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Leena Lakhani

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Arch Pain: Exploring Causes, Exercises & Orthotic Solutions

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Experiencing discomfort in the arch area can significantly impact your daily activities. Gaining insights into its root causes, exploring effective exercises, and discovering orthotic solutions can lead to alleviating this discomfort and enhancing your overall quality of life. In this comprehensive guide focused on “Foot Pain Diagnosis,” we will delve deep into the nuances of arch pain, offer valuable perspectives on its diagnosis and treatment, and acquaint you with the expert services provided by Bucksfoot.

Understanding Arch Pain

In the UK, foot problems are quite common, with around 1 in 5 people experiencing foot pain at some point in their lives. Among these, issues related to arch pain stand out as a significant concern. Additionally, a study conducted by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK revealed that foot pain affects approximately 1 in 10 people aged 16 and over. This emphasises the need for comprehensive knowledge about arch pain and its management strategies.
Arch pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, making it essential to address its causes and treatments. It often arises due to various factors, including improper footwear, overuse, biomechanical imbalances, and certain medical conditions. Understanding the distinct factors that contribute to arch pain is the first step towards finding effective solutions.

Several factors can lead to arch pain, including:

Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes with inadequate support or incorrect fit can strain the arch and lead to discomfort.
Overuse: Engaging in activities that involve prolonged standing, walking, or running can strain the arch and cause pain.
Flat Feet: Individuals with flat feet may experience arch pain due to the lack of natural arch support.
Plantar Fasciitis: This common condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, which can lead to arch pain.
Injuries: Trauma or injuries to the foot can result in arch pain.

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Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing Arch Pain: For individuals grappling with persistent arch pain, it’s imperative to prioritise professional diagnosis. A proficient podiatrist will undertake a meticulous assessment, encompassing the observation of your gait. Additionally, they’ll also utilise imaging tests, and review of your medical history. This holistic methodology serves to pinpoint the root cause of your arch pain, contributing to effective diagnosis and treatment for foot pain.
Treatment Approaches: Once the cause is determined, tailored treatment can begin. Common approaches include:

  1. Taking a break and using ice can assist in diminishing inflammation and alleviating discomfort in the affected foot.
  2. Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches can strengthen the muscles supporting the arch and alleviate discomfort.
  3. Orthotic Inserts: Custom orthotics provide arch support and enhance foot alignment, reducing strain and pain.
  4. Footwear Modification: Choosing supportive and well-fitting shoes can significantly relieve arch pain.
  5. Medications: Pain and inflammation can be managed with the assistance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Effective Arch Pain Exercises

Engaging in specific exercises can aid in strengthening the muscles of the foot and alleviating foot pain diagnosis. Here are a few effective exercises to consider for addressing your foot pain diagnosis:

  1. Arch Raises: While seated, place a tennis ball under your arch. Gently press down to flatten the arch, then release.
  2. Towel Curls: Lay a small towel on the floor. Use your toes to scrunch the towel toward you, engaging your arch muscles.
  3. Calf Stretches: Stretching the calf muscles can indirectly benefit your arch and assist in managing foot pain. Position yourself in front of a wall, then step one foot back and lean your body forward.

Say goodbye to foot pain

Orthotic Solutions

Custom orthotic inserts are a highly effective solution for addressing arch pain, offering precise and targeted support to the affected area. These specialised inserts are meticulously designed to conform to the unique contours of your foot, delivering the essential support and alignment required for alleviating pain and discomfort.
Thus, when seeking comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for foot pain, Bucksfoot stands ready to provide you with expertly crafted orthotics that are tailored precisely to your individual needs. Moreover, with our dedicated approach, you can be assured of finding the relief and comfort you deserve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the constraints of arch pain need not curtail your pursuits or compromise your ease. Therefore, through accurate foot pain diagnosis, suitable treatment and adept orthotic solutions, you can restore the pleasure of walking. So reach out to Bucksfoot for professional guidance on foot pain diagnosis and commence your expedition towards feet that are healthier and more content. Explore our website to glean further insights.

FAQs

Can I manage arch pain at home?

While mild cases of arch pain can be managed with rest, ice, and proper footwear, it’s recommended to consult a podiatrist for a thorough diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

How long does it take to recover from arch pain?

Recovery time varies depending on the cause and severity of your arch pain. Although with the right treatment and care, many individuals experience relief within a few weeks.

Are custom orthotics effective for arch pain?

Yes, custom orthotics provide targeted support and alignment, often leading to significant improvement in arch pain and overall foot comfort.

Can arch pain be prevented?

