The common causes of ingrown toenails include:

• Wearing shoes that crowd the toenails
• Cutting toenails too short or not straight across
• Trauma
• Having very curved toenails
• Nail infections
• Certain medical conditions

So what happens when you book in to see one of our podiatrists?

Firstly, they may try to treat and manage you condition conservatively to reduce the inflammation and any infection that may be present. They will give you a management plan that may include:

1. Soaking the affected toe in a warm salted water to prevent infection and bring inflammation down.
2. Instruction on how to cut the nail correctly.
3. Packing to lift affected nail to encourage the nail to grow correctly.
4. On rare occasions they can issue antibiotics if needed.

Sometimes surgery is the only option to cure ingrown nails. During this routine procedure, the side of your nail is cut back, and a chemical is applied in the nail root to stop the nail from growing back. This will change the width of your nail and permanently resolve your ingrown toenail.

What happens if surgery is the best option?

Firstly, paperwork needs to be completed during a presurgical appointment either in person or over the phone. The podiatrist will talk you through the procedure and aftercare.

On the day of your surgery you will require a lift home, it is not advisable to drive until the anaesthetic has worn off and full feeling returned to your feet. Sliders or similar footwear will be required to accommodate your bandaged toe.

Feeling a little nervous, not to worry!

You are welcome to bring any forms of distraction particularly if you are feeling nervous about the procedure. In the past patients have listened to music, read a book, watched a movie, or just laid back and relaxed with a face mask. We will provide a hot drink or water and if you are lucky maybe a biscuit! (assuming we haven’t eaten them all!!) We want you to relax!

If you are feeling particularly nervous feel free to invite someone along for moral support. They are welcome to sit with you during the procedure especially if they know any good jokes!

The only uncomfortable part of the procedure is the Anaesthetic injection. After that you should feel only a gentle tugging as the podiatrist carries out the procedure. The procedure itself will not take long. It will only take longer if the podiatrist starts telling you where they are going on holiday!

The toe/toes will be dressed with an absorbent dressing and bandage. If Faye is the podiatrist then your bandage will be given her trademark smiley face before you leave. Dressing packs and advice on aftercare will be given.

After the surgery

The anaesthetic can take up to 4 hours to wear off fully. Some patients experience some discomfort, but a mild painkiller (e.g. paracetamol )can be taken.

If you have any concerns after surgery, our phone lines are always open, and someone (probably Faye) will be able to advise accordingly. It is advisable not to drive until you have full feeling back in your toes.

The first post-surgery appointment is usually 24 hours after the procedure. This is to check that the wound is clean and that the toe is beginning to heal. You will be shown how best to redress your toe while it heals. This dressing should enable you to wear normal shoes. Must patients are able to return to work at this stage.

By the second appointment, 1 week after surgery , your toes should no longer feel sore, and you should be back to wearing normal shoes and be in a normal routine. Though it is not advisable to participate in contact sports or swimming until it is fully healed.

Your third dressing appointment is about 3 weeks after the procedure. By then, most toes are about 80% healed. It is advisable to continue the aftercare routine until it is fully dry. Depending on progress, a further dressing appointment maybe organised. We would like to make sure that the nail is growing well, and you are happy with the appearance of your toe.

What our patients say:

“Walked in today with a painful toe and without an appointment. They fitted me in and diagnosed an ingrowing toenail. They dealt with the problem very efficiently. I recommend Faye and her team for a professional and friendly service.” Frederick

“Absolutely brilliant service and staff. Finally, I can wear open toe shoes. Changed my life. Thank you so so much.” Jo

In conclusion, if you are suffering from painful toenails, make the first step and seek professional advice. We are more than happy to help, and we want to put a smile on your feet. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We also offer treatments for thickened nails, hard skin, fungal 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.

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 – 2024 – So you have an ingrowing toenail, what happens next?

Faye, Natalie, Lisa, Maria, Zoe, Claire and Julia

http://medipodclinics.com/

The post So you have an ingrowing toenail, what happens next? 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.

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.

It is a common condition, and it can be painful, causing swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. It usually affects the big toe, either on one or both sides of the toe.

If you are suffering from ingrowing toenails, it is advisable to see a podiatrist for the correct management of your feet. Here are some useful tips on how to prevent them.

It’s all about how you cut your nails

1. DO NOT DIG THE CORNER OUT

If you have nails that curve inwards (involuted), avoid cutting the corners as this would make the situation worse.

Instead, cut the corner of the nail straight and carefully clear any debris from around the nail.

2. AVOID CUTTING THEM TOO SHORT

The main function of the nail is to protect the end of the toe. By cutting your nails too short, you expose the nail bed to potential infection.

Also the skin at the end of the toe may fold over, so as the nail grows it digs into it, causing an ingrowing toenail.

3. ATTENTION TO SOCKS AND SHOES

Make sure your socks and shoes fit properly.

Tight hosiery and footwear can cause unnecessary pressure, friction, and significant trauma to your toenails, causing them to grow in.

4. SEE A PODIATRIST REGULARLY

If you are experiencing nail problems, see a HCPC Registered Podiatrist on a regular basis. Podiatrists can manage thickened, fungal or ingrowing toenails efficiently.

They are experts at nail surgery, a procedure that can permanently cure your ingrown toenail. They can also prescribe Antibiotics.

At Medipod Clinics we take great care of your feet.

Our Podiatrists have extensive experience in treating ingrowing toenails. We understand how your feet work and we will treat them with the respect and attention they deserve.
We can also advise you about your children’s feet, footwear, corns and calluses, verruca treatments and sports injuries management.
I can assure you that we will do our best to exceed your expectations. With our knowledge and enthusiasm for footcare, we will be able to advise you on the right treatment for you.

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

Thank you for reading,

Faye Vogiatzoglou
HCPC Registered Podiatrist / Chiropodist

www.medipodclinics.com

The post How to avoid ingrowing toenails appeared first on Medipod Clinics.