August 2021

Here are the most common fungi known to cause nail infections:

1. Distal Subungual Infection:
   The most common type of fungal nail infection which can develop on both fingernails and toenails. When infected by this king of fungus, the outer edge of the nail will look jagged with white and/or yellow streaks across the nail. This infection affects the nail bed and the underside of the nail.
2. White Superficial Infection:
   This usually affects toenails. The fungus will attack the top layers of the nail and create very distinct white spots on the nail. These white patches insidiously begin to cover the entire nail, which then becomes rough, soft, and prone to crumbling. The spots on the nail can also become flaky.
3. Proximal Subungual Infection:
   These are fairly uncommon, but can affect both toenails and fingernails. This nail infection is characterized by yellow spots that appear at the base of the nail as the infection begins to spread upwards. This usually occurs in people with low immunity and can also happen due to minor injury to the nail.
4. Candida Infection:
   Candida yeasts cause this type of nail infection. It usually occurs in nails that have been injured before or have suffered from a prior infection. This type of fungal nail infection usually occurs on fingernails and happens to people who frequently soak their hand in water. It starts by the cuticle around the nail, which becomes swollen and red and tender to touch. The nail may even lift off the nail bed, or fall off entirely.

It is not recommended to take over-the-counter medicines for nail infections since the results aren’t always reliable. You must visit a foot specialist to determine whether you have a nail infection, and if you do, they may prescribe oral antifungal medicines like:

• Terbinafine
• Itraconazole
• Fluconazole
• Griseofulvin

They may even prescribe other forms of anti-fungal treatments, like antifungal nail lacquer or topical treatments. You just have to brush these on your nails like you would nail polish. Depending on how bad the nail infection is, you may have to take these medicines for months, and topical “solutions” aren’t very ideal in curing nail infections.

Prevention is always better than cure, so here’s a list of things to do / avoid to make sure you don’t have to heal with a nasty nail infection in the future.

• Dry your feet well after showering, especially between your toes
• Only get manicures and pedicures from safe and trusted salons
• Try not to be barefoot in public places
• Try to cut down on your usage of nail polish / artificial nails
• Wash your hands well after touching infected nails

These are some simple steps to ensure you don’t suffer from a nail infection. Apart from this, there are some simple lifestyle changes that can help too. For example, taking care of your nails and keeping them trimmed and clean. This helps a lot when it comes to preventing infections. Try not to injure the skin around your nails by avoiding biting your nails and/or picking your cuticles. If you wash dishes a lot or do work that requires you to wet your hands / feet a lot, wear gloves / feet protection. All of these are very simple and can potentially lower your risk of getting a nail infection. This, paired with proper foot care and hygiene can really go a long way!

Now you know what to look for when looking for a nail infection, what kinds of fungi can affect your nails, and how to prevent nail infections from occurring. If you find yourself affected by any of the symptoms mentioned above, or simply feel like something’s wrong, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor or a foot specialist. For quick results, you can simply google search “foot specialist near me”, or better yet, if you want quality foot care and treatment, you can book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic!

Please call us on  0800 107 3290 / 077 99 122 099 Or contact us

Verruca Or Corn?: Spot the Difference and Treat Your Verruca Infection with Care

One of the most common problems people face with their feet is the development of warts and Verrucas on their feet. They’re extremely common in most children and young adults, with people having developed at least one at some point in their life. Verrucas, though they may sound fancy, are not pleasant at all. Verrucas are actually a type of wart and not just warts themselves, and are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It’s very easy to confuse a Verruca for other ailments like corns and other types of warts, but Verrucas are very distinct if you know what to look for.

Chances are you’ve had a Verruca before and just confused it for a corn or a wart. But there are some key identifying factors when it comes to Verrucas which can help you single them out from all these other ailments. Verrucas are actually an infection caused by HPV and can be painful in comparison to normal warts or corns. They tend to form on the soles of your feet and may have tiny black dots in the centre, where blood has clotted in tiny vessels on the surface of your skin. They can be painful when you put weight on them, kind of like stepping on a needle. They also tend to look flat because of the constant pressure put on them. They even develop in clusters in some cases and can fuse together, forming “mosaic warts”. Which, again, sound super fancy, but definitely aren’t a piece you’d put up in an art exhibit. They’re actually kind of grotesque, but are totally normal.