Yes, wearing supportive footwear, engaging in regular foot exercises can help prevent arch pain. Moreover, maintaining a healthy weight is helpful as well.

About Podiatrists

What Is A Podiatrist And When Should I See One?

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People face various ailments, injuries and complications, etc. on a daily basis and they turn to a medical expert for advice and care. Injuries on the foot, and other such mishaps on the lower limbs have been a common part of everyone’s life as well. And there are various medical fields for various healthcare problems known to mankind. One such field is concerned with the treatment of the lower limbs such as the foot, ankles, etc
The specialist who carries out the medical treatment of the foot is called a podiatrist. Podiatrists can also handle sports injuries and other ailments affecting the foot and rest of the lower limbs.

What is a podiatrist?

Unlike Physicians or MDs, a podiatrist is a doctor who specialises and excels in podiatric medicine. They receive special training and education on ankle, foot and lower leg disorders.
In short, podiatrists are not technically like physicians but their training and education requirements are quite similar to that of the physicians.
To prepare for podiatry school, prospective podiatrists study biology, chemistry, and physics courses in college in addition to other science courses. The majority earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related branch of study.
They then spend four years in podiatry school. They look at how your muscles, nerves, and bones interact to make you move. During their residency training, podiatrists acquire practical experience in medical facilities like hospitals and clinics. They must pass a series of board certification tests after finishing this course. The letters DPM, which stand for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, are used after the name of a podiatrist who is completely licensed.

Which Conditions does a Podiatrist Treat?

A podiatrist can suggest treatment after making a diagnosis. Depending on the nature and severity of the condition, a podiatrist may collaborate with a different expert or an entire healthcare team.Hence, here are some conditions podiatrists diagnose and provide treatment for for your general know-how:
●Injuries on foot. Injuries such as fractures, strains and sprains, etc. on the lower limbs.
●Diabetic foot disorders. Infections, nerve damage, neuropathy, ulcers, etc. faced by diabetic people.
●Foot Abnormalities. Structural abnormalities on the foot such as hammertoes and high arches.
●Skin Conditions. Warts and verrucas, corns and calluses, etc.
●Nail conditions. Fungal nails, ingrown nails, nail infections
●Pain and Inflammation on foot. Pain and inflammation due to arthritis or gout and such disorders.

How do Podiatrists Diagnose Conditions?

Podiatrists begin as usual by first studying the medical history and the current case. Then they perform a basic checkup on the affected area on the foot. You may be asked to try and move your foot and fingers or walk around a little so the podiatrist can better understand the severity of the condition. Apart from that, podiatrists check for any swelling and discoloration on the skin.
Depending on initial checkup and findings, they may recommend that you get additional tests done before making a final diagnosis. Here are some tests that a podiatrist uses:

●Imaging tests. X-rays, ultrasounds, bone scans, CT scans, and MRI scans are all imaging examinations. These examinations can detect blood vessel blockages, bone fractures, and other structural issues.
●Blood Tests. You may need to get blood tests done to detect an infection or autoimmune illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis.
●Quantitative sensory testing. It measures how well the nerves can detect changes in temperature and vibration using a specialised computer system. This test is used by podiatrists to identify hypersensitivity, diabetic neuropathy, and other nerve diseases of the foot.
●Electromyography. It measures how well the muscles interact with and react to nerve impulses. During this, the podiatrist inserts one or more very thin needles known as electrodes, into the muscles to detect any reaction from them. Results from an abnormal EMG test indicate a nerve issue and can help your podiatrist determine the best course of treatment.

When Do I need to see a Podiatrist?

When you experience any of the following issues, you should consider seeing a podiatrist:
●Skin breaks or abrasions
●Wart-like growths
●Your soles have peeling and scaling.
●Pain on the foot
●Thickened or discoloured nails

The first appointment to a podiatrist will be quite simple and similar to that of any other doctor. Therefore, they will first discuss your medical history, current medications, and previous procedures in the conversation.
Moreover, they’ll examine your posture as well as your joints’ range of motion and shoe fit. Additionally, treatments for foot abnormalities, ingrown toenails, heel and lower back discomfort, circulation issues in the feet if you have diabetes,etc. are common on the initial visit.

Conclusion


To summarise, if you’re concerned about your foot care as well, Bucksfoot clinic has the best team of podiatrists in Little Chalfont for you. We offer the best modern treatments and care for foot conditions and complexities. Visit our website to learn more.

podiatrists

How To Treat A Corn & Other Answers From Our Podiatrists

By Blog

As Podiatrists, we get asked a lot of questions regarding foot care. A lot of our clients ask us about how to treat a corn and other issues at home. We also get asked questions like, “what’s the difference between a verruca and a corn?” and “is a corn serious?”.
So, we decided to put together a blog answering a few frequently asked questions about corns. If you want to learn more about corns and how to treat a corn, keep reading.

