1. Discomfort and Pain

Hard skin, or calluses, form as a protective response to friction and pressure. However, as this layer thickens, it can become increasingly uncomfortable. Over time, hard skin can crack, leading to painful fissures that make walking difficult. If left untreated, these cracks can even become infected, causing further pain and complications.

2. Impact on Mobility

The build up of hard skin can affect how you walk. The uneven surfaces created by calluses can alter your gait, leading to issues in your posture and alignment. This imbalance can result in strain on other parts of your body, such as your knees, hips, and lower back, potentially causing chronic pain and reducing your mobility.

3. Aesthetic Concerns

While foot health is the primary concern, it’s also worth noting that hard skin on your feet can be unsightly. Smooth, healthy feet are not only more comfortable but also more appealing, especially during sandal season. Regularly removing hard skin helps maintain the appearance of your feet, boosting your confidence in social situations.

4. Preventative Care

Removing hard skin regularly is a form of preventative care. By addressing the problem early, you can avoid the more severe issues that can arise from neglected foot care. This is extremely important if you have Diabetes as areas of hard skin may result in skin breakdown or an ulcer, especially if your feet are numb. Using a pumice stone, foot file, or professional podiatry treatments can help keep your feet smooth and healthy.

In conclusion, getting rid of the hard skin on your feet is crucial for maintaining comfort, mobility, and overall foot health. Regular foot care routines will keep your feet looking and feeling their best, allowing you to move through life pain-free.

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, Why You Need to Get Rid of the Hard Skin on Your Feet.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Why You Need to Get Rid of the Hard Skin on 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.

But sun, sand and water can be harsh on your feet. Dry skin and cracked heels are a very common foot condition podiatrists see daily, especially during the summer months. This can be a result of wearing shoes that have an open back, which typically provides inadequate support for the heel of the foot. The skin can become dry, and form deep and painful cracks.

If you want to have smooth feet, simply follow my top 5 tips, and let your feet do the talking this summer!

1. Enjoy a nice soak! Giving your feet 10-20 minutes soak in warm water is both relaxing and beneficial. It softens the hard skin so it easier for you to remove it at the next step.
2. Remove any hard skin. You can use a foot file or a pumice stone to remove any hard or dry skin. Visit your podiatrist regularly to get the hard skin professionally removed and get specific advice about your individual needs.
3. Moisturise daily. I recommend a urea-based cream for better results, especially if you have dry or hard skin. Urea is a substance that is found naturally in the skin, which, by its nature, is very attracted to water. That is why it is a fantastic emollient that softens and smooths the skin. In the clinic, we have a wide range of urea-based creams for your feet.
4. Toenail care. A few healthy habits go a long way! Trim your nails straight across and file down the corners carefully.  Avoid wearing nail polish for long periods of time.  And finally avoid tight fitting shoes as they can cause irreversible damage to your toenails.
5. Sun care. Don’t forget to use sunscreen on your feet too! Make sure you reapply after swimming or sweating heavily. Sun exposure can contribute to skin cancers and premature ageing on your feet, therefore use sunscreen with 30 SPF (sun protection factor) at least.

Medipod Clinics Experienced Staff

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 – Top 5 Tips for Your Feet! Let Your Feet Do The Talking This Summer!

Faye Vogiatzoglou

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Top 5 Tips for Your Feet! Let Your Feet Do The Talking This Summer! appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Your feet carry a lot of weight throughout the day, and wearing shoes means subjecting them to additional pressure. It is important to rest and look after your feet.

This month I thought you might like some ideas to create your own DIY homemade foot products. An aromatic foot bath, a glorious foot scrub, a soothing moisturising foot balm and a refreshing foot spray! You can always be creative and prepare your DIY foot remedies from the comfort of your home to take extra care of your feet.

Let’s put a smile on your feet and start mixing!!

Aromatic Foot Bath

A homemade aromatic foot bath is a wonderful DIY spa experience! Soaking your feet takes away the tiredness and swelling fast and leaves you feeling relaxed and ready to face the next day. Soak your feet for at least 10 minutes a couple of times a week for best results.

Ingredients

• Epsom salts. They reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and eliminate odour.
• A few drops of tea tree oil, maybe even peppermint oil and rosemary. Tea tree oil helps to soften calluses, while peppermint oil and rosemary soothe cracked, dry skin.
• Lemon peel and citrus essential oils. The citrus essential oils and lemon peel will leave your feet smelling wonderfully fresh and clean.

A Glorious Foot Scrub

This scrub is great for tired feet and is suited for all skin types. But remember to do a patch test with the foot scrub to check for allergic reactions, especially if you are using essential oils.

Massaging your feet with a scrub regularly boosts blood circulation and soothes foot pain. It also relaxes your mind and body and helps to relieve stress. It makes your feet look amazing as the foot scrub gently exfoliates and removes all the dirt and dead skin cells.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Epsom salts
• 1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil. Coconut and olive oils soften the feet and moisturize them.
• 3-4 drops peppermint oil. Peppermint oil relieves aches and pains and smells fresh.

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and transfer to a glass jar. Scrub your feet for 10 minutes with this mixture. Leave it on for another 10 minutes if you wish. Wash your feet afterwards and follow up with a moisturiser. It’s bliss!

Mum’s Foot Balm

This foot balm has special meaning to me as it was my mum’s creation when she had her own Podiatry practice in Greece.

It smells very fresh and moisturises your feet beautifully! It is easy to make and is also great for your hands! You just mix everything together and transfer into a glass jar. A little bit of this beautiful foot balm goes a long way!

Ingredients

• Vaseline. Petroleum Jelly forms a protective layer on the skin therefore it helps to heal cracked and dry skin.
• Nivea cream or lotion. Highly moisturising and helps to hydrate the skin.
• A few drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antiviral and antiseptic properties, so it reduces inflammation and fights the infection of fungi or bacteria.

Refreshing Foot Deodorant

My last recommended DIY foot product is your own foot deodorant. This antiperspirant is alcohol-based, so it evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave any residue on your skin.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1/4 cup clear alcohol (e.g. pure vodka or gin). The alcohol stops the bacteria on your skin to cause a bad odour when you are sweating.
• A few drops of sage essential oil. Sage essential oil has strong antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial and disinfectant qualities.
• A few drops of lemongrass essential oil. Lemongrass essential oil is incredibly fragrant and refreshing and helps combat sweaty feet.

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 Road, Hinckley, LE10 0QA – we will be delighted to see you!

Thank you for reading – 4 DIY Homemade Foot Products You Can Try

Faye Vogiatzoglou

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post DIY Homemade Foot Products You Can Try 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.

Summer can be hard on your feet. The combination of heat, sun, and sand can take a toll on your tootsies. But it doesn’t have to. These simple steps to fabulous summer feet will keep your feet healthy and looking their best during warm weather. So, before you slip into those new sandals or holiday flip flops, you may want to do something about those dry, cracked heels and tired looking feet that have been hiding away all winter. Are you ready?

Ten simple steps to keep your feet healthy and looking sandal-ready for summer.

1. 1. Avoid walking barefoot. Going outdoors without shoes in the summer increases the risk of injury to your feet. It also increases the odds that you will develop warts on the soles of your feet (verrucas), ringworm (fungus), and other infections.
   2. Wear the right socks. Acrylic and synthetic blend socks work best to wick away perspiration that can lead to fungal infections. “Dark, hot and moist is the perfect environment for a fungus to grow,” says Faye Vogiatzoglou, our Clinical Director at Medipod Clinics.
   3. Protect your feet from blisters. Sandals often cause blisters on the feet when they rub against bare skin. If you feel a blister coming on, use padding such as moleskin or a blister plaster to reduce friction.
   4. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water on summer days will minimize foot swelling due to the heat.
   5. Use sunscreen. Don’t forget to use sunscreen on exposed parts of your feet in the summer. Be sure to reapply after swimming or sweating heavily, even if the sunscreen is “waterproof”. Use sunscreen with 30 SPF (sun protection factor) or higher to guard against skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin on your feet.
   6. Evaluate your flip-flop wear. Flip-flops can result in sore feet and ankles. But “Some flip-flops are better than others,” says Faye. “Choose styles with good arch and heel support.” Also avoid walking in them for long distances.
   7. Add cushioning to summer shoes. Summer slides and flimsy sandals often have thin soles and little cushioning and foot support. Faye recommends to use cushioned inserts to help provide added support. Inserts are available at chemist stores and more functional ones at the clinic.
   8. Get your hard skin treated. For pretty summer feet, give yourself an at-home treatment or indulge in a professional one. Besides making your toenails look attractive, during a Standard Podiatry Treatment, our Podiatrists can remove hard and dry skin, offer management advice on cracked heels and help you maintain the health of your feet.
   9. Moisturise. Did you know that the skin on our feet is up to ten times thicker than the rest of our body skin? It therefore requires a much more intensive moisturising routine. Invest in a rich foot cream to give your feet the moisturisation they need and deserve. Faye suggests that “ideally, they should be moisturised after every shower, but if you don’t have time in the morning, give them some TLC before you hop into bed at night”.
   10. And finally, make them look pretty! Get creative and have fun experimenting with our Dr Remedy Enriched nail polish colours this summer. Invest in toe separators and don’t be afraid to reach for those hot pinks and gorgeous coral shades! But remember! Take off your polish periodically to give the nail bed some air.

By keeping your feet in tip-top shape during the summer, not only they will look beautiful, but you can also be assured that your feet are in good health and you’re minimising the risk of developing any infections.

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.

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.

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 Direstor
http://medipodclinics.com

The post Healthy and Sandal-Ready Feet for Summer – 10 Simple Steps appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Corns and calluses are areas of hard skin that develop due to excessive pressure or friction. They commonly occur on the feet and can cause pain and discomfort when you walk.

Podiatrists are trained to use sharp instruments in order to remove efficiently any corns and calluses from your feet. The process is pain free and will leave your skin smooth and feeling great!
Regular podiatry treatments can improve the condition of your feet and improve your well-being.

Corns

Corns are small, localised areas of hard skin that usually develop on the top of the toes or the bottom of your feet. However, they can occur anywhere, even in between your toes.

Corns are caused by:

Abnormal foot mechanics – any foot deformity will change the way you walk. This results in certain areas of your foot rubbing more against the shoe, resulting in corns and calluses.

Corns often occur on bony feet, as there is a lack of natural cushioning. They can also develop as a symptom of another foot problem, such as:

• a bunion– where the joint of the big toe sticks outwards as the big toe begins to point towards the other toes on the same foot
• hammer toe – where the toe is bent at the middle joint

Wearing poorly fitting shoes – shoes that are too loose can allow your foot to slide and rub. Certain shoe designs that place excessive pressure on specific areas of the foot – for example, high-heeled shoes can squeeze the toes.

Calluses and Hard Skin

Calluses are hard, rough areas of skin and are often yellowish in colour. They usually develop at the bottom of your feet, around the heel area or on the skin under the ball of your feet. They can also occur on the palms of your hands due to the friction from wearing rings.

Calluses are larger than corns and don’t have such a well-defined edge. They develop when the skin rubs against something, such as a bone, a shoe or the ground. They often form over the ball of your foot because this area takes most of your weight when you walk.

Activities that put repeated pressure on the foot, such as running or walking barefoot, can cause calluses to form. Other possible causes of calluses include:

• dry skin
• reduced fatty padding – elderly people have less fatty tissue in their skin
• regularly holding objects such as a hammer or racquet

Treating corns and calluses

If you have a corn on your foot, you should see a podiatrist, who can advise you about treatment. Your GP may be able to refer you on the NHS, however if your condition is unlikely to affect your health or mobility you may not be eligible for NHS treatment.

Corns will not simply disappear without treatment. You can help reduce corns and callouses by soaking your hands or feet in warm, soapy water to soften them. This can make it easier to rub the corn or callus with a pumice stone, nail file, emery board or washcloth to help remove a layer of toughened skin.

DO NOT use a medicated corn plaster under no circumstances, especially if you have any medical conditions such as Diabetes.

The corn plasters work by using salicylic acid (keratolytic agent) to soften the corn. If the hard “plug” is soft, it places less pressure on the nerve endings in the skin, reducing pain.

Corn Plasters do not remove the corn permanently and they can cause serious damage to your skin, even infections. That is because unfortunately, the salicylic acid in corn plasters cannot distinguish between healthy skin and corn and can burn the skin quite severely spreading to surrounding healthy skin.

Causes of Corns and Calluses – Solved!

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. If you are not sure what you need, that’s okay too. With our knowledge and enthusiasm for footcare, we will be able to advise you on the right treatment for you.

We also offer verruca treatments, nail surgery, 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. Or, you’re welcome to pop in and visit us at 45 Rugby Rd, Hinckley, LE10 0QA – we will be delighted to see you!

Thank you for reading this month’s blog – Causes of Corns and Calluses.

www.medipodclinics.com

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What is it?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into sugar (also called glucose) and released into our bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. If your body is not producing enough insulin, high levels of sugar stay in the blood.

High blood glucose levels can damage your blood vessels and thereby circulation to your feet and legs, due to less blood getting to your skin, muscles and tissues. It can also cause damage to the nerve system in your body by stopping important messages to and from your brain. The most commonly affected nerves are the long ones – those that reach all the way down to your legs and feet. Nerve damage is called neuropathy. Diabetes can also affect your eyes and kidneys.

Why do I need to see a podiatrist?

Any injury or hard skin has the potential to develop into something more serious if you have diabetes. 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. It is very likely to avoid such an outcome, if you seek expert advice from your multidisciplinary foot care team.

Another change that can occur is reduced blood flow to your feet. Diabetes may also affect your ability to heal and reduce your natural ability to fight bacteria. Consequently, you should take particular care of any scratches, cuts or blisters on your feet.

How do I prevent foot complications? – Diabetes and Your Feet

Preventing foot problems involves a few easy steps:

• Manage your diabetes well by controlling blood glucose levels, along with cholesterol and blood pressure, and having a healthy active lifestyle
• Avoid smoking
• Always check your feet every day
• Clean and dress any cuts, scratches or wounds
• Avoid walking around barefoot to prevent potential injury
• Always wear shoes that fit properly
• Never sit with your feet too close to a fire or a hot radiator
• Avoid using corn plasters as the acid can burn your feet
• See a HCPC Registered Podiatrist regularly in order to have the hard skin removed and your nails cut professionally

Always…

Have your feet also checked regularly by 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 need to be done more frequently.

What can a Podiatrist do for me?

If you have Diabetes the Podiatrist will normally check both the blood supply to your feet and any evidence of loss of sensation in your feet.

Blood supply will be checked by looking at the colour of the skin, quality, texture, temperature as well as checking the pulses in the feet with their fingers or a small hand-held scanner (called a Doppler). They may also ask questions about certain kinds of pains in your feet and legs.

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.

The podiatrist will also be looking for any foot deformity or signs of excessive loading that may warrant either footwear advice or in some cases an insole. They can also trim your nails, reduce the hard skin and offer advice on how to best care for your feet.

When should I see a podiatrist? – Diabetes and Your Feet

In many cases seeing a podiatrist, a nurse or your GP promptly can alleviate symptoms and prevent serious complications, such as amputations. Your podiatrist will recommend a return period according to the state of your feet and/or risk status. Most people visit a podiatrist every 6-8 weeks.

If you notice any of the following, please get in touch:

• Breaks in the skin, opens sores/blisters or a discharge
• Any swelling in your feet or legs and/or an unusual odour
• Hard skin (callus)
• Cramp in your calves
• Any pain during walking or wearing shoes
• Tingling sensation or pins and needles
• Skin colour changes (redder, bluer, paler, blacker) over part or all of the foot
• Part or all of your foot feels much hotter or colder than usual
• Anything else that has not been there before.

To talk to a podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist) about the options available regarding treatment, you can contact an NHS podiatrist or a private practice podiatrist. In both cases, always ensure that any practitioners you visit are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and describe themselves as a podiatrist (or chiropodist).

At Medipod Clinics we are experienced in managing foot problems related to Diabetes. 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.

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 footwear advice, ingrown toenail surgery and verruca treatments. 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/

Further information and useful contacts
For more detailed and comprehensive information about Diabetes and foot care generally, please consult the websites below:
• www.footindiabetes.org
• www.diabetes.org.uk
• www.patient.co.uk
• www.nhs.uk
• www.nice.org.uk

The post Diabetes and Your Feet appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

They commonly occur on the feet and can cause pain and discomfort when you walk. Podiatrists are trained to use sharp instruments in order to remove efficiently any corns and calluses from your feet. The process is pain free and will leave your skin smooth and feeling great!

Corns

Corns are small, localised areas of hard skin that usually develop on the top of the toes or the bottom of your feet. However, they can occur anywhere, even in between your toes.

Corns are caused by:

Abnormal foot mechanics – any foot deformity will change the way you walk. This results in certain areas of your foot rubbing more against the shoe, resulting in corns and calluses.

Wearing poorly fitting shoes – shoes that are too loose can allow your foot to slide and rub.

Certain shoe designs that place excessive pressure on specific areas of the foot – for example, high-heeled shoes can squeeze the toes.

Corns often occur on bony feet, as there is a lack of natural cushioning. They can also develop as a symptom of another foot problem, such as:

• a bunion– where the joint of the big toe sticks outwards as the big toe begins to point towards the other toes on the same foot
• hammer toe – where the toe is bent at the middle joint

Calluses

Calluses are hard, rough areas of skin and are often yellowish in colour. They usually develop at the bottom of your feet, around the heel area or on the skin under the ball of your feet. They can also occur on the palms of your hands due to the friction from wearing rings.

Calluses are larger than corns and don’t have such a well-defined edge. They develop when the skin rubs against something, such as a bone, a shoe or the ground. They often form over the ball of your foot because this area takes most of your weight when you walk.

Activities that put repeated pressure on the foot, such as running or walking barefoot, can cause calluses to form. Athletes are particularly susceptible to them.

Other possible causes of calluses include:

• dry skin
• reduced fatty padding – elderly people have less fatty tissue in their skin
• regularly holding objects such as a hammer or racquet

Treating corns and calluses

If you have a corn on your foot, you should see a podiatrist, who can advise you about treatment.
Your GP may be able to refer you on the NHS, however if your condition is unlikely to affect your health or mobility you may not be eligible for NHS treatment.

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. If you are not sure what you need, that’s okay too. With our knowledge and enthusiasm for footcare, we will be able to advise you on the right treatment for you.

We also offer verruca treatments, nail surgery, 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. Or, you’re welcome to pop in and visit us at 45 Rugby Rd, Hinckley, LE10 0QA – we will be delighted to see you!

Thank you for reading,

Faye Vogiatzoglou
www.medipodclinics.com

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