To sum it up, you know it’s Verrucas on your feet when:

• There’s a black dot in the centre (in most cases)
• The “wart” is oddly cauliflower-shaped
• You feel a stinging “stepping-on-a-needle” type of pain when you apply pressure
• The lump is small and rough

You may have multiple on your hands and around your mouth as well (in the case of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, or HFM for short, which is common in most children)

Most people tend to confuse Verrucas for Corns. It’s a very common problem seen by Podiatrists everywhere. A lot of times, patients come in after “mistreatment” caused by the confusion. When you can’t tell if it’s a verruca or a corn, it’s probably best to see a medical professional (why not book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic?) before you treat it at home. The wrong treatment for the wrong lesion can sometimes even lead to more serious problems. So it’s best to know how to SPOT the difference between these spots.

So, how can you tell if it’s a verruca or corn? Here’s a simple breakdown!

• Verrucas are viruses (often called the Verruca Infection) caused by HPV. They are highly contagious (commonly seen when children with HFM Disease interact with other children on playgrounds). Corns, on the other hand (or foot!), are cone-shaped pieces of hard skin that form on areas of pressure. They are formed by friction and are not contagious.
• Verrucas aren’t picky. They see all feet as fit for infection. Corns, however, tend to form on dryer skin.
• Verrucas have a long incubation period that can range from a couple of months to a year. Corns tend to form over a long period of time from constant pressure and friction, while Verrucas seem to kind of just “show up” out of the blue.
• When you look closely, it’s easy to tell whether it’s a verruca or corn. Verruca infections tend to be sneaky and interrupt the striation (or lines) on your skin. Corns don’t do this; they’re quite out and proud.
• Verrucas on feet tend to have black dots in the centre where the blood has clotted on the surface of your skin. Corns don’t have these black dots.
• The skin on top of and around a Corn tends to be hard and thick, raising the skin. It can also give it a slightly yellow tone. Verrucas do not look as yellow and raised, they actually tend to be flatter because of the constant pressure put on them.
• Corns tend to have a conical, circular shadow to them, without any disruption of skin striations. Verrucas have an odd cauliflower-esque shape to them in comparison.

These are some of the key factors that set verrucas aside from corns. Now that you know whether it’s a verruca or corn that’s bugging you, it’ll be much easier to manage. Though it is best to see a Podiatrist rather than try to treat it on your own. Especially if it’s a verruca infection.

Now that you know more about the Verruca infection, it’d do you good to understand where it comes from so you can prevent it from happening to you. Especially if you have children or young adults at home since they’re the most prone and the virus is extremely contagious.

Verrucas are caused by HPV. Verruca infections can spread from person to person via direct skin contact or even just contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus. You’re also more likely to get infected if your skin is damaged or wet, so swimming pools and communal showers tend to be a breeding ground for verruca infections. Apart from infecting (or being infected by) others, you can even further infect yourself by touching unaffected areas of your body. The viral particles tend to spread when you scratch a verruca. As with most viruses, your chances of developing verruca infections runs high if you have a weak immune system.

If you’ve been affected by the verruca infection, you can help stop the spread by following these simple precautions:

DO:

• Wash your hands after touching the affected area
• Change your socks DAILY and maintain good foot hygiene
• Cover the affected area with a plaster when swimming
• Take care not to cut, open, or aggravate a verruca

DON’T:

• Avoid sharing towels, flannels, socks or shoes
• Try not to bite your nails or touch unaffected parts of your body after touching a verruca
• Don’t walk around barefoot in public places

Refrain from scratching or picking at your verruca

Most verrucas tend to go away on their own as long as you don’t further aggravate them or touch them too much. Maintaining proper foot hygiene is often more than enough to make them go away. But sometimes, when they’re pesky and persistent and decide to build base camp on your feet, you have to treat or maybe even remove them (only in dire cases).