What Are Corns?

Corns are buildups of hardened areas of skin. They can form anywhere but tend to show up on feet, hands, and fingers the most. They are usually round and relatively small, and you’ll most likely see them develop on the sides and tops of your toes. There are three distinct types of corns:

  • Hard Corns: These are hard and dense, and usually form on the top of your toes, where your bones exert pressure on your skin. They usually reside within a bigger part of thickened skin.
  • Soft Corns: Usually whitish-grey in colour, with a slightly softer and rubbery texture, soft corns show up between your toes.
  • Seed Corns: As the name suggests, seed corns are quite small. They normally form at the bottom of your feet.

Corns usually develop due to constant rubbing, friction, pressure, and irritation against the skin. This is why you will most likely see them appear on the bony part of your feet. This hardening layer is actually your body’s defence to protect the softer skin underneath from the pressure.

How Do I Know If I Have A Corn?

Now that you know what a corn is, you’ll be easily able to identify it. You can identify a corn on your foot if:

  1. You have a hard bump on your skin, which is surrounded by a dry patch of skin.
  2. You have a tender and raised lump on your skin, that is painful to pressure.

Corns are often confused with calluses and verrucas (more on that later!). The main difference between corns and calluses is that corns are painful, while calluses are normally not painful. Corns have a central core that acts as a pressure point, which is the sensitive part the corn is protecting. So, when pressure is applied, corns tend to hurt.

Is A Corn Serious?

Corns are generally not a serious issue. They can be easy to deal with, but if you don’t treat them properly from the get-go, you could potentially develop an infection. That would make the issue a serious one. Especially if you have diabetes or any other circulation-related issues. You should never try to treat your corn (or any other issue, for that matter) on your own when you have diabetes.

What’s The Difference Between A Verruca And A Corn?

Oftentimes, people confuse corns for verrucas and vice-versa. Verrucas are a completely different issue altogether. There are a few key identifying factors when differentiating whether you have a verruca or corn. These are just a few of many:

  1. 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.
  2. Verrucas aren’t picky. They see all feet as fit for infection. Corns, however, tend to form on dryer skin.
  3. 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.

If you want to know more about how to differentiate between verrucas and corns, we have a couple of blogs that might help:

    1. Verruca Or Corn?: Spot the Difference and Treat Your Verruca Infection with Care
    2. What’s The Difference Between A Verruca And A Corn?

How To Treat A Corn 

One of the most frequently asked questions about corns, is how to treat a corn. You’ll be happy to know that there are a few considerably painless methods a podiatrist will use to treat your corn. Here they are:

  • Trimming: Your podiatrist will most likely remove your corn by trimming it down using a tool. You can try doing this at home by soaking your feet for around 20 minutes in order to make the skin soft. Then, go ahead and gently scrape away at the rough skin using a pumice stone.
  • Chemical: This type of corn treatment for the foot is similar to trimming, but uses chemical products instead to slowly dissolve the affected skin. A common product used is salicylic acid, which dissolves keratin (what dead skin is made of).
  • Toe Protection /Footpads: Though not really a form of treatment, it’s worth mentioning. Using footpads can help ease the discomfort significantly. You can also use toe splints to prevent your toes from creating friction with each other.

A recommended at-home treatment is as follows:

  • Soak the corn in warm water, for 5-10 minutes till the skin softens
  • File the corn with a pumice stone. First, dip the stone in warm water then use it very gently against your corn. Make sure to use it in circular motions or sideways motions. This will remove the dead skin.
  • Don’t file it too much and take off too much skin, this can lead to bleeding and infections
  • Use moisturizer/lotion on the area daily. Preferably one with salicylic acid, urea, or ammonium lactate.
  • Use a piece of moleskin as padding. Cut the moleskin into two half-moon shapes and place it around the corn. To prevent your corn from constant shoe contact, use a doughnut-shaped adhesive pad to protect it.
  • Always wear shoes that fit you right.
  • Keep your toenails trimmed.

When Should I See A Podiatrist?

Corns can impact your day-to-day life due to pain while walking. Most corns are unproblematic, while some can become extremely painful or even infected. That’s why it’s always best to see a podiatrist when dealing with anything related to your feet.

Always see a podiatrist in case:

  • Your corn is painful.
  • If you suffer from diabetes, untreated corns can develop into worse illnesses.
  • If you cut your corn and it bleeds, the skin break allows infections to pour in.
  • Your corn is discharging pus or clear fluids. This means it’s either infected or has ulcers forming. Both of these require immediate medical care.
  • If you suffer from heart disease, or other circulatory problems (like diabetes).

