January 2022

Lots of people ask the question, “What is nail surgery?”. Nail surgery is considered a minor procedure. It is usually conducted under local anesthetic, to help alleviate pain and infection in toenails.

During nail surgery, a podiatrist might remove one or two sections from your nail, on each side. In some forms of nail surgery, your podiatrist may have to remove your whole nail, depending on the extent of infection / injury.
Once the nail surgery is over, the podiatrist will use a form of treatment to prevent the affected nail from growing again.

Who Does Nail Surgery?

Now that you know what nail surgery is, you’re probably wondering who does nail surgery.

Nail surgery is done by certified professional Podiatrists. Never get nail surgery from anyone who is not professionally equipped to handle it.

What Happens During Nail Surgery?

Nail surgery is a simple procedure which can be done in your podiatrist’s office. Before starting, your podiatrist will numb the area around your affected nail. The feeling is very similar to having your gums numbed at the dentist. Although you won’t be knocked out for the surgery, you don’t have to worry about pain at all.

Once the area is nice and numb, your podiatrist will use tools specially designed for the job and remove the entire nail / the infected bit of nail.

If your case is leaning more on the severe side, they may have to destroy your affected nail’s matrix, to prevent the nail from re-growing in the future.

Post nail surgery, your podiatrist will apply an antibiotic cream and a bandage around the affected nail bed, which is the part of your toe under where the nail used to be. This cream will prevent bacterial infections from occurring.

The surgery is super simple and takes less than an hour normally.

Getting Ready For Nail Surgery

Before going in for surgery, your professional will most likely take a physical exam and discuss your medical history with you, like any other illnesses / surgeries you’ve undergone. They’ll also ask if you have:

• Latex / tape allergies
• Drug allergies
• Bleeding disorders
• Diabetes
• Medicines taken on a regular basis, even OTC pain relievers and supplements

Generally, on the day of the nail surgery, you can go on as usual. You can eat, shower, and take your daily medicines, unless your doctor specifically states otherwise.

Aftercare

After you’ve gone through nail surgery and the toe has been dressed, you have to keep the dressing dry and on for 2-3 days. After which, you’ll need to redress your toe.

Your podiatrist will give you written instructions on how to redress your toe properly. You’ll have to follow their instructions well. The average healing period after nail surgery is around 3-6 weeks. After your nail surgery, you can return to work in 24 hours. You can only go on with sporting activities once the toe is fully healed.

How Effective Is It?

Nail surgery generally is a permanent solution to your problem. Regrowth can occur occasionally, but this is in much less than 5% cases out of thousands.

Are There Alternatives to Nail Surgery?

There are a few common routine treatments that act as alternatives to nail surgery. They aren’t permanent solutions, however, and only help for immediate and short-term relief. A common treatment used is cutting the nail back, but the nail often regrows with the same issue.

Every patient is different and has a different pain-tolerance. This is why we aim to alleviate their pain as fast as possible, according to the treatment that suits them best. Though, when a patient comes in with a chronic infected nail, nail surgery is the only safe and viable option.

If you’re suffering from fungal nail infection or recurring ingrown toenails, and are looking for a permanent solution, nail surgery may just be your best bet! Book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for a consultation to see if nail surgery is the right option for you, and we’ll give you the best podiatric treatment in town!

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

Have you been experiencing pain in toenail recently? It’s a very common issue we see in people of all ages. There are lots of things that could trigger a pain in toenail, such as feeling pain in toenail due to shoes, or experiencing pain in toenail in bed. In most cases, when you face pain in toenail in bed it’s because you’re ready to rest and your mind is finally free to notice the pain that’s been in the background all day. Pain in the toenail due to shoes can occur from wearing ill-fitting shoes that are too tight on your toes.

Whatever the underlying reason is, pain in the toenail can be a symptom of issues such as Ingrown Toenail and Fungal Infections. Other causes are Paronychia and Bunions.

In more severe cases, pain in the toenail can occur due to Arthritis. If you have Diabetes and notice something is off with your toes, see a podiatrist immediately because you could face severe consequences later.

Let’s take a more in-depth view of the common causes of pain in toenail:

1. Toenail Trauma
   

   Toenail trauma can occur due to dropping heavy objects on your foot, stubbing your toe, falling, and wearing shoes that are too tight. The latter could lead to pain in the toenail due to shoes. Another cause for toenail trauma is exercises that are repetitive, such as running.
   When you face toenail trauma, your bruising should subside on its own. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes to help ease pain in your toenail due to shoes while you heal.
   If your toenail pain is severe, visit a podiatrist immediately. They’ll be able to drain the blood from under your nail to ease the pain. Never try this at home as you could mess up severely and it could lead to infection.
   In some cases of toenail trauma, your toenail could even fall off. If this happens, don’t worry, the nail will regrow in 6 months or so. In case this happens, keep your affected toe clean and dry. Make sure to wear protective shoes to mind the sensitive area that is normally covered by the nail.
   You can take OTC pain relievers to deal with pain at home. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen will work fine. Try to keep your foot elevated to lessen the swelling in your feet and toes.

If you notice discoloration that isn’t going away or a darkened area that’s “growing” underneath your nail, make sure to see a professional rule out skin cancer or a tumor.

Symptoms:

• Pain in toenail
• Pain in toenail in bed
• Pain in toenail due to shoes
• Redd-ish black bruising under the nail
• Pressure under the nail
• Noticeable separation of the nail and skin

2. Ingrown Toenails
   

   Ingrown toenail infections occur when the corner tip or edge of your toenail pokes into the skin surrounding it, instead of freely growing outwards. The toe that’s most likely to suffer from this issue is your big toe, since it’s usually the one that’s most in contact with your footwear.
   This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.
   If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.
   Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

Symptoms:

• Swelling in the affected area
• Pain when you touch the area
• Pain in toenail
• Pain in toenail due to shoes
• Pain in toenail in bed
• You feel pressure under your affected toenail
• Throbbing sensations in the area
• Foul smell coming from the affected area
• Warmth in and around the infected area (this is your body’s way of telling you that you have an infection, while also fighting off said infection)
• Hardened skin around affected nail, accompanies with redness
• You may experience a build-up / ooze of fluid in the affected area
• Your nail is thick, yellowing, or cracked. This is a key symptom of a fungal infection and must never be ignored
• You may even develop an abscess that fills with pus, in the area where your nail has punctured your skin
• The edges of your nail have an overgrowth of new and inflamed tissue

3. Fungal Infections
   

   Toenail fungus is a form of infection that basically travels through the cracks in your nail / the cuts on your skin. It can change the color of your toenail and make it much thicker than normal. It can also be very painful to deal with. Since toes are usually kept warm and may be damp due to sweat, they act as the perfect breeding ground for fungus, allowing it to thrive in these conditions. There are different types of fungi and even yeast that can affect the different parts of your nail. When left without treatment, the fungus can spread to your skin, the other toenails, and sometimes even your fingernails!

What does toenail fungus look like, you ask? Here’s your answer:

• A change in color of your toenail, to either yellow, brown, and even white
• Thickened and often misshapen looking toenail
• Chalkiness/cloudiness in spots on your toenail
• Your toenail is separated from your nail bed
• Lots of breaks and cracks in one or multiple spots on your toenail

There are many ways toenail fungus can alter the visual appearance of your toenails. That’s why it’s important to know what it looks like, so you can treat it before it gets more serious.

Symptoms:

• Pain in toenail
• Pain in toenail due to shoes
• Pain in toenail in bed
• Redness
• Nil splitting
• Discolouration / thickening of nail
• Itchy / painful toes / feet
• Skin peeling between toes

4. Paronychia
   

   A paronychia is an infection that forms on the skin around your nails. Though it occurs on fingernails more often, it is also seen to occur on toenails.
   Toenail trauma and ingrown toenails can heighten your risk of infections, which could lead to a paronychia. These issues make it simple for bacteria to cause infection by entering your body.
   If faced with a paronychia, soak your feet in warm water frequently to help deal with the swelling and pain. If your symptoms worsen despite 3-4 days of at-home treatment, if you notice pus or infection symptoms, or if you suffer from diabetes or other immune system issues, see a professional immediately. They’ll be able to drain the infection.
   In case of paronychia, watch out for signs of cellulitis. This infection is potentially very serious and can spread to other tissues. Watch out for pain, warmth in the affected area, and redness. There are symptoms of cellulitis and you should see a podiatrist immediately to start antibiotics.

If you suffer from severe cellulitis, you may notice red streaks on your leg, nausea, fever, and vomiting. In case this occurs, go to the ER immediately!

Symptoms:

• Pain in toenail
• Warmth/redness radiating outwards from the nail
• Swelling
• Pus
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

You now know the main reasons behind pain in your toenail. If you think you’re suffering from pain in your toenail in bed or pain in your toenail due to shoes, see a Podiatrist soon.

You can book an appointment at Bucks Foot Clinic for the best treatment in town!

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

Discoloured toenails are a surprisingly common issue seen in people of all ages, through different stages in their lives. Discoloured toenail can affect just about anyone, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s always important to address why you may have a discoloured toenail, as it could be an underlying symptom of toenail fungus and other infections.

A very common reason people get discoloured toenails is due to ill-fitting shoes that can cause ingrown toenails, which can in turn get infected and lead to worse conditions like toenail fungus.

This is why it’s always important to identify and treat discoloured toenails. Always visit a podiatrist when it comes to issues related to your feet, because we know best!

If you’d like to learn more about what toenail fungus looks like, how to treat fungal toenail, and more, read on!

If you’re showing signs of discolored toenails and other unpleasant symptoms, you may just be dealing with toenail fungus.

A fungal nail infection develops from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. It’s common knowledge that fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, so the nails on your feet have ideal conditions for fungi to naturally overpopulate. Most fungal nail infections are caused by the very same fungi that cause “athlete’s foot”, ringworm, and “jock itch”. The rapid overpopulation of fungi that are already present in your body can cause nail infections. Fungal nail infections are quite communicable, so if you’ve come in contact with someone who had a fungal infection, you may have contracted it too. Toenails tend to be affected more than fingernails, since they’re usually confined to shoes, which are the ideal breeding grounds for these fungi.

Pedicures at nail salons can also lead to fungal nail infections, which is why you need to make sure the tools are cleaned and disinfected regularly and well. Tools like nail cutters and files can very easily spread fungal nail infections from person to person if they’re not sanitised properly.

 What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?

 Left untreated, simple conditions like ingrown toenails can lead to toenail fungus. It’s important to know what toenail fungus looks like, so you can treat it in time. If you ever find yourself asking, “what does toenail fungus look like?” this section will help you gain a better understanding.

Toenail fungus is a form of infection that basically travels through the cracks in your nail or the cuts on your skin. It can change the color of your toenail and make it much thicker than normal. It can also be very painful to deal with. Since toes are usually kept warm and may be damp due to sweat, they act as the perfect breeding ground for fungus, allowing it to thrive in these conditions. There are different types of fungi and even yeast that can affect the different parts of your nail. When left without treatment, the fungus can spread to your skin, the other toenails, and sometimes even your fingernails!

What does toenail fungus look like, you ask? Here’s your answer:

• A change in color of your toenail, to either yellow, brown, and even white
• Thickened and often misshapen looking toenail
• Chalkiness / cloudiness in spots on your toenail
• Your toenail is separated from your nail bed
• Lots of breaks and cracks in one or multiple spots on your toenail

There are many ways toenail fungus can alter the visual appearance of your toenails. That’s why it’s important to know what it looks like, so you can treat it before it gets more serious.

If you find yourself noticing any of the above symptoms, you may just be dealing with toenail fungus and you should seek treatment with a podiatrist accordingly.

How to Treat Fungal Toenail

 There are quite a few at-home remedies on how to treat fungal toenail. Most of these treatments are highly effective, though it is always best to seek professional help. This way, you can prevent further irritating and aggravating your fungal infection and discoloured toenail.

Since there are a plethora of available at-home treatments, not all of them may be best suited to you. In fact, the effectiveness of treatment truly depends on your symptoms and situation. Seeing a professional podiatrist will ensure a proper diagnosis which will lead to better treatment. In general, podiatrists will prescribe you with oral antifungal medications. These medicines are very effective and show the most potential in toenail fungus treatment. Apart from oral medicines, you may even be prescribed a topical antifungal cream. Pairing these two is usually your best bet for swift treatment.

Apart from this, here are a few common at-home remedies on how to treat fungal toenail:

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections, and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gases that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.

Who Is Most Likely To Suffer From Fungal Toenail / Discoloured Toenail?

 Just like all infections and diseases, certain people tend to be more at risk when it comes to contracting fungal nail infections. You’re at higher risk of contracting fungal nail infections if you:

• Have diabetes
• Are over 65 years of age
• Wear artificial nails / regularly get pedicures
• Have a disease that causes poor circulation
• Have a nail injury
• Swim in public swimming pools often
• Have a skin injury around your nail
• Wear close-toed shoes often
• Have a weakened immune system
• Leave your toes moist for extended periods of time

If you check yes under any of the above, don’t ignore your discoloured toenail and see a podiatrist for treatment!

Now that you know more about discoloured toenails and what they mean, you’ll be able to know how to treat fungal toenail better, especially since you now know what toenail fungus look like.

If you think you may be suffering from a fungal toenail infection, don’t hesitate to visit a podiatrist. You can book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best Podiatric care in the UK!

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

As Podiatrists, we deal with lots of issues relating to the feet. Most commonly, we get cases of simple ingrown toenails turning into infections. We also very commonly see verrucas on feet, which many people confuse for other types of warts and corns. We’re well equipped to deal with all these problems, and more. We believe in educating our clients so they know how to practice proper foot hygiene. This way, the health of their feet stays good and they don’t have to suffer from common issues again.

That’s why we’ve put together this article to give you some information on verrucas on feet, what they look like, and how to go about verruca treatment. Read on to learn more.

Before we jump into the world of Verrucas on feet, we’ll give you a little background on who we are and what we do. Lots of people still aren’t aware of what we do and still find themselves asking the question, “what is a Podiatrist?”. We’ll clear up that doubt before telling you more about verrucas on feet and verruca treatment!

A Podiatrist is a medical specialist that helps with problems related to your feet and lower legs. We can deal with complications from health issues like diabetes, and even treat minor and major injuries. People also call us Podiatric Physicians or Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, as well as Chiropodists.

Though a Podiatrist IS a doctor, they don’t go to traditional medical schools. There are separate schools and professional associations for Podiatrists. Doctors usually have an “MD” after their name, which stands for “Medical Doctor”. We have “DPM” at the end of our names. This stands for “Doctor of Podiatric Medicine”.

We can perform surgeries, reset broken bones, order lab tests or x-rays, and even rest broken bones. We’re completely licensed to do so, and we often work alongside other specialists that treat issues of the feet and lower legs.

A Very Commonly Seen Issue: Verrucas on Feet

 Now that you’ve cleared up the question, “what is a Podiatrist?”, we can move on to a common issue we see everyday – Verrucas on feet.

Verruca on feet or verruca infections are a virus. It is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and is highly contagious. Verrucas on feet are commonly spotted on the soles of the areas around one’s toes. These viruses thrive in moist environments and tend to cyclically be an outbreak in children at the park (like hand, foot, mouth disease). Verrucas tend to look kind of like cauliflowers, but then they flatten up because of pressure when they are on the soles of your feet.

Sometimes verrucas can be painless, but more often than not they are very uncomfortable and even painful to deal with. They can disappear overnight, or can be persistent for years on end. They are highly contagious and so they spread from person to person in a seemingly never ending cycle. They are spread through both direct and indirect skin contact, so they really are a virus to look out for!

Verruca Symptoms

 It’s very easy to confuse verrucas on feet for other types of warts and corns. That’s why it’s important to know the distinct symptoms of verrucae (yes, that’s the plural of verruca!). This way you can identify them and give them the correct form of verruca treatment.

There are some key identifying factors when it comes to Verrucas which can help you single them out from all these other ailments:

• There’s a black dot in the centre of the raised skin (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)

 Verruca Treatment

 There are different ways you can go about verruca treatment. The most common ones are Salicylic acid, Cryotherapy, and SWIFT verruca treatment. Your podiatrist will be able to tell you which verruca treatment is best for you.

Here’s some information on each verruca treatment:

• 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.
• SWIFT Verruca Treatment: SWIFT is a relatively new technology that’s been developed in the UK, and has been licensed for treating verrucas by podiatrists all over. SWIFT uses microwave energy, delivered through a probe which is put on the skin to treat the affected area. With SWIFT Machine Treatment, you can get rid of multiple verrucas and warts in just one sitting, and it’s quick and efficient in doing so. The cherry on top is that you don’t require anaesthetics of dressings afterwards!

If you want to efficiently and permanently remove your verruca, we suggest SWIFT treatment. Most Podiatrists would opt for this treatment as it is a very efficient and good solution to the problem of verrucas on feet.

It’s always best to see a Podiatrist when facing any issues related to the feet. Especially if you have a condition like diabetes or other circulation-related illnesses. Ignoring a simple issue on your foot can lead to something much bigger and way worse in the long run. In some cases, a simple infection could lead to amputation (especially in the case of daibetic patients).

If you think you may have an issue like ingrown toenail infection or verrucas on your feet, don’t hesitate and wait till it’s too late. Book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best treatment you can get!

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