June 2022

As Podiatrists, we see a variety of conditions related to the feet on a daily basis. We are well equipped to handle a wide range of conditions, as our Podiatrists have years of knowledge and experience to back them up. Here at our foot clinic in Amersham, we deal with verruca treatment, corn removal, foot surgery, and a lot more.

If you’re ever wondered about the services our foot clinic in Amersham has to offer, this blog is for you. Read on to learn more.

What Are Podiatrists?

Before getting into the various different services we offer, such as foot surgery, verruca treatment, and corn removal, it’d be best for you to understand what Podiatrists are, to begin with.

Podiatrists are medical practitioners who have experience in assessing, diagnosing, and treating conditions affecting the feet, ankles, lower limbs, and the structures that support them. Issues like foot pain can be caused by injury, overuse, or conditions that cause inflammation in any of the bones, ligaments, or tendons in the foot. Misalignment in the foot can often cause pain and affect how you walk or run. This misalignment causes strain on certain parts of the foot, ankles, calves, knees, hips, and even the lower back. A podiatrist can treat these problems caused by misalignment in a variety of ways, the most common of which is by fitting custom-made insoles (Orthotics) to relieve pain.

What Can We Do For You?

Now that you know what podiatrists do, here are a few of the services we offer here at Bucks Foot Clinic:

1. Heel Pain:
   Stress fractures, Severs disease (common in children aged 9-14), tendonitis, arthritis, or nerve irritation are all common causes of pain. Plantar Fasciitis is another common cause (which we explain below). It could also be related to the shoes you’re wearing. Pain symptoms can range from mild to severe, and you will require a Podiatry evaluation to determine the source of your pain. Our podiatrists will be able to determine the best course of treatment for you, which may include footwear or orthotics advice, physical therapy, and an exercise/stretching programme.
2. Sports Injuries:
   If you’ve suffered a sports injury to your foot or ankle, a Podiatrist may be your best option. They are not only well-trained to treat them, but they can also provide expert advice on how to avoid them. The following are some of the most common sports injuries that a Podiatrist can treat:

• • Foot Joint Sprain
  • Ankle Sprain
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Shin Splints
  • Runner’s Knee

3. Plantar Fasciitis:
   One of the most common causes of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis. It is caused by inflammation of a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. Physical therapy, the use of orthotics, a night splint to stretch the calf and arch of the foot, taping and strapping to reduce strain and provide support to the plantar fascia tissue in acute cases, and a stretching exercise programme are all examples of Podiatry treatment.
4. Foot Arthritis:
   Foot arthritis (commonly seen in the big toe) causes the joints to stiffen and become immobile. This does not cause pain in and of itself, but changes in walking and gait patterns can lead to referred pain in the knees, legs, and hips. In some cases, where the arthritic change has advanced, there will be a pain in the associated joint, which is caused by bone rubbing where the joint has become eroded. Orthotics/shoe inserts may be used to reduce stress and loading on the arthritic joints as well as the knees, hips, and legs. Shoe advice will also be given; often, a change in shoe style is required.
5. Bunions:
   Bunions are caused by enlarged joints at the base and side of the big toes, as well as the big toe being angled towards the other toes (this angulation is known as Hallux Valgus). Bunions can cause other foot deformities and issues such as hammer toe, corns and calluses, and ingrown toenails. If the pain of a bunion isn’t enough of a motivator to see a Podiatrist, the secondary problems often are, as the discomfort becomes unbearable. Podiatry treatment may include the use of orthotics to alleviate pain and discomfort, footwear advice, corn and callus removal, and the application of cushioned plasters and dressings. Bunions can also be corrected or removed altogether at our foot clinic in Amersham.
6. Corn Removal:
   Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that form as the skin attempts to protect itself from friction or pressure. They frequently form on the feet and toes, as well as the hands and fingers. If you’re in good health, you don’t need to treat corns and calluses unless they hurt or you don’t like the way they look.
   Consult a podiatrist if you have significant pain, swelling, or redness in the area, or if you are diabetic. If necessary, a podiatrist can easily remove larger corns in the office using a surgical blade. They can shave away the thickened, dead skin with the blade without having to numb or inject the area. Because the skin is already dead, the procedure is painless.
7. Verruca Treatment:
   Verrucas are often confused with corns, but they aren’t the same thing. If you want to know more about what verrucas are and how they differ from corns, read this blog postof ours.
   There are many potential ways in which our podiatrists can go bout Verruca Treatment. Depending on the severity of your verruca, we can go about verruca treatment through SWIFT Machine Therapy, to get rid of the verruca entirely. We can also use milder verruca treatments, like over the counter medications and more. The best way to know how to go about verruca treatment is by booking an appointment with us so we can examine your condition and treat it accordingly.
8. Foot Surgery:
   There are many different types of foot surgery we can perform at our foot clinic in Amersham. Among the most common foot surgery we prescribe, is foot surgery for ingrown toenails.
   An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail’s edges curl into the flesh of the toe. Ingrown nails can occur as a result of an injury, excessive pressure on the toes (for example, if you run or participate in a high-impact sport), tight-fitting shoes, incorrectly cut nails or poor hygiene. It is excruciatingly painful, and if left untreated, it can become severely inflamed and infected. Podiatry treatment will begin with an examination of the toenail to determine whether conservative treatment, such as softening the skin and pushing it back away from the nail, will be beneficial.
   Toenail surgery, on the other hand, is required in many cases. Your podiatrist will either remove the nail completely or partially. If there is an infection, the nail is dressed with an antibiotic solution and then dressed to protect it and prevent further infection.

