Seeing a Podiatrist is not just for women! Men can also experience various problems with their feet. Certain foot issues tend to affect men more than women, although anyone can suffer from them. Sometimes men leave things till last minute or until they get painful! Please don’t make this mistake with your feet because these conditions will not get better on their own!

Footwear

Men don’t really need to worry about damaging their feet from wearing high heels, but they can still choose the wrong footwear for their feet. Let’s not forget the wiggle pickers!

Oxford style, brogues, snickers, converse, and loafers are not always as supportive as you think they may be. I would suggest discussing your individual needs with a podiatrist and get advice on how to choose the right footwear that provides stability and cushioning to your feet.

Gout – Footcare for Men

This is a quite painful form of arthritis whereby uric acid deposits accumulate in the big toe joint. The pain can be very intense and there is also swelling and tenderness of the joint. It feels like your big toe joint is on fire! Gout certainly affects more men than women. There are a variety of causes including too much alcohol or red meat (high sugar and fat levels) and lack of exercise. Fortunately, gout can be treated or even prevented by regular exercise and improving your diet.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles Tendinitis is a very common overuse injury. During walking and various sporting activities, the Achilles tendon is under constant pressure and stress, especially if your calf muscles are tight. This stress causes inflammation and pain. The tendon can even rupture, which can lead to significant loss of function and disability.

Again, the right sports shoes are essential to protect your feet from impact and for balance and support. Together with the right warm-up and cool-down exercises, this goes a long way to minimising the likelihood of Achilles problems.

Hard Skin, Corns, and Calluses

Hard skin, corns and calluses are caused by friction and pressure on your feet when you walk. That can be a result of your individual foot mechanics or the type of shoes you are wearing.

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

The best treatment for corns and calluses is to have professional treatment by a podiatrist!

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments like people’s shoes and socks. They present with brittle and discoloured nails. In many cases the skin is affected as well. Athlete’s foot infections are very common for both men and women. Symptoms include red, flaky and itchy skin, especially around and in between the toes.

Treatment includes various creams and ointments. In most cases the creams /ointments /sprays need to be applied for several weeks, especially if the infection has been lurking for some time. Your podiatrist should be able to advise you what the best course of action should be.

Ingrown Toenails – Footcare for Men

Men tend to pay less attention to their toenails in comparison to women. As a result, they often try to fix things by themselves when painful, especially teenage boys!

Ingrown toenails are very common amongst 13-16 boys! Cutting your nails too short or down the sides can lead to ingrown toenails. My advice is to see a podiatrist as soon as you notice any redness and inflammation around your nails.

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 – Footcare for Men.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Footcare for Men appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

In most case, Swift Microwave Therapy is the preferred management method. In the past 14 months, we have had numerous people, who had their verruca successfully treated by Swift. One of them is Mrs B. This is her story!

Mrs B. initially came to Medipod Clinics in January 2022 complaining of a very painful, large verruca at the ball of her foot. The verruca was present for many years but now she was unable to walk on it. Over the years, she had tried various over the counter treatments, duct tape, freezing, various acids by other health care professionals, she even tried to cut it out herself. Absolutely nothing worked!

During the initial consultation, we carried out a thorough assessment of her feet and discussed extensively management options for her verruca. Mrs B opted for Swift Microwave Treatment and was very keen to start straight away.

January 22:

This is “the beast” verruca at the initial appointment.

The 1st blast of Swift was administered up to 2-3 seconds, 10 watts, 5 times.

Review 4-6 weeks later.

End of February 22:

“The beast” verruca after the 1st Swift session.

There was some discomfort in the first 24 hours but not any discomfort after that.
The 2nd blast of Swift was administered up to 2-3 seconds, 10 watts, 5 times. Review 4-6 weeks later.

April 22:

“The beast” verruca after the 2nd Swift session.

There was some discomfort in the first 48 hours but not any discomfort after that. Hard skin built up started to reduce.
The 3rd blast of Swift was administered up to 2-3 seconds, 10 watts, 5 times. Review 12 weeks later.

June 22:

“The beast” verruca after the 3rd Swift session.

It looks as if it got bigger! But it feels better! This is very weird!
Hard skin still builds up a lot and that makes it very uncomfortable. Discussion about having a 4th Swift session in the following 3-6 months. Review again in 6 weeks.

August 22, 4 months later…

“The beast” verruca after the 3rd Swift session.

Magic!!!!! It is going… going… almost gone! No pain from it!
A lot less hard skin built up and overall massive improvement! No need for a 4th session for sure! Review again in 8 weeks.

End of October 22, 6 months later…

“The beast” verruca after the 3rd Swift session.

IT IS DEFINITELY GONE! Goodbye Painful Verruca! MRS B WAS OVER THE MOON!

REMEMBER:

Every case is different. With a few exceptions, most people with verrucas and/or warts should be able to have this treatment and your Podiatrist will carry out an assessment prior to treatment and advise you accordingly.

As with many treatments for skin lesions some discomfort, even pain may be experienced during treatment. Sensation varies from person to person, but most people describe Swift as similar to a prick with a needle or stepping on a lego! Swift is applied for up to 3 seconds at a time and any discomfort usually lasts 1-2 seconds, then quickly subsides.

The procedure involves microwave energy delivered through a special probe applied to the skin to treat the affected tissue. Immediately after the treatment, there will be no change to the appearance of the wart/verruca, however, a change should start to be seen after a few days. Swift works by prompting an immune response and time is needed for the process to gather pace, which is why there is a gap of at least three weeks between treatments.

One of the great things about Swift Treatment is there is no broken skin and no dressings are needed, so you can carry on your life as normal. Problems following this procedure are rare and studies into the success rate of Swift Treatment in healing verruca/warts report a success rate of 84% to 95%, which is comparable or in excess of other recognised treatments.

Goodbye Painful Verruca!

As regression is established the verruca/wart will shrink from the edges at the same time as reducing in thickness. The dermal ridges or “fingerprint” of the underlying tissue will gradually re-establish itself as the verruca/wart resolves. Although Swift has been very successful at Medipod Clinics, there can never be a guarantee that you won’t catch another at some point in the future.

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 fungal 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 – Goodbye Painful Verruca! A Case Study and Discussion.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Goodbye Painful Verruca! A Case Study and Discussion 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.

WHAT IS SWIFT® AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Swift is a new technology, developed in the UK in 2016. Swift uses microwave energy through a special probe applied to the skin to treat your verruca. The microwave energy is delivered directly to the verruca at a predetermined depth. This means that, unlike other treatments, there is no damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. It heats the skin by around 4 degrees, targeting the water molecules and destroying the infected viral cells.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Verruca resolution is not a quick process, not if you want the right treatment. The truth is that 3 out of 4 patients require at least 3 swift treatments at 4-week intervals. In some cases, less treatment sessions are required.
Each case is different, and that’s why we always tailor our services according to your needs. Also don’t expect to see immediate results. Most verruci clear at least 3-4 months after the last swift application. Some podiatrists experienced cases which had taken a year after the final swift treatment.

IS IT WORTH IT?

In my opinion, YES!
The main benefit is that there is no need for any anaesthetic or dressings or keeping your foot dry, and you can continue to your normal activities straight away. It is safe and fast. It has a high success rate in comparison to other treatments.

DOES SWIFT® IT HURT?

I’ll be honest, I’ve undergone this treatment myself and it does sting intensely for a short burst of up to 2 seconds. It is not for the feint hearted. It is like the feeling of a hot needle against your skin for up to 2 seconds. But it only lasts for up to 2 seconds!

WHO CAN USE SWIFT?

Because of the intense bursts of pain, I don’t tend to recommend this treatment on children, especially on anyone under the age of 12, although some kids are braver than adults! Your Podiatrist will carry out an assessment prior to treatment and be able to advise if you are eligible.

HOW MUCH DOES SWIFT® COST?

Swift Treatment costs are £145 per session or £410 for a package of 3 treatments (includes up to 2 follow up reviews) or £750 for a package of 6 treatments (includes up to 2 follow up reviews).

At Medipod Clinics we are very experienced when it comes to managing verrucas. 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 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 What is SWIFT® and how does it work? 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.

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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Our soles are often hidden away and forgotten about but as the foundation of our bodies we need to pay more attention to them.

This blog will discuss flat feet: what they are, how they are caused and how you can identify whether you have them.

Flat feet are one of the most common complaints of people seeking foot treatment. Around 30% of people suffer from this complaint.

But what actually is it?

Flat feet, also called fallen arches, are very small or non-existent arches on the feet. Arches provide spring to the step and distribute bodyweight across feet and legs. Flat feet can cause overpronation, which is when the feet start to roll inwards. This can strain muscles and may lead to foot and ankle pain, which may also spread up to the hip. Patients may also experience stiffness, shin pain, muscle ache and an uneven body weight distribution which could cause shoes to wear down quickly.

There are several causes including:

• Genetics
• Naturally weak arches
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Arthritis
• Nervous system or muscle disease

How do you know if you have flat feet?

The easiest way of getting an idea of whether or not you have flat feet is to examine the sole of your foot when you’re standing up. If your whole foot in on the ground you likely have flat feet, but if part of your foot is raised you most likely do not.

Do not worry!

Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, has flat feet and that didn’t stop him from winning 3 straight Olympic Games! It can be treated in several ways and is not something that should worry you. Ensuring that you wear a well fitting, supportive shoe can help. Many people with this issue find it beneficial to strengthen the muscles in the lower legs.

What we can offer?

Our Medipod Clinics team is able to offer you advice on footwear and exercises that may reduce pain. Flat feet can be effectively treated with orthotics that provide biomechanical support and help feet function more effectively.

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 tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and toes turning in. 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
medipodclinics.com

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