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

Everything You Need To Know About Medi Pedis in the UK

By Blog

Medi Pedis are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and it’s making people wonder, “Where can I find a podiatry near me?”. Lucky for you, Buck Foot Clinic offers some of the best medi pedis in the UK and we’re here to run you through the entire process!

What Is A Medi Pedi?

In the UK, medi pedis are becoming a norm in foot care. This is a good thing, because medi pedis are a great way to care for your feet. Medi Pedi is short for “Medical Pedicure”, which is a luxury foot treatment that’s performed by a podiatrist in a sterile and safe environment. Though “luxury”, unlike salons, medi pedis focus on not just cleaning up your feet, but also examining them and determining the root cause of whatever foot problem you may face. A salon procedure only focuses on making your feet look good, and can sometimes even lead to real foot problems and make them worse.

Podiatrists are trained in treating all these complications that can arise from improper salon care, such as ingrowns from improper cutting, bacterial and fungal infections, and even warts. As with all things, prevention is better than cure, which is why Med Pedis in the UK are a great alternative to normal salon pedicures.

What Can A Medi Pedi Help With?

If you’re considering getting a medi pedi but don’t know exactly what it can help you with, here’s a list of things that you may find a medi pedi to be useful in treating:

  • Weak / Damaged Nails
  • Blisters
  • Athlete’s Foot
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Cracked Heels
  • Thick Nails / Skin
  • Warts, Calluses, and Corns
  • Discoloured Nails
  • Splinters

What’s The Process Like?

When you get a medi pedi, your podiatrist will start with a full assessment of your feet and their overall health. They will ask you about the concerns you have in reference to your feet, nails, and skin. After this, they’ll draft up a plan to manage your treatment in such a way that all the criteria are met.

At the start of your medi pedi, your nails will be cut and filed to prevent rough edges. After this, if your nails need to be thinned down, they’ll use a burr to do so. This is to remove the outer layer of your nail and restore it to its natural colour and effectively remove any nail polish. This also helps in lower pressure caused by thick nails, which can turn painful if not treated. If you have ingrown nails or any signs of their onset, they will be looked at and fixed.

After this, your podiatrist will use a sterile and clean blade to remove any corns or calluses you may have, which will then be smoothened using a Moor’s disc. This procedure is painless.

Once you’re reaching the end of your treatment, your podiatrist will apply Tea Tree Oil to your nails and in between your toes. Tea Tree Oil is naturally anti-fungal and will prevent any fungal and bacterial infections from occurring. Then, your podiatrist will use cuticle oil and emollient lotion with a gentle massage to increase your circulation, release muscle tension and help with fluid retention.

How Is A Pedicure A Medical Procedure?

Unlike normal pedicures, medi pedis are considered a medical treatment. It’s in the name itself! But, what sets medi pedis apart from traditional salon treatment?

The key difference is that a medi pedi is done by a qualified podiatrist and is aimed at treating the root cause of common foot issues to prevent them from occurring. A traditional pedicure is done at a nail salon and is aimed at beautifying your feet, and can even lead to foot issues if not done sanitarily and properly.

So, with a medi pedi, you’re not just getting a foot makeover, you’re even getting a diagnosis and treatment for foot concerns you may have. A great example of this is ingrown toenails. If you have an ingrown toenail (or are in the early stages of getting one), a podiatrist will be able to take care of it and make sure it doesn’t come back. Another great example is the fact that podiatrists are qualified in removing calluses and corns with sterile scalpels. A traditional salon will just file away the superficial layer of it and call it a day. The corn/callus is not treated and is merely shaved down to “look okay”. Podiatrists, on the other hand, will completely remove the corn or callus and even smoothen out the skin using a Moor’s disc.

Another point to note is that medi pedis are required to hold true to strict hygiene standards. Podiatrists are held to strict infection control standards, so all their equipment and tools are completely sterilized before and after to ensure that all bacteria is destroyed. They even clean the treatment chairs and all surfaces after a client, while traditional salons aren’t really held to the same strict standards and this increases the risk of bacteria and infections.

When Should I See A Podiatry Near Me / A Foot Doctor Near Me?

If you’ve been finding yourself searching things like “podiatry near me” or “foot doctor near me”, chances are, you probably already know you need to see a podiatrist. You may even just be looking up “podiatry near me” to see where you can get the closest medi pedi! Either way, it’s best to know when it’s time to see a foot doctor.

