Types of heels

Heels are certainly a fashion statement. You look taller and sexier. Heels change the way you walk by exaggerating the chest, the hips, and the curvature in your spine, thus increasing the pelvic tilt. This is what makes then attractive and desirable, however wearing heels comes with some issues too. They structurally shorten your calf muscles which puts more pressure on the ball of your foot even when you take them off.

Apparently, there are more than 30 different types of heels for women ranging from low to high, straight to curved. Each serves a different purpose and distributes body weight differently across.

Flats (1 inch or less)

They are comfortable, fashionable, and easier on the feet. People like them for many occasions however, most of them do not offer any arch support. The foot has to work harder to keep the shoe on, which leads to toe deformities such as hammer toes.

Kitten heels (1.5 to 2 inches)

They are easier to walk in than high heels and make your legs look longer and slimmer. However, they can contribute to corns and calluses, as well as back pain.

High heels (2.5 to 4 inches)

They strengthen the calf muscles and also make the legs appear longer, however; they can be painful to wear. They can cause many foot problems such as corns, calluses, ingrowing toenails, nerve irritation, heel pain, ankle sprains, tendinitis, hammer toe and bunions.

Extreme (over 4 inches)

They build a good pair of calf muscles and make the legs appear longer. They also tend to make the backside more noticeable! But very high heels put huge pressure on the ball of your feet (7 times your body weight) and compress the toes. They are very difficult to walk in and certainly cause a myriad of foot problems and back pain.

Constantly wearing high party heels results in painful damage to your feet. In most case this damage is irreversible. Is it worth it?

The decision is all yours!

What type of Party Heels are more comfortable?

The most comfortable heel height is lower than 3 inches, good arch support, and a cushioned sole. Ideally you should look for a shoe with a heel that is wide and chunky instead of narrow like a stiletto. Wearing a chunky heel, a wedge or a platform shoe offers more stability and transfers the weight a cross a greater area. That way you feel more balanced, which helps with overall comfort.

They say, “give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world”! I totally agree! The right shoes can take you anywhere so make sure they are comfortable! As a podiatrist, I would allow wearing heels only on special occasions. Whether you have Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin, the truth is that you only have a one pair of feet, but you can buy many pair of shoes!

If you need advice on footwear 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. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We also offer a very wide range of treatments such as verruca treatments, ingrown toenail management, fungal infection treatment, heel pain management, diabetic footcare and sports injuries management. I can assure you that we will do our best to exceed your expectations. Our staff will treat your feet with the respect and attention they deserve. For more information and to get in touch, please contact us on 01455 246100. You are also, welcome to visit us at 45 Rugby Rd, Hinckley, LE10 0QA. We will be delighted to see you!

Thank you for reading – Party Heels, What’s The Damage?

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Party Heels, What’s The Damage? appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Looking after your feet is important. Feet are your body’s foundation, so keeping them healthy is vital to your overall health. Years of wear and tear can be hard on your feet and Santa’s feet are no exception.

Christmas is about helping others, giving selflessly and being thankful for what you have! So let’s unfold Santa’s footcare journey!

Footwear Advice

Santa came to the clinic with oversized boots! I just could not believe it! Too much movement of your foot in the shoes creates unnecessary friction and pressure that leads to blisters, corns, and calluses. In addition, your natural stride gets disrupted as you try to keep the shoe in place. This contributes to pain at the back of your heel (Achilles tendinitis) or pain at the ball of your feet (metatarsalgia).
Santa was advised to have his feet measured in terms of length and width, and he was given a couple of different shoe catalogues to help him find some new boots.

Fungal infections

Apparently, Santa has been trying to get rid of his fungal nail infection for many years! He has tried numerous over the counter nail paints but nothing has worked.

There are three types of fungus commonly found on the skin: mould, yeast, and tinea unguium. Healthy skin forms a barrier that protects the body from infection. If the skin gets damaged or unhealthy, issues arise. The warm and moist environment in your shoes and socks allows the fungus to grow. Skin and nails contain keratin, which is exactly what foot fungus needs for growth. Fungal skin is usually flaky and will often peel, crack, itch or burn. The skin may also be dry and red and is often mistaken for extremely dry skin. People tend to apply moisturising cream without much success. If the toenails are infected, they are often yellow, thickened, and brittle and may be lifting from the nail bed.

Looking at the extent of the fungal infection, it was evident that too much nail was involved. If more that 70% of the surface of the nail is affected, it is unlikely that anything over the counter will be effective. So, I had to write to his GP in North Pole to request some oral antifungals to tackle this nasty fungus! If that was not enough, the skin on his feet was also affected.

Therefore, a combination of antifungal agents (creams and sprays) was issued and advised to use for minimum 3 months. Santa’s New Year Resolution is to get rid of his fungus from his feet! Needless to say, I booked him in after Christmas for a review!

Foot Supports

It was lovely to see that Santa has been wearing custom-made foot supports for his flat feet! He told me that he has had them for over 10 years, and it was time to upgrade them. Therefore, we organised another appointment for him for a biomechanical assessment with casting so that we can issue a brand new pair of orthoses for him in time for Christmas.

A biomechanical assessment is a thorough examination of the way you walk including gait analysis. This involves taking multiple measurements from your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. We look at muscle strength, range, and quality of movement as well as any structural abnormalities. Then, a template of your feet is taken out of plaster of Paris, and a prescription is prepared according to the type of shoes you are wearing and your specific requirements.

At the end, Santa was delighted with the treatment he received. He felt like he was walking on air!

Ho Ho Ho!

If you think you can relate to any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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 also offer a very wide range of treatments such as verruca treatments, ingrown toenail management, fungal infection treatment, heel pain management, diabetic footcare and sports injuries management. I can assure you that we will do our best to exceed your expectations. Our staff will treat your feet with the respect and attention they deserve. For more information and to get in touch, please contact us on 01455 246100. You are also, welcome to visit us at 45 Rugby Rd, Hinckley, LE10 0QA. We will be delighted to see you!

Thank you for reading – Santa Claus is coming to…Medipod!

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Santa Claus is coming to…Medipod! appeared first on Medipod Clinics.

Orthoses or orthotic devices (insoles) are shoe inserts that slide into your shoes to help with foot and ankle function, reduce the risk of injury and improve your posture. Conditions that orthoses can help include flat feet and high arches, bunions and hammer toes, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, and last but not least, back pain and arthritis.

A lot of people are using orthoses in their shoes. As a podiatrist, I see different conditions, that can improve with regular use of orthoses. But which is better? Shop bought orthoses or bespoke ones?

This time we are exploring the pros and cons of different types of orthoses. I hope that this will guide your decision regarding whether off the shelf orthoses, will address your foot pain appropriately.

Over-the-counter insoles

1. 1. Low cost
   2. Soft and flexible
   3. Available straight away
   4. Multiple options available especially if you have flat feet

But they also are:

1. 1. Not designed for your foot type or foot pathology
   2. There are hardly any options if you have high arches
   3. Low durability – only last up to 6 months max
   4. Some of them are thick and bulky, and therefore difficult to fit into footwear
   5. Some of them can do more harm than good

Custom-made orthoses (Bespoke Orthoses)

1. 1. Biomechanically designed and engineered for your foot type
   2. Durability – they can last up to 10 years
   3. Adjustments can be made
   4. Fit better into shoes
   5. They contour to your arch profile so suitable for both flat feet and high arches
   6. Comfortable and supportive

However, they also are:

1. 1. Expensive – minimum £200 plus assessment and casting fees
   2. Delay in issuing them to you
   3. Not all shoes will accommodate orthoses

So, what should you get?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. The answer depends on whether you are looking for more comfort whilst walking or standing, or have a more serious condition that needs to be addressed. In any case, it is recommended that you have an assessment by an experienced podiatrist before you decide. During a biomechanical assessment, we take specific measurements from your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, look at the overall structure of your whole body, examine posture, assess muscle weakness and strength in your lower limbs. There is a lot of observation and measurement involved!

If you experience pain in your feet, or legs, the podiatrist can assess the way you walk and recommend a management plan. Pain is the body’s way of informing you that something is not right. You should not ignore pain, even if it is occasional. If pain is left untreated, it can lead to other compensation patterns elsewhere in the body, such as ankles, knees, hips and back.

Leonardo da Vinci said that “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a piece of art”. This comes as no surprise, if you consider that the foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Foot function is very complex, and every foot is totally different.

At Medipod Clinics, our podiatrists understand how your foot works. Claire is our MSK (Musculo-skeletal) specialist and foot supports guru!

We also offer a very wide range of treatments such as verruca treatments, ingrown toenail management, fungal infection treatment, heel pain management, diabetic footcare and sports injuries management. I can assure you that we will do our best to exceed your expectations. Our staff will treat your feet with the respect and attention they deserve. For more information and to get in touch, please contact us on 01455 246100. You are also, welcome to visit us at 45 Rugby Rd, Hinckley, LE10 0QA. We will be delighted to see you!

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 – Bespoke Orthoses vs Shop-Bought Insoles: What is Best?

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Bespoke Orthoses vs Shop-Bought Insoles: What is Best? 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.

This month I would like to address how to have strong feet, muscularly speaking.

Shoes are fantastic at protecting our feet from the outside elements. However too many of us rely on them for everything. A lot of women will only wear shoes with a heel on them which can interfere with your body’s proprioception.

What is Proprioception?

Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense movement, location, and action. Walking in shoes can often create a barrier, a cushioned barrier, between the feedback your feet would normally gather from the ground. This feedback is vital in how your feet and ankles move, how your knees, hips, spine, shoulders, neck, and head move.

How do you overcome this and not cause temporary, or permanent, damage to your feet?

You can start by walking around barefoot at home and in your garden. Be more aware of what you are standing on. Do not assume you will not damage your feet just because you are at home.

Walking Around Barefoot

I sincerely believe that walking around barefoot is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Providing your feet are issue free, start with ten minutes a day barefoot in your house. I recommend starting indoors, in the spring or summer, so that your feet do not get cold.

Next, if you can walk about barefoot enough to know that your feet can handle being completely flat to the ground, and you don’t experience calf pain or fatigue by existing this way at home, then you could investigate shoes that allow you to continue this way of walking while outside the house.

I highly recommend Altra Shoes as they have a wide range of cushioned and lightly cushioned shoes that provide a wide toe box to allow your toes to spread and widen and move freely, they mostly have a zero drop, which means flat to the ground with no heel. If you need arch support, I recommend either custom orthotics from Medipod Clinics, or built in arch support as found in Birkenstock shoes and sandals.

There are also the hotly debated Vibram toe shoes, with individual pockets for each toe to move independently. These have a lot less cushioning; you can feel everything through the shoe – every bump lump and stone… these can be quite uncomfortable and take a lot to work your way up too, and probably only good for those with years of barefoot walking experience.

Not Strong Enough?

But what if your feet don’t feel strong enough to transition into those types of shoes?

There are exercises. Of course, there are exercises! That special magical work that prevents and cures most bodily ailments, EXERCISE.

The top exercise for getting stronger feet is to simply walk and exercise in general more, and if possible, in bare feet. We are not suggesting cardio in bare feet, but yoga, Pilates, resistance bands, dumbbells even, if you’re careful of where you put them. Every move you make during a workout will add to how your feet are able to adapt to different positions and loads. If you lift heavily during squats and deadlifts, you will already know that it is optimum for the whole body to do so in bare feet. So why not the rest of your workout?

Walking over lumpy ground like at Burbage Common or at Bradgate Park, in shoes, is a great way to train your ankle and foot mobility and strength. Taking up a martial art requires bare foot work, and this will also increase strength.

Exercises

Targeted exercises for your feet though are a little different, but these can either be incorporated into your normal workout routine, or when you’re sat relaxing in front of the TV. Simple scrunching and spreading of toes is a good one to get started. You can practise lifting just your big toe up, then just your little toes up, this can be challenging, but worthwhile. Calf exercises are an excellent partner to foot exercises, and the simple yet effective calf raise can be done seated at the same time as your feet exercises.

Want some inspiration for more exercises? Go here, or Email chloe@astralfitness.co.uk and ask, and she will send you her top exercises for your feet, no obligation*.

If your feet are aching and need a little help before you get started on strengthening them, please do pay myself or Jen a visit at Astral Fitness and receive a great sports massage as well as personalised advice.

Until next time,
Chloe and Jen.

Astral Fitness
Greene King Stadium, Leicester Road, Hinckley, LE10 0NQ.

Thank you for reading – Chloe Clark – Guest Blog.

Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director

http://medipodclinics.com/

*Generalised foot exercises sent are not to be taken as a diagnosis or definitive advice for your particular foot condition. Your email will be added to my weekly mailing list. You can unsubscribe at any time.

The post Chloe Clark – Guest Blog 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.

The nail becomes ingrown when the side of the nail cuts into the skin next to the nail. This can become painful. Any toe can be affected but it is usually the big toe.

It is a common problem, especially in teenagers and young adults. However, ingrown toenails can also occur at any age even in babies or toddlers.

Ingrown Toenail Causes

An ingrown toenail is usually caused by a sharp spike of nail growing into the skin beside it and can allow germs to get underneath the skin and cause infection.

This can happen due to various factors. Wearing poorly fitting shoes or tight socks, and sweating a lot (during exercise, for example). High heels, tight and pointy shoes encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Active, sporty people may be more prone to ingrown toenails as they sweat more.

Ingrown toenails may occur more often in people who have curved nails (involuted) or cut them very short and round. The correct way of cutting nails is straight across. This helps the nail to grow normally over the skin and may prevent ingrown toenails from developing.

Ingrown Toenails Treatment

Ingrown toenails should be treated by a podiatrist. Not a beautician, foot health practitioner or even the GP. Podiatrists are specialising in the treatment of ingrown toenails.

If caught early

If the ingrowing part of the nail is small, conservative treatment can provide relief and, in most cases, we can train the nail to grow over the skin.

In more advanced cases

If there is infection, most Podiatrists can issue antibiotics for your ingrown toenail. In presence of severe ingrown toenails, nail surgery may be necessary.

The procedure id performed under local anaesthetic. The section of the nail that is digging in is cut away and a chemical is applied in the nail root to stop the nail from growing back.

It usually takes less than an hour and we would ask you to return for re-dressing appointments. Healing usually takes place within 4-6 weeks.

This is what some of our patients say about us:

“Very good with appointment and very detailed reviews and set plans to help you with feet/toe problems, and very smooth surgery which removed the worst pains of my life! Thanks a lot!” Charly

“Have used Faye and her talents many times over the years due to damaged toenails. Service has always been excellent, and treatment required explained clearly and executed perfectly. Well recommended.” John

“Very professional and friendly service, the wait time was short and the treatment I received for my ingrown toenails was superb. The after care and advice provided has helped me get back on my feet and back to normality.” Luke

At Medipod Clinics we take great care of your feet – Banish that Ingrowing Toenail

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 also offer verruca treatments, 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 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 – Banish that Ingrowing Toenail!

Faye Vogiatzoglou

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post Banish that Ingrowing Toenail! 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.

So, as well as vowing to watch less television or keep on top of the dishes this New Year, make sure you put the comfort and wellbeing of your feet on your list of resolutions too.

We’ve put together a few ways that you can start giving your feet the star treatment in 2022!

Pamper and Moisturise

Who doesn’t love to feel pampered now and again? And our feet are not to be missed when it comes to soaking our troubles away.

For baby-soft feet, exfoliate using a scrub. Most of us have dry and cracked feet because we don’t take care of them. Dead skin can be uncomfortable, but regular exfoliation will get rid of the dead skin and result in softer and smoother feet.

Moisturising is also the key to maintaining silky-smooth feet. Just before bed, apply a moisturising cream (preferably at least 10% urea based) or body butter, and then pull on a pair of socks. You’ll wake up with noticeably softer feet.

Need some moisturiser recommendations? Check out our range of creams that your feet will thank you for.

Buy a New Comfortable Pair of Shoes

It’s time to put aside that old, worn pair of shoes you’re attached to because they are ‘comfortable’. The new year is about starting afresh, so now’s the time to invest in a new pair that are comfortable, but also supportive.

Comfortable doesn’t have to mean old-fashioned! There are plenty of shoes out there that are both attractive, fashionable, comfortable, and supportive.

We can advise on a range of wider fit shoes that are extra roomy, comfy and suitable for a range of occasions in an array of styles – just ask one of our podiatrist for further details.

Don’t Ignore Foot Problems

Medical professionals can sometimes describe our feet as ‘windows’ as they can often indicate a health problem elsewhere in the body.

It’s for this important reason that your final New Year’s resolution for your feet should be that you get any unusual foot problems checked out by a GP or your podiatrist as soon as possible, as it could be an indication of something bigger.

Some common symptoms to be aware of include: a swollen toe, which could indicate gout or infection; your nails turning club-shaped, which could point to a lung condition; sore toe joints, which could signal rheumatoid arthritis as well as ulcers and numbness which could be a sign of diabetes.

Start Doing Foot Exercises and Stretches

A lot of people make New Year’s resolutions to exercise more, but let’s not forget about exercising our feet! Doing some foot exercises and stretching out our lower muscles from time-to-time is a great way to encourage good blood flow and can help alleviate any pains and discomfort.

We recommend some easy exercises that you can do in the comfort of your own home, minimum 3 times a week, such as heel raises, and calf stretches.

At Medipod Clinics we are very experienced 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.

From treating your feet with new, well-fitting footwear to buying yourself a soothing foot cream, Medipod stock a range of feel-good foot products that are sure to kick-start your new year in the right direction.

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, heel pain, tendinitis, 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 New Year’s Resolutions! Let’s Put a Smile on Your Feet 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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