Conclusion

We hope this blog helped you understand the services we provide at our foot clinic in Amersham. If you want to know more, visit our website or just book an appointment for a consultation with our podiatrists.

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

The days of the dreaded verruca being tough to treat are long gone! You can get SWIFT machine treatment and say goodbye to the verrucas that have been constantly pursuing your foot thanks to evergreen technology. Read on to learn more about verrucas and how SWIFT therapy in Little Chalfont and Beaconsfield can help you treat them.

What Are Verruca?

You might probably be confused if you aren’t aware of what a verruca is. Verruca are contagious lumps/warts that occur on the soles of your feet and are often unpleasant. They are frequently confused with corns, although they are not the same.

To learn more about the differences between verrucas and corns, and verrucas in general you can read our blog post about it!

What Is SWIFT Machine Treatment?

SWIFT is a relatively new technology that’s been developed and licensed by podiatrists all over. Using microwave energy, SWIFT treatment treats the afflicted area with a probe placed on the skin. You can get rid of as many verrucas and warts in one sitting using SWIFT Machine Treatment, and it’s rapid and painless. The icing on the cake is that no anesthetics or dressings are required afterwards!

How Does Verruca Removal in Amersham Work?

As mentioned earlier, SWIFT uses microwave energy to aid in the healing of the affected area of your skin. You don’t have to worry about puncturing or damaging your skin with SWIFT, the treatment is rapid and effective. It uses the same technology that has been successfully utilised to treat cancer for the past 30 years. The SWIFT Machine Treatment is a non-invasive, highly successful technique. The best strategy to cure verrucas, as with other skin disorders and infections, is to activate the body’s immune system and enable it to naturally heal and eliminate the infected region. SWIFT therapy accomplishes exactly this. It utilizes microwave technology to send electromagnetic waves deep into the affected area, triggering the verruca’s immune system to begin the self-healing process while also eradicating the verruca.

Does SWIFT Machine Treatment Hurt?

Treatment for most skin issues can be slightly unpleasant. With regards to verrucas the situation is very similar. You may experience some discomfort throughout the therapy, although pain is a highly subjective experience. Although some people may find it more uncomfortable than others, the SWIFT Machine Treatment is generally considered to be painless. People who have had SWIFT therapy have described it as feeling like a sudden heat that lasts for 2-3 seconds before dissipating. You don’t need anesthetics for the treatment, however, if you have a low pain threshold, you can use them 45 minutes before the appointment. Your podiatrist may even recommend surgery depending on the size of your verruca.

How Many Sessions Will I Need With My Podiatrist?

A single session may be sufficient to eliminate a verruca or wart in some circumstances. In fact, many verrucas can frequently be removed in a single session. However, like with anything, the number of sittings required might be highly subjective. Everything hinges on how your body responds to the treatment. Because no two people are alike, some people may require more than one session, while others may be satisfied with just one. According to recent studies, the optimum outcomes are obtained by scheduling three sessions at four-week intervals. Your podiatrist may figure out these details with you and give you a better estimate of how many sittings you’ll need based on how your body responds.

What You Can Expect With SWIFT Treatment

The SWIFT Machine Treatment is a breeze! After cleaning the verruca, the probe is placed over the affected area and a precise and highly controlled amount of energy is delivered to it. When electromagnetic waves strike contaminated tissue, the temperature rises, killing the diseased cells. This also activates your body’s self-healing system, which ensures that the tissue begins self-repairing and producing fresh and new cells on its own.

SWIFT treatment gives you exactly what you expect, just as the name implies; a rapid and painless procedure. The zap lasts 2-5 seconds, and each verruca receives at least four zaps.

The “pain” is tolerable for most people, and the treatment has been compared to the sensation of a short injection.

The area may feel sore after the treatment, but you can still go about your daily activities as usual as long as you don’t put too much weight on your foot.

The total number of sessions required for SWIFT Treatments depends on the size, location, duration, number of verrucas on your feet, and how your body responds to the therapy. The recommended number of sessions (as previously stated) is three, with a four-week gap between them.

The verruca will not change in look after your initial sitting, but don’t give up hope. Although the visible results are slow, the healing process remains strong. All you need is a little patience, and after all of your sessions, you’ll see worthwhile results! Your immune system will need some time to catch up, which is why most treatments call for a four-week break to allow your body to adjust properly.

Is SWIFT Machine Treatment Right For Me?

SWIFT therapy is suitable for almost anybody with skin lesions, with a few limitations (listed below). SWIFT Machine Treatment is appropriate for older children as well as low-risk diabetics with good blood circulation. Your podiatrist will analyze you and give you advice before beginning therapy.

SWIFT Treatment may not be appropriate for you if:

• If you have heart problems or wear a pacemaker, SWIFT Treatment may not be right for you.
• In your feet, you have nerve damage.
• You have diabetes or weak circulation (high-risk)
• Your feet/ankles have metal pins/plates/replacement joints.
• Your body isn’t very good at healing.
• You’re taking immunosuppressive medications as a result of cancer treatment or rheumatoid arthritis (since they lower your immunity)
• You are under the age of ten.
• You have a high pain threshold (fear not, however, because in this case, you can use analgesics and go ahead with the procedure)
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and your immune system is in a state of flux during this time. As a result, the SWIFT Treatment may not be as effective.

Conclusion

Now that you understand SWIFT Machine Treatment better, you’ll be more inclined to try it out on your verrucae. Book an appointment with our Podiatrists at Bucks Foot Clinic to receive the best SWIFT Treatment in town.

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

What Are Ingrown Toenail Infections?

First, it would help to make it clear exactly what an ingrown toenail infection is and how it’s caused.
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.

Who Treats Ingrown Toenails?

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.
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, we 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 treat ingrown toenails, 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.

Podiatrist vs. Chiropodist: What’s The Difference?

You may hear people use the term “Chiropodist” instead of “Podiatrist”. In truth, there is no difference between the two. They are interchangeable terms and both refer to foot specialists. The only real difference is that the term “Podiatrist” is relatively new compared to “Chiropodist”.
Another commonly used term to refer to podiatrists is “Foot specialist”.

How Do I Know If I Have An Ingrown Toenail Infection?

Now that you know what an ingrown toenail is, we can tell you what to look out for when self-diagnosing an ingrown toenail infection.

-You may have an ingrown toenail infection if you have any of the following symptoms:
-Swelling in the affected area
-Pain when you touch the area
-You feel pressure under your affected toenail
-Throbbing sensations in the area
-A 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 the affected nail, accompanied by 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

Just like any other medical issue, an ingrown toenail starts with minor symptoms that can later on become more serious if not tended to. You must always try to identify an issue when it’s in its budding stage so you can take care of it before it gets too serious.

How Can We Help?

There are many ways in which our podiatrists can help you. They can give you advice and treatment to deal with discoloured toenails, nail infections, painful feet, cracksor cuts in your skin, growths like verrucas and warts, and more foot care-related issues.
Podiatrists can give you orthotics as well and can prescribe any medications you may need.
You don’t necessarily have to have a big issue to see a Podiatrist, as it’s recommended to visit one at least for a single session of consultation. Especially in the case of hard skin on your feet, or ingrown toenails.
Apart from this, Podiatrists can give you much-needed knowledge on foot care, like what kind of footwear to wear, and how to maintain foot hygiene.
They can also help with bigger issues and are very needed, especially for diabetic patients. They can treat issues and prevent them from recurring or becoming worse, and can also treat sports and exercise-related injuries.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about who treats ingrown toenails, what they are, and how to identify them, you may be looking for a podiatrist.

Look no further, Bucks Foot Clinic is here for you. Book an appointment with us today.

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