You should always see a podiatrist when you think you may have an issue concerning your feet. It’s always best to see someone before the issue gets worse. If you have any foot issues, or just want a medi pedi to prevent any issues from occurring, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us. Bucks Foot Clinic is here for all your medi pedi and foot care needs!

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

Verrucae and Wart

Verrucas / Warts

By home, Treatment

These are often confused with corns. Corns are thick skin on your feet that are painful when you walk. Verrucae and Warts are viral infections that cause think skins, and these hurt when you walk.

Verrucae are a type of wart that develops and affects the bottom of your feet. They are generally harmless. However if not treated promptly they can take months and sometimes years to get rid of.

Warts can and do spread around the body and they can be passed onto other people. This means that you can infect other people in the family, or can be infected by them. It is normal to get them when you share changing rooms or shower facilities (like swimming pools, or gyms) with other people.

Like most infections, they can be removed. Please do not worry, we here at Bucks Foot Clinic can assist you. We can tell you if you have a corn or a verruca’s, and we can help you manage this. We can make sure you have the correct tools to get rid of them.

Top 10 ways to prevent Verrucas / Warts

  • Always avoid direct contact with warts, this includes your own warts, always remember to wash your hands after touching the warts / verruca.
  • Keep your feet clean and dry, change your socks shoes regularly.
  • Avoid walking barefoot around swimming pools locker rooms and gym’s
  • Do not pick, scratch warts. They are viral infections and can spread easily
  • Do not use the same emery board, pumice stone, or nail clippers that you would use on healthy skin.
  • Do not share nail clippers, pumice stones or emery boards with other people. You can pass the infection to them or get it from them
  • Boil / wash you socks and bedsheets to prevent passing the virus to other people
  • Wear a pair of verrucae socks or use a use a transparent verrucae spray which can stop you getting re-infected.
  • Do not share socks or shoes with other people
  • Wear flip-flops or wet shoes in communal areas. This prevents the infection of your feet. Keep a pair of flip-flops or wet shoes when you go to the pools or to the changing room shower.
Treatments

Over the counter medicines rarely work. They are not as strong as the medicines given by us, as your podiatrists. We can make sure that we fit the right treatment to your verruca.

The longer it is left, the harder it is to remove, and more invasive methods are needed to aggressively attack the verruca infection.

Some of the methods we use include

At Bucks Foot Clinic, we have invested in the latest technologies. The latest machine in the fight against verruca is the Swift microwave machine. We have used this over the last few months with excellent results on stubborn verrucae.
We can use stronger acids (like the ones found in over the counter packaging) to make sure the verruca is cleared out.

We can freeze or use Cryosurgery to freeze the verruca. This is used by applying liquid nitrogen onto the verruca. We can use chemical therapy (chemotherapy), where we use a selection of different chemicals and acids to treat the virus.

We can use, dry needling, where we can force the blood in the body to fight the verruca naturally. This can remove the most stubborn verrucae. We also use homeopathy where we use natural algae to help the body fight the verruca.

With so many options available on the table, and with your particular case, we can find the right solution to get rid of your verruca.

We can use the latest state of the art equipment, or we can work the natural methods to remove the verruca that is there. Together we can find the perfect solution.

Ingrowing Toenails

Ingrowing Toenails

By home, Treatment

We are a regional specialist in ingrown toenails.

We promise you a fast consultation and solution. We make sure that after we have seen you, we will work to find relief to your painful swollen toenail. After diagnosis, of your inflamed toe, we make sure that you to get pain relief with or without surgery so that you are back on your feet.

Not every ingrown toenail, needs surgery. If it is required, we have years of experience, so you know that you are in the best possible care. Why suffer in pain, when rapid relief is possible.

The top 10 ways to manage Ingrown Toenails

  • If your toes are inflamed, soak them in salty water 3-4 times a day. This will reduce the swelling and reduces the tenderness in your feet.
  • Raise the toenail by putting cotton wool, or dental floss under the toenail. This will raise the nail, decreasing the chances of the nail to grow over the edge of the skin.
  • Cut your toenails flat. Do not cut the nails in a curve, to follow the shape of the toe. This also applies if you go to a salon. If you have a condition with poor blood flow (like diabetes), ask a Podiatrist, to help with cutting your nails.
  • Keep the nails at medium length – If your nails are too short, the shoes you wear may force the nails to grow into the toenail tissue causing them to get inflamed.
  • Make sure your shoes fit well. Tight shoes, or shoes that pinch, put extra pressure on the nail, and can damage the feet. If you have any form of nerve damage in your feet, you may not notice that the shoes are fitting correctly. Take care, