book a Neurovascular Assessment
  At Medipod Clinics, we use tools like monofilaments and Doppler ultrasound to check how well your nerves and blood vessels are working. It’s quick, painless, and could help prevent serious complications.
• Track Your Symptoms
  Keep a note of what you’re feeling—when it happens, how long it lasts, and what seems to trigger it. This helps your podiatrist identify patterns and make the right diagnosis.
• Maintain a Foot Care Routine
  Moisturise daily, avoid walking barefoot, and inspect your feet regularly for cuts, swelling, or discolouration. Prevention is key.

Your Foot Health Matters More Than You Think

Tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in your feet are never something to ignore. They may seem minor at first, but they can be early warnings of serious conditions like peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, or compressed nerves.

The good news? With early intervention and expert care, many of these issues can be managed effectively protecting your mobility, independence, and overall wellbeing.

At Medipod Clinics, we’re passionate about looking after every aspect of your foot health. In addition to nerve and circulation assessments, we offer a wide range of treatments including:

• Laser therapy for fungal nails
• Management of ingrowing toenails
• Removal of corns and calluses
• Verruca treatments
• Nail reconstruction and much more

If you’ve noticed unusual sensations in your feet—or if you simply want to stay proactive about your foot health—our experienced podiatrists are here to help.

We treat every patient with the care, respect, and attention they deserve.

For advice or to book a consultation, please call us on 01455 246100.
We would absolutely love to help you stay healthy, comfortable, and confident on your feet.

Thank you for reading this month’s blog – The Silent Struggle: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Numbness or Tingling in Your Feet.

Take care,
Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post The Silent Struggle: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Numbness or Tingling in Your Feet appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Why Balance and Foot Health Change as We Age

Our feet contain small muscles, ligaments, and tendons that work together to keep us balanced. However, as we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which can weaken these muscles, reducing stability. Toes, particularly the big toe, play a major role in balance by stabilizing us during walking and standing. If toe flexibility or strength declines, we’re more prone to tripping.

Common Foot Conditions That Impact Balance

Certain conditions become more common with age and can impact balance:

• Flat Feet: Arch flattening affects weight distribution, leading to instability.
• Arthritis: Pain and stiffness in foot joints make fluid movement challenging, increasing fall risk.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage, often related to diabetes, reduces sensation in the feet, making balance harder.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Chronic heel pain alters movement, which can throw off balance.

Exercises to Strengthen Feet and Improve Balance

Simple exercises can improve foot strength and flexibility, supporting better balance:

• Toe Curls: Picking up small objects strengthens toe muscles.
• Calf Raises: Lifting onto the balls of the feet strengthens calves and ankles.
• Ankle Circles: Rotating the ankle keeps the joint flexible.

Balance-focused activities like tai chi, yoga, or Pilates strengthen feet, core, and legs, reducing fall risk. Even standing on one foot or walking briskly for 10 minutes daily can improve stability.

The Importance of Supportive Footwear

Wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes is vital. Our feet can change shape with age, so measuring regularly and choosing shoes with good support can reduce slips and trips.

Regular Foot Care and Check-ups

Routine podiatry visits help maintain foot health and balance. Orthotics may be recommended for added support.
In conclusion, prioritizing foot health through strengthening exercises, well-fitted footwear, and regular care can significantly reduce fall risk, helping maintain mobility and independence as we age.

If you have any questions or have a particular issue with your feet, our staff at Medipod Clinics can help you. Our experienced podiatrists will treat your feet with the respect and attention they deserve. For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have. I will be absolutely delighted to speak to you!

Thank you for reading this months blog, Prevention of Falls – A Guide for Patients.

Stay safe,
Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

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A lot of people are suffering from swelling in their feet and ankles, especially this time of the year when the temperatures are rising. Leakage of fluid from tiny blood vessels called capillaries into the surrounding tissues causes oedema (swelling). Your feet and ankles are particularly prone to swelling due to the effects of gravity – it’s difficult for your circulatory system to carry the build-up of fluid away from these areas. Swollen feet and ankles may look shiny and overstretched. It makes wearing shoes and socks more challenging and the additional friction can cause blisters and sores.

Common Causes of Swollen Feet and Ankles

There are different causes that can contribute to swelling of feet and ankles. Some of these include the following:

• Being overweight or obese – excess weight puts your circulation and legs under stress, which makes it more likely for fluid to build up.
• Hot weather – In hot weather the blood vessels expand to allow heat to escape in order to help you cool down. During this process fluid can easily escape too, causing swelling.
• Sitting or standing for long periods – not moving enough leads to poor circulation and pulling of fluid in the lower limb.
• Ageing – as you get older, your circulatory system gets weaker. You’re therefore more susceptible to swollen feet and ankles.
• Eating too much salt – Having too much salt in your diet disrupts your normal salt/water balance. As a result, your body tries to compensate by holding onto more fluid than it should.
• Pregnancy – it is not uncommon for an expectant mother to have swollen ankles and feet as her body retains more water than usual. Also, the weight of the baby can impair the circulation to her lower limps contributing to swelling.

How can you help yourself at home

There are various a few things you can try to relieve swollen feet and ankle at home. The aim is to improve circulation and encourage the body to reabsorb the fluid and carry it away.

• Raise your feet and ankles above heart level – when feet are raised gravity will help to move the excess fluid away.
• Gentle exercise and massage swollen areas – gentle massage towards the heart and light exercise such as movement like riding a bike can certainly help reduce swelling. Other exercises include swimming and walking.
• Reduce your salt intake, by avoiding foods such as crisps, microwave meals and cooking sauces can restore the salt/water balance in your body.
• Stay well hydrated – drink about two litres of water per day. Your body ends up holding onto more fluid than it should if you’re dehydrated.

At-home remedies can certainly help you to manage foot and ankle swelling, but if the problem lasts more than just a few days or it is getting worse, then you need to see a health care professional for a proper examination, advice, and treatment. Sometimes the presence of swelling is a sign of an underlying health problem such as, injury, infection, blood vessels impairment, Charcot foot or many other things. Your General Practitioner should be able to advise you on the best way to proceed. If you are experiencing pain and swelling is sudden and severe, please seek emergency medical assistance as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, sports injuries, and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading – Swollen Feet and Ankles.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Swollen Feet and Ankles appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

DIABETES FACTS

• • In the next 3 years the number of people worldwide who have diabetes is expected to rise to 380 million.
  • Up to 70% of lower limb amputations are performed on people with diabetes.
  • Up to 85% of all amputations are preceded by an ulcer.
  • Every 30 seconds, a lower limb is lost somewhere in the world as a consequence of diabetes.

What is it?

Diabetes develops from high blood sugar levels. This can cause damage to your blood vessels, affecting circulation to your feet as less blood is getting to your skin, muscles, and tissues. It also affects your nervous system in your body by stopping important messages getting to and from your brain. The longest nerves are more likely to be affected – those that reach all the way down to your legs and feet. This nerve damage is called neuropathy. Different types of diabetic neuropathy include sensory, motor, and autonomic.

What can I do to prevent complications?

If you wish to prevent foot problems, you need to manage your diabetes well by controlling your blood glucose levels, along with your blood pressure and cholesterol. A healthy and active lifestyle, especially if you are a non-smoker, can prevent or slow down any changes to the nerves and blood vessels that supply your legs and feet.

Everyone who has diabetes should also have their feet checked regularly with a healthcare professional (podiatrist, nurse or doctor) and at the very least once a year at their annual review. However, if you are at increased risk of complications, these inspections may be done more frequently.

Podiatrists can provide regular foot care by reducing the build-up of hard skin, managing your nail care, and offer advice on footwear, posture, exercises, wound management, minimise infections, circulation, padding and strapping, or any other foot related issues you may have.

How can a Podiatrist help me?

At your first appointment the podiatrist will assess your feet and check both the blood supply to your feet as well as any evidence of loss of sensation in your feet.

The assessment of the blood supply to your feet includes feeling the pulses in the feet, checking the colour, texture and quality of the skin and nails, feeling the temperature as well as asking questions about calf pain during walking. Most people have 2 pulses on their feet: one on the top (dorsalis pedis) and one on the inside of the ankle (posterior tibial). If the podiatrist cannot feel the pulses with their fingers, they may use a Doppler (hand-held scanner) to listen to them.

Sensation will most commonly be checked with a monofilament and tuning fork. The monofilament is a plastic probe that is designed to buckle at a given pressure and is a good indicator for loss of feeling.

Part of the assessment also includes any presence of foot deformities or signs of excessive loading. In this case, the podiatrist can offer advice on footwear or discuss a management plan that may involve provision of foot supports to minimise the pressure on your feet.

How serious is it? Diabetes and your feet

It is important to look after your feet when you have diabetes. Any injury or hard skin has the potential to develop into something more serious. When the skin is damaged, it may not heal so easily and sometimes this can cause an ulcer to form on your foot. Additionally, if you have lost feeling in your feet then it is possible that you may unknowingly damage your feet. You may stand on sharp objects like a nail, piercing the skin even down to the bone without realising it. If not noticed and not treated appropriately this can have potentially serious consequences and could lead to an amputation. Such an outcome is less likely if you seek expert advice from your multidisciplinary foot care team.

At Medipod Clinics, we take care of your feet. Our team of Podiatrists have a wealth of experience in managing foot problems. We also try to give you the information you need to keep your feet healthy.

Some of our podiatrists are very interested in the diabetic foot so we can offer expert advice about circulation, neuropathy, and reducing foot complications. We also offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, verrucas, fungal infections, thickened nails, heel pain and tendinitis. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading – Diabetes and your feet.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Diabetes and your feet appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

In this month’s blog we will explore bunions and toe deformities and discuss ways we can minimise discomfort from them while walking.

Understanding Bunions

A bunion is a bump that form on the outside of the big toe joint. The medical term for bunions is hallux abducto-valgus (HAV). Bunions are caused by the big toe pushing over on to the second, causing crossover of the toes, which makes it difficult to walk due to pressure on the toes from footwear. Once the big toe leans toward the second toe, the tendons no longer pull the toe in a straight line, so the problem tends to get progressively worse. The main contributing factors to this deformity are genetics, inappropriate footwear, and abnormal foot mechanics.

Women sometimes experience throbbing that continues even after removing their shoes. The site of the bunion can also be inflamed or red and can feel numb or have a burning sensation.

Understanding toe deformities

There are several types of lesser toe deformity and depending on the shape, they are called hammer toes, clawed toes or retracted toes. Toe deformities can occur when there is an imbalance with the intrinsic muscles within the foot and the leg. External pressures from shoes and direct injury can cause buckling of the toes that can result in toe deformities. Certain inflammatory and neurological conditions can cause toe deformities as well.

Hammertoes tend to be associated with bunions. A hammertoe is a bending of one or both joints of a toe. In most cases corns and calluses can built up on the toe, between the toes or on the ball of the foot due to constant friction from footwear. Inflammation, redness, or a burning sensation are also possible and in severe cases, skin can break down.

Are they serious?

Some people have large bunions that are painless but cause difficulties with footwear, while others have small bunions that can be very painful. Although some treatments can ease the pain from the bunions and toe deformities, only surgery can correct the alignment of the foot.

People who have reduced sensation on their feet or reduced circulation are more at risk of developing serious foot issues as they can present with ulcers on their toes. If left untreated, these issues can progress rapidly to limb threatening problems.

What treatments are available?

If you experience pain and discomfort from bunions and toe deformities, there are a few things to consider that can help alleviate your discomfort. Initially, I would recommend seeing a podiatrist who will assess your feet, identify and contributing factors to your discomfort and discuss a management plan. Your podiatrist may recommend the following:

• No treatment (you can elect to live with your foot deformities)
• Regular review by a podiatrist who will reduce the callus build-up periodically
• Exercises to strengthen the small muscles in between your toes
• Orthoses (special devices inserted into shoes to control abnormal foot function)
• Shoe alterations or night splints which hold toes straight during sleep (may help to slow the progression of bunions in children)

These are all conservative measures and although they may help relieve symptoms there is no evidence that they can correct the underlying deformity. Your podiatrist will be able to assess your feet and refer you for surgery, which can involve a combination of removing, realigning, and pinning of the bone. Once referred, your podiatric surgeon will evaluate the extent of the deformity and discuss with you a surgical management plan.

The aim of surgery is to address the underlying deformity to prevent recurrence. As with all surgery, there are risks and complications, so it is not usually advised unless your bunions and toe deformities are causing pain and conservative measures have not really helped.

How do I prevent foot deformities?

There are a few things to consider when it comes to prevention of bunions and toe deformities. Poorly fitting footwear tends to aggravate the problem as it can squeeze the forefoot, crowding the toes together and exacerbating the underlying condition, causing pain and deformity of the joint. With advancing age, bunions and toe deformities may progress.

Wearing sensible shoes that fit well is a good preventative measure. Try to pick shoes that are wide enough and deep enough for your toes and avoid high heels. Wearing a shoe with a strap or lace over the instep holds the foot secure and stable reducing the need for you to try to stabilise your foot with your toes.

Medipod Can Help – Why Do Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn?

At Medipod Clinics we have a wealth of experience when it comes to managing foot problems. As well as keeping up to date with the latest research and new treatments, we always try to give you the information and tools you need to keep your feet healthy.

Some of our podiatrists specialise in the mechanical function of your feet so we can offer expert advice about bunions, toe deformities, heel pain, tendinitis, and many more mechanical foot issues. We also offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, verrucas, fungal infections, thickened nails, and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading – Why Do Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn?.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Why Do Women’s Feet Hurt More in Autumn? appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Summertime Foot Hazards Going Barefoot

When the weather is hot, a lot of people tend to walk around barefoot. Although it feels good, going barefoot is generally not a good idea. Being barefoot increases your chance of injury or infection, and it can also cause achy muscles.

In the summer, the pavement absorbs a lot of heat. When the sun is shining, the ground can get hot enough to cause your skin to burn. This is particularly important for certain groups of people who have lost sensation of their feet. Thermal burns are very common in people with neuropathy (lack of sensation) and can lead to serious complications.

Wearing Unsupportive Shoes

One step up from going barefoot in the summer is wearing unsupportive flip-flops or sandals. These can contribute to serious foot pain for many people. Flip-flops are just too flat and make your toes to claw to grasp the ground. Over time, this can lead to toe deformities. In addition, unsupportive footwear can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis, various tendinitis, and muscle ache. For better foot health, look for sandals that offer support and protection to your feet.

Sweaty Feet

Everyone gets sweaty feet in the summer, particularly if you must wear shoes and socks all day. Sweating can contribute to several issues such as:

• Athlete’s foot
• General fungal problems
• Bacterial infections
• Toenail fungus
• Discomfort
• Body Odour

As a podiatrist, my priority is to improve the condition of your feet and put a smile on your feet! So, if your feet feel hot and bothered…

– Wash your feet regularly. Using antibacterial soap on your feet can reduce excessive sweating.

– Use antiperspirant. Antiperspirant works by blocking pores from excessive sweating. You may also find surgical spirit useful as it is an astringent.

– Try foot powders. There loads of different foot powders out there that can help absorb excessive sweat. Some of them have anti-fungal properties as well.

– Wear the right socks. Make sure your socks are made of natural fibres and not synthetic ones. Replace nylon socks with bamboo socks or cotton.

Blisters, Corns & Calluses

Blisters are small pockets of clear fluid under a layer of skin. They can also contain blood or pus. They are mostly caused by friction, when your shoes rub the same spot on your foot, when you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, or when you wear shoes without socks. Depending on the cause, blistering may happen along with pain, redness, or itching.

Draining a blister is not recommended because of the risk of infection, but if you must “pop” it, use a sterile needle to allow the skin to re-attach. Try not to cut the skin away unless it is already torn and drying out. Keep the blister clean. Bathe your foot in salt water every day and cover the blister with a dressing or gauze. Change the dressing daily until the area is completely dry.

Corns are small lumps of hard skin. Corns are caused by pressure or friction from footwear and are more likely to develop if you have toe deformities. If you think you have a corn, do not use any medicated corn plasters. They contain salicylic acid and can burn the skin badly. Instead, use a non-medicated corn pad, to deflect the pressure. You can also use a pumice stone or a foot file to rub away the hard skin on top. Most importantly, book an appointment with a podiatrist to have your corns professionally treated.

Summertime Foot Hazards

Calluses are larger patches of rough, thick skin. They are caused by an uneven distribution of weight, generally at the ball of your foot or heel. Calluses also can be caused by ill-fitting shoes, pressure, and friction when you walk. Foot orthoses can help redistribute the pressure when you walk and help in general with your posture and alleviate discomfort. If you want to improve the condition of your feet, you can use a pumice stone or a foot file to rub away the hard skin and regularly use a urea-based cream. Also having professional treatment by a podiatrist can seriously improve your foot health! 

When it’s warm and your feet get hot and sweaty, they can feel uncomfortable and painful. Regular visit to your podiatrist can improve the health of your feet and offer you advice on how to best care for them.

At Medipod Clinics we take great care of your feet. Our experienced staff will treat your feet with the respect and attention they deserve. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We offer a very wide range of treatments such as verruca treatments, ingrown toenails management, fungal infections treatment, heel pain management, diabetic footcare and sports injuries management. I can assure you that we will do our best to exceed your expectations.

For more information and to get in touch, please contact us on 01455 246100. You are also welcomed to visit us at 45 Rugby Rd, Hinckley, LE10 0QA – we will be delighted to see you!

Thank you for reading – Summertime Foot Hazards. Let Your Feet Do The Talking This Summer!

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Summertime Foot Hazards appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Toenail Fungus. One Step Ahead. There are plenty of home remedies, but they don’t seem to work.  And a true nail fungus doesn’t just go away on its own.

Fortunately, the team at Medipod Clinics can address any nail fungus issue you may have with a diverse menu of treatment options. We customize our approach to your infection’s history and severity.

How fungi infect the nail?

Toenail fungal infection, or onychomycosis, is an invasion by a microscopic organism that thrives in damp and warm environments. Fungal spores are in the air, and they can easily grow if they land on a surface like your toenail.  They feed off the nail tissue, burrowing into the skin under the nail.  Over time, the nail thickens and may lift off the nail bed as fungal debris accumulates.  Once your nail is raised off the nail bed, it won’t reattach, and it becomes even harder to get rid of the fungal infection.

But is it fungal or not?

Several different conditions can masquerade a fungal infection.  As we get older, the nails thicken and become more yellow. Psoriasis can cause pitting and flaking of the nails. Injuries can create bruising under the nail. Even chemicals in nail polish can discolour and damage the nail.  But you don’t want to wait until your nail is gnarly and raised off the nail bed.  You should see a podiatrist as soon as you notice your nail changing.

At Medipod Clinics, we can successfully test and diagnose the presence of fungal infections. The Dermatophyte Test Strip (DTS) is simple, accurate and shows results in just under 5 minutes!  It can be performed as part of your podiatry appointment and offers a reliable diagnosis.  This will enable your podiatrist to start the right antifungal treatment immediately without having to send clippings to an external laboratory.  Your GP will also be informed of your results as systemic medication may be needed.

Toenail Fungus Treatments

There are numerous treatments for fungal infections, which vary widely in cost and effectiveness.  To be fully effective, the antifungal agent must penetrate the nail and often the nail bed as well.

Over the counter products

These are widely available. They don’t promise a cure but some of them can certainly improve the appearance of the nail by changing the pH of the nail, therefore making it difficult for the fungus to survive.

Prescription topical treatments

Effective products include Tolnaflate, Clotrimazole, Terbinafine and Amorolfine.  All require daily applications, and it may take as long as 1-2 years to see noticeable results.  These products may work for early, superficial fungal infections, because they kill the fungi on the surface of the nail.  Reducing the thickness of the nail regularly may enable them to penetrate more deeply into the nail or the nailbed.  Even then, the success rate is quite low.

Oral medications

Intraconazole (Sporanox) and Terbinafine (Lamisil) are usually considered for extensive fungal infections.  Either of these drugs are very potent and may harm the liver, therefore your doctor will check your liver at the beginning of the treatment and again after a few months. Intraconazole interacts with several other drugs.  If you take one of these drugs, you’ll also need to avoid drinking alcohol and stay out of the sun.  It is best to discuss your individual case with your doctor before you decide to take oral antifungals.

But it is not all doom and gloom! Lacuna Method can help!

Have you heard of the Lacuna Method for the treatment of fungal nail infections? At Medipod Clinics, “we have had some amazing results in just under a year”, Faye says. Lacuna method is all about making tiny holes along the surface of the nail so that the antifungal agent (Lamisil spray) can successfully penetrate and reach the nail bed, where the active infection is.  The Lamisil Spray will spread under the nail as you walk and with daily application the fungus is stopped from spreading and the damaged nail grows out.

The process is safe and pain-free! Review appointments are recommended on an average 6-8 weeks; however, this may vary, and your practitioner will advise you.

Have realistic expectations

Don’t expect any product to give you toenails like those in the advertisements.  However, if you adopt a daily routine of washing and drying your feet thoroughly, and follow the advice given from your podiatrist, you should see a distinct improvement.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We also offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading – Toenail Fungus. One Step Ahead,

Faye Vogiatzoglou

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Toenail Fungus. One Step Ahead appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

To keep ageing feet healthy and reduce the risk of health issues indirectly caused my foot problems, I am providing you with 10 essential tips for Seniors and /or their Carers.

1. Include feet into your daily/weekly/monthly checks

We usually remember to brush our teeth, put cream on our face and check our eyes but we hardly ever remember to have a foot health check! Especially if we are taking care of someone, we don’t always remove their socks to inspect their feet. Well, it’s high time to include feet into your daily/weekly/monthly checks. It only takes a few seconds, and it is equally important.

2. Keep feet clean and dry

Good foot hygiene is critical in preventing fungal, viral, and bacterial infections of the skin or nails, especially in the ageing feet, as seniors may be able to wash their feet only occasionally by themselves. If you are caring for them, just a simple foot bath with lukewarm, soapy water is sufficient to clean feet at least a couple of times a week. Make sure you also dry them well, especially in between the toes.

3. Trim toenails correctly

Toenails can cause a lot of pain or interfere with stable walking if they become thickened or ingrown. You could trim them yourself or find a podiatrist near you. Professional care may be needed for seniors who have health conditions that affect their feet, like diabetes or arthritis.
If your older adult has dementia and trimming their toenails causes the experience fear, paranoia, or discomfort, you might try making it more spa-like experience. You could try things like soaking and massaging their feet before trimming or putting on their favourite TV show to distract them.

4. Moisturise regularly

Dry skin is more prone to cracking and breaking which is why it is important to moisturise regularly. It is better to apply cream after the feet have been washed and dried thoroughly. This locks in the moisture and helps keep feet soft and supple.

5. Check their feet for pressure points and any skin breakdowns

For people who spend a lot of time in bed or a chair, continuously resting their feet on a pillow, footstool or mattress throughout the day can result in pressure and skin irritation that leads to skin breakdown. Prevent this type of potentially life-threatening condition by “floating the heels” – propping the ankle up so the feet rest suspended in the air without touching anything.

6. Get properly fitting footwear and slippers.

Wearing shoes that are too small or too big can impact feet in many ways – they can rub, cause blisters, impair mobility, contribute to the development of corns and calluses, ingrown toenails as well as heel pain or other types of foot pain.

In general, seniors should wear footwear or house shoes that are stable and supportive.

Shoes should be less that 1 inch heel height, wide enough and deep enough, considering the foot type and ankle stability.

7. Avoid nylon hosiery

Clean cotton socks and stockings should be worn daily and checked for fit. The sock or stocking should be the same size as the foot without stretching. It is advisable to avoid nylon stockings as they increase foot sweating, and therefore make you more prone to a fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

8. Promote circulation

Older adults who suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or conditions that limit mobility may experience reduced circulation in their feet and lower legs. That can contribute to blood clots. Circulation in senior feet can be improved with foot massages, keeping active and moving feet regularly as well as elevating the lower legs when resting. In some case prescription of compression hosiery may help too.

9. Address pain

Catching early warning signs can help you and your older adult prevent serious medical complications down the line. Feet are often the first part of the body to show symptoms related to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic neuropathy (loss of sensation). They can also be affected by heel pain like plantar fasciitis.

If your older adult experiences pain, tingling, numbness, stiffness, redness or inflammation in their feet or ankles, get them to a podiatrist for a thorough examination as soon as possible.

10. Get medical attention when needed

Common foot conditions like hammer toes, bunions, corns, calluses, discoloured nails and verrucas may seem harmless.

But if you are older your immune system can be compromised therefore infection and pain may develop especially in presence of foot deformity, poor circulation, and loss of sensation.

A podiatrist may offer simple conservative measures like wearing orthotic devices, toe separators, bunion pads, and ankle braces.  They also offer advice on footwear or house shoes, assess the circulation and nerve supply to your feet as well as carry out treatment of skin or nail conditions.

At Medipod Clinics we are treating senior feet daily! Our podiatrists are kind and attentive to your needs. We always try to give you the information and tools you need to keep your feet healthy.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, verrucas and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading – Ageing Feet Need Extra Care.

Faye Vogiatzoglou

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Ageing Feet Need Extra Care appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Verruca pedis is one of the most common conditions we treat in the clinic daily.

It is certainly one of the most Googled foot conditions.

As with everything on the internet there is good and bad sources of information, verruca treatments are no exception.

They go from the sublime, to the ridiculous to the outright dangerous! This post will banish some of the myths and legends of verruca treatment and provide you with the facts on evidence-based verruca treatments.

Facts

• Verrucas come from the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) of which there are lots of varying strains.
• They are opportunistic and most commonly invade the skin on the soles of the feet if there is an abrasion or a cut in the skin surface.
• The virus is most caught on shared surfaces such as swimming pool tiles, shower trays and gym changing room floors. It can also be transferred by skin-to-skin contact.
• The incubation period of a verruca is thought to range from a couple of months to over a year.
• Most interestingly they can clear spontaneously without any treatment, however, they can also be persistent for years.
• For some people they can be very painful or for others pain free.
• Despite what you might read, there isn’t one single treatment that guarantees resolution. As with every virus you can also catch it again.

This is where the myths and legends begin!

I would like to dispel some of the most suggested treatments, I have read online and explain why these treatments are not feasible.

Duct Tape

The evidence is poor for using duct tape on verruci, although masking the verruca can reduce the pain. One of the main reasons we don’t always recommend this is Duct Tape is an industrial use tape, it has not been designed for use on the skin. As a result, it has been known to cause irritation and even topical dermatitis in some patients.

Picking Out The Black Dots

The black dots are the verruca’s blood vessels and as previously mentioned, causing the verruca to bleed can lead to spreading. Not all verruci have black dots and picking those can get the virus around your nails.

Warts Have Roots

They don’t.  Warts and verruci are a result of rapid growth of the top layer of the skin.  If they seem to be deep, it’s only because they are displacing other layers.

Garlic, Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil, Vicks Vapour Rub, Tea Tree Oil, Banana Peel

There is no clinical evidence to suggest any of these treatments will help treat your verruca, they will however make your foot smell strange!

Cutting Them Out

Verruci can be reduced using a foot file.  Reducing the hard skin on top is not the same as cutting it out! Be aware that picking or scratching the verruca can cause it to bleed and spread more easily.  Cutting it out involves local anaesthetic as it is a minor procedure.

So, as you can see there are a lot of proposed miracle cures out there on the internet but unfortunately few of these, have any scientific evidence behind them. It is a case of please don’t believe everything you read on the internet. However, there are treatments that are backed up by scientific research and these are the treatments we choose to use in our clinic. These include:

• Swift Microwave Therapy
• Verruca Needling or Electrosurgery
• Cryotherapy
• Acid Treatments such as Verrutop and Salicylic Acid

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We also offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.

Thank you for reading,
Faye Vogiatzoglou

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Myths and Legends About Verrucas appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

However not all heel pain is related to plantar fasciitis. There are other structures around your heel that can become inflamed and cause discomfort, such as the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendinopathy is commonly seen at the back of the heel. Tightness and sharp pains at the Achilles tendon insertion point, or a few millimetres above the insertion, can be experienced.

With both these conditions, increased pain is noted after long periods of rest; pain may ease after a few minutes of walking but redevelop again with increased activity.

The main cause of heel pain is a combination of abnormal foot function and footwear choice. The heel, or the rearfoot of the foot, has complex biomechanics, where different conditions would exhibit different types of pain. Your podiatrist would need to complete a full biomechanical assessment whilst taking a detailed history to educate you on your condition, and the best treatment options to help resolve this.

Happy feet need to be pain free as well as comfortable, so you can do the things that matter to you the most. Here are our top 7 tips to avoid heel pain:

Medipod Clinics. Top Tips to avoid Heel Pain

Podiatrists at Medipod Clinics are trained to treat heel pain. We understand how your foot works and we tailor a treatment plan to your needs. In most cases a combination of stretching exercises, foot supports, footwear advice, physical therapy and strapping can alleviate your discomfort. We would advise you to avoid a steroid injection unless other measures have not helped.

If you are already experiencing heel pain, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We also offer other Podiatry services, Dermatology and Physiotherapy Services. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.

For more information about our podiatry services, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot related questions.

Thank you for reading.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director
http://medipodclinics.com

The post Top Tips to Avoid Heel Pain appeared first on Medipod Clinics.