The most commonly used treatments for verruca infections are salicylic acid and cryotherapy (sounds like some sort of crazy sci-fi treatment, but it’s just simple freezing).

• Salicylic Acid: There are many creams, gels and medicated plasters for treating warts and verrucas. You can buy these over-the-counter, but only do so if you’re sure it’s a verruca infection. Most of these contain salicylic acid which is a key ingredient in treating verruca infections. Be careful when applying these medications, and try to use as little as possible in surrounding areas because it can cause irritation to healthy skin. You can even protect the skin around the verruca infection with non-fragranced and natural petroleum jelly. Try not to get any of the treatment on broken skin. You can soften the area before-hand by soaking it in water and rubbing it to remove excess hard skin. Once dried, make sure to cover the affected area with a plaster. Apply the treatment according to your Podiatrist / Pharmacist’s advice.

Cryotherapy: This is the process of freezing your wart or verruca using liquid nitrogen so it falls off. Most pharmacists have OTC cryotherapy preparations that contain other gases, but these don’t normally work too well because they can’t freeze at temperatures as low as liquid nitrogen, which is why it’s better if you visit a Podiatrist to get this done (book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic today!). During cryotherapy, your doctor will apply the liquid nitrogen to your verruca using either a spray or a cotton bud. It usually takes between 5-30 seconds to freeze depending on the size and location and also the method used. You may have to repeat the treatment multiple times till the verruca or wart eventually falls off. Cryotherapy, however, hasn’t been shown to work any better than salicylic acid and can often lead to blisters and scarring that can be painful, which is why it’s not recommended for younger children.

If your verruca persists and you’re concerned about it, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If the verruca is recurring and keeps coming back, or if it’s very large and painful and bleeds and changes how it looks, you should definitely see a doctor, specifically a Podiatrist. You can book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic and get the best treatment for verrucas on feet, infections, and more!

Please call us on  0800 107 3290 / 077 99 122 099 Or contact us

It is normal to suffer from foot pain problems if you walk a lot or spend most of your day on your feet. Wearing the wrong type of shoe, incorrect shoe size or not taking care of feet can lead to foot pain.
If you keep neglecting your pain, your foot problem might get worse and you may require foot surgery in extreme cases. If you are suffering from any type of foot problems and are looking for the best foot doctor in Chesham, continue reading.
If you are planning to visit a foot doctor in Chesham or a foot specialist in Chesham for your chiropody treatment; here are some tips that can help you choose the right doctor:

Before visiting any foot specialist in Chesham or booking an appointment, make sure that the doctor offers the services that you need. Some foot doctors do not offer foot surgery, or some only provide diagnosis and massage etc. Depending on your condition, you need to visit a specialist who offers treatment for your problem. If you are unsure about your exact condition, a preliminary consultation will help diagnose the issue and the doctor can then prescribe the best course of treatment or refer you to a specialist.

It is very easy to find out reviews about foot specialists by just googling their name or the clinic’s name. If you have a company in mind who you want to visit, search for their reviews. See how other patients were treated and how was their experience. You can even discuss with your friends or family who can suggest someone they have had a personal experience with, saving you both time and money.

If you have insurance that covers such treatments, you should consider clinics that accept insurance. Using your insurance will help save you money. Additionally, you can easily get a full checkup to make sure everything is okay. Should you need foot surgery in Chesham, your insurance can cover the cost, making the process easier for you.

Some foot conditions need to be checked by specialists who are experts in different areas. This is why you should opt for a chiropody treatment that has a wide variety of experts. In this way, you can get treatment for common problems like ingrown nails or calluses as well as serious problems like surgery.

Undoubtedly, private healthcare can be expensive; this is why it is important to consider the fee foot doctors will charge for chiropody treatments in Chesham. There is no point in visiting a foot doctor who charges the lowest price but provides a treatment that has no positive outcomes. Visiting a cheap Chriropodist could be a waste of time, money and the bad experience will prevent you from visiting a professional foot doctor in Chesham.
However, high fees also do not equate to high-quality service, which is why it is important to discuss with your friends and family and read reviews beforehand.

If the service providers care about their customers, they will try to make the process easier from start to finish. Almost all clinics now have a website with a detailed description of their services and operating hours. These sites also offer the option to book appointments and choose a doctor. If you plan to regularly visit the clinic, online booking can certainly help and some Chiropractors may offer discounts for block bookings.

At the end of the day, it is you who will be getting the treatment. So, it is important that you choose a foot doctor in Chesham who can provide not only valuable chiropody treatments but also foot surgery in Chesham if needed.
If you are looking for a trusted and experienced Chiropodist for chiropody treatment or foot surgery in Chesham, Bucks Foot Clinic has more than 60 years combined experience and has seen and treated almost every type of foot issue.

Please call us on  0800 107 3290 / 077 99 122 099 Or contact us

Heel pain treatment Beaconsfield, the foot and ankle consist of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, with the heel being the most prominent bone in your foot.

Overuse or injuries to your heel may cause you to experience heel pain. Heel pain can range from mild to disabling. Should you be experiencing severe heel pain, visit your doctor or chiropractor. They will diagnose and determine the cause of the pain and suggest appropriate treatment.

For heel pain treatment in Beaconsfield, you must consult with the number one foot specialist in Beaconsfield, Bucksfoot Clinic.

A standard foot and ankle problem is heel pain. Heel pain is pain felt underneath or behind the heel. In most cases, it is curable with medication and care, and heel pain is very rarely treated with foot surgery.

What causes heel pain?

Several reasons could cause heel pain. The pain can reside in the heel bone, back of the heel, or beneath it. For example, you may develop heel pain if you wear the wrong shoe size or shape, stand for a long time, exercise a lot, or become overweight.

Other reasons for experiencing heel pain include:

Plantar fasciitis

One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This pain happens when the connective tissue on the lower part of the foot stretches or tears. It is common in people who jump or run a lot. In addition, walking on hard surfaces can further increase discomfort.

Bursitis

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints in the feet. When they swell, it causes a bruise-like feeling at the back of the heel. This problem occurs in those who are on their feet for long times.

Haglund’s deformity

Inflammation can cause an enlarged bump in the back of the heel, which gets worse from wearing high heels.

Achilles tendinitis

Our calf muscle is connected to the heel bone via the Achilles tendon. Overusing the muscles can cause Achilles tendonitis, which is common in sports players. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the back of the heel.

Contusion

Contusion happens when you step on something sharp that injures the foot’s padding. Visibly it may look fine, but the heel feels sore when walking.

Heel spurs

Heel spurs can occur as a result of chronic plantar fasciitis. They are bony growths that are usually painless. However, some people might feel pain.

Since different pain has different treatment methods, they require professional advice. If you suffer from any of the above pain, consult a foot specialist in Beaconsfield to start treatment.

Most of the time, if the pain isn’t severe, it will disappear on its own. However, if the pain doesn’t get better, it can cause problems.

Constant heel pain can become a hindrance in your daily activities. Furthermore, delaying your visit to a foot specialist can lead to further problems and more treatment.

To prevent your condition from worsening, you should visit a trusted foot specialist to get the best heel pain treatment in Beaconsfield.

A foot specialist will examine your feet and suggest heel pain treatment. In addition, the doctor might recommend x-rays in case of any fractures or an MRI scan for any tissue problems.

You might be prescribed medication, or the doctor will suggest exercises or therapy which the expert foot specialists can give you. In case of severe problems, the doctor might suggest custom-made shoes.

It is essential to follow the doctor’s advice and give the foot complete rest for proper healing. Otherwise, the pain may get worse and take longer to go away.

However, if the pain continues to get worse or doesn’t go away soon, consult with your doctor.

If you suffer from any foot problems or want to visit a foot surgery in Beaconsfield, visit Bucksfoot clinic.  Bucksfoot clinic has the most experienced and reliable foot specialists in Beaconsfield. They provide services for all foot-related pain, as well as foot surgery in Beaconsfield. They also offer custom-made footwear for severe feet problems.

Do not continue to suffer; book your appointment today to get the best heel pain treatment in Beaconsfield at Bucksfoot clinic.

Please call us on  0800 107 3290 / 077 99 122 099 Or contact us