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.

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.

Cosmetic Nail Reconstruction – Many men and women suffer from unsightly toenails and are embarrassed about their feet. In order to hide them away, they often wear closed shoes, socks or paint over the damage to disguise it. This makes it worse in the process.

In this article, we share a real story involving one of our patients who experienced problems because she has had a fungal nail infection for many years without seeking any professional advice or help about it.

What is Nail Reconstruction?

This method of cosmetic nail reconstruction is totally different than the traditional way of adding an acrylic set of nails on top of your existing nails. LCN Wilde-Pedique is a unique light-cured gel.  LCN Wilde-Pedique contains Pirictone Olamine and provides an instant cosmetic solution. Therefore, we are able to create a bespoke, cosmetically reconstructed nail. Your nail will look so natural, only you will know it’s not real.

If you are undergoing anti-fungal treatment, like Kate, we will need to remove and replace your nail several times over the course of the fungal nail treatment. But you will always look your best! Permanently damaged nails can wear LCN Wilde-Pedique all year around with regular maintenance.

At Medipod Clinics we always keep up-to-date with best Podiatry practice. Furthermore, we are always searching new ways to improve our service to you. We listen to the feedback from our patients. If you feel that you will benefit from regular treatments or you are just looking for a single session, we would be more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.

We offer a wide range of podiatric and beauty services, such as verruca treatments, nail surgery as well as medi-pedi and paraffin wax therapy treatments, so do not hesitate to ask for more information. With our in-depth knowledge and expertise, we can support you every step of your way by providing a highly professional service.

Kate’s story: How Nail Reconstruction helped her confidence

Kate works in the public sector and she has to wear closed shoes and tights while working. She developed a nail fungal infection but she was scared to do something about it. Over time the fungal infection became worse affecting most of her toenails. She has been so embarrassed about her feet that she stopped wearing any type of open-toe shoes. She was always hiding her feet in socks and didn’t even have the courage to allow her husband to see them.

One day she decided to do something about it and made an appointment to see Zoe at the clinic. She was so amazed at how good her feet looked after just one session! Zoe recommended nail reconstruction, as she was going on holidays for the summer.

Faye spent over an hour to try to improve the appearance of Kate’s toenails using LCN Wilde-Pedique. The results were excellent! Kate was delighted with appearance of her toenails and decided to have Dr Remedy Enriched nail varnish on for the very first time in years!

Kate now books her next appointment before she leaves the clinic. This means that she doesn’t have to worry about her feet anymore and can enjoy her life without feeling embarrassed about her feet. Kate also uses an antifungal nail treatment regularly.

For more information about our standard podiatry treatment, warm wax therapy, medi-pedi or nail reconstruction please contact us on 01455 246100.

We would love to help you with any issues you may be experiencing.

Thank you for reading,

Faye Vogiatzoglou
www.medipodclinics.com

The post Cosmetic Nail Reconstruction appeared first on Medipod Clinics.