Remy Laser can treat conditions such as: Fungus, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, Posterior Tibial Tendonitis, Ankle Sprains, Neuroma, Capsulitis, Bursitis, Arthritis, Wounds and many more.

The main goal of laser therapy is to stimulate the cell to perform its natural functions, but at an enhanced rate. To be more specific, Laser can be used for…

Pain Management – Laser Therapy – Yes there is a cure!

Class IV Laser Therapy is used for the relief of pain, to accelerate healing and decrease inflammation. When light source is placed against the skin, photons penetrate several centimeters down and are absorbed by the mitochondria (the energy producing part of a cell). This energy results in the restoration of normal cell function.

Anti-Inflammation

Laser therapy reduces significantly the swelling caused by bruising or inflammation. In fact, the laser light increases the energy available to the cell so that the cell can take on nutrients faster and get rid of waste products. It also enables the cells to utilise more oxygen.

Anti-Pain (Analgesic)

Laser therapy has a high beneficial effect on nerve cells which block pain transmitted by these cells to the brain and which decreases nerve sensitivity. Also, due to less inflammation, there is less swelling and less pain.

Improved Vascular Activity – Improves Wound Healing

Laser light will significantly increase the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue that speeds up the healing process, closes wounds quickly and reduces scar tissue.

Carole was one of our 1st patients to experience the beneficial effects of laser. She says “I recently attended Medipod for would healing and to say I am impressed is an understatement. I had a deep tissue injury on my heel from being in a cast, which Faye treated with Laser. Within 1 month the wound had healed and the treatment was pain free. The doctor had told me to expect the wound to be open for at least 6 months (and was cautious if it would ever heal) but within 1 month of treatment it was closed. Super professional, knowledgeable. And helpful. Highly recommend.”

Fungal Nails

Laser therapy offers an effective, safe option for treating fungal toenail without the side effects of many oral medications. Laser therapy penetrates the nail bed and kills the fungus living underneath the nail. Studies relate an average 70-80% success rate in clearing toenail fungus over a 6 months period.

Warts and Verrucas

The energy of the laser kills the verruca virus by entering the capillary bed and causing coagulation and destruction of the virus. The process also stimulates an immune response. It usually takes several treatments, and it varies from patient to patient.

Costs Involved

The cost of laser for pain management is as follows:

• For a single treatment £80
• Course of 6 treatments £420 (saving of £60)

Fungal Nails and skin: 3 treatments – 30 days apart. Cost: £200 1 toe, £240 2-10 toes. Severe infections may require additional sessions.

Verrucas and warts: every 2-4 weeks until verruca clears. The sessions below is just a guide, more or less sessions may be required according to individual needs.

Mild:1-3 sessions
Moderate: 3-6 sessions
Severe: 6-10 sessions

I hope you find some value in this month’s blog. If you would like more information 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, Laser Therapy – Yes there is a cure!

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Laser Therapy – Yes there is a cure! 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.

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.

Children can get many of the same foot problems as adults. But some conditions may take on different characteristics, and some may occur more frequently in children due to their active lifestyles. Or sensitive skin, and developing bodies. The most common foot and ankle issues seen in children and teens include:

Heel Pain (Sever’s disease)

Heel pain in children is often caused by repetitive stress on the growth plate in the heel bone.

Running, jumping, and pounding on hard surfaces can irritate the heel’s growth plate. Causing muscle strain and inflamed tissue. It is very common in active children from 8 to 14 years of age. The new bone is still forming at the growth plate and doesn’t fully develop until at least age 14.

Treatment for heel pain typically includes taking a break from activities that put stress on the heel bone. Using orthotics to support the heel, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to ease pain symptoms. Or having supportive and correctly fitted footwear, and stretching the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Immobilizing the foot and ankle may be necessary for severe cases of paediatric heel pain. If the heel pain persists or reoccurs, other treatments may be explored.

Flexible Flatfoot – Common Foot Problems in Children

Flexible flatfoot is most common in young children. It is characterized by an arch that disappears when the child stands up (so the feet appear flat) but reappears when sitting.

The condition usually occurs in both feet. Most children do not experience any symptoms from the condition, but those who do may feel pain or cramping in the feet or legs while walking. In most cases, children outgrow the disorder without treatment by the age of 7.

If your child does experience symptoms, they can usually be alleviated by wearing supportive shoes and custom-made shoe orthotics for arch support. Seek advice from an experienced podiatrist if your child stops playing sports or withdraws from other physical activities or is in pain as a result of flatfoot symptoms.

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrowing toenail is a toenail that grows into the skin surrounding the toenail. It usually occurs on the big toe and causes tenderness, redness, and swelling around the corners of the toenail. Ingrown toenails are often caused by tight shoes and improper cutting of toenails.

Treatment typically involves soaking the affected foot in warm water and using an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection. If the problem persists, your podiatrist may cut or lift the corner of the nail to allow the toe to heal more easily. A minor surgical procedure may also be considered in some cases.

Plantar Warts – Common Foot Problems in Children

Plantar warts usually develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heel or ball of the foot. They are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection – human papillomavirus (HPV) – in the top layers of the skin. Warts are transmitted easily through person to person contact as well as indirectly, such as from floors in communal areas (locker rooms and public showers). They are highly contagious.

Plantar warts may eventually go away on their own without treatment, but if they are painful, your podiatrist can remove a plantar wart easily and more effectively than an over-the-counter remedy.

Athletes Foot

Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is a common and contagious fungal infection. It can cause a scaly rash that can burn, sting, and itch and may lead to blisters or dry, cracked skin on your feet.

Athletes foot usually appears between the toes and on the soles of the feet and can spread to the toenails and cause fungal nail infections. It occurs after direct exposure to fungi (including yeast), typically in a moist environment like a locker room, public shower, or swimming pool or from the skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Treatment involves over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays. You should also make sure that you dry your feet well, especially in between the toes and change socks daily.

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 or your child may have.

Thank you for reading,
Faye Vogiatzoglou

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Common Foot Problems in Children appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

There are many treatments for verrucas such as over the counter medicaments, freezing treatments, application of acids and surgical options. We will discuss how all of these relate to you and your feet.

Verrucas are viral infections of the skin and can be very persistent to treatment.  That is because they can hide very successfully from your immune system.

Verruca treatments vary according to age of the patient, their medical history and the history of the verruca. What works for your 5-year old daughter will not always work for your 40-year old sister. We suggest discussing your case with a podiatrist, who will be able to advise you on this.

We have pulled together our top 5 tips about verruca treatments below:

Medipod Clinics: Verruca management

1. Over the counter treatments tend to be suitable for young children. They are safe to use and is unlikely that will cause discomfort to your child. Teenagers and adults may not respond at all to any of the over the counter options.
2. Although there is no evidence linking your immune system to verrucas, my personal recommendation is to boost your immunity with specific diet supplements. From my experience, I found that a multivitamin is just not good enough as it gives you a little bit of everything, rather than the desired levels of specific vitamins that your body needs. I often recommend that you get some probiotics tablets from a health shop with a high content of cultures. A sugary, small bottle of yogurt from the supermarket is not sufficient.  If your gut is more balanced, then, your immune system is stronger to fight off any viral infections present.
3. Freezing treatments may not work if there is hard skin over the verruca or if the freezing agent is not cold enough. Over the counter freezing sprays are at a temperature of -50 degrees Celsius, whereas freezing treatments in a clinical setting are around -169 degrees Celsius! Podiatrists are trained to use liquid nitrogen at this temperature to treat your verruca. Your verruca will blister (or form a scab) and you will need to return to the clinic for reviews. You will most likely need a course or freezing treatments to clear your verrucas.
4. Stress plays a major role on the success of your treatment. Reducing your stress levels will improve the success of your treatment.
5. Surgical options such as electrosurgery and needling may work better than freezing methods or acids. Latest research suggests that needling verrucas under local anaesthetic, can lead to complete resolution of your verruca faster than applying an acid over a period of a few weeks.

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 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
medipodclinics.com

The post Top 5 Tips about Verruca Management appeared first on Medipod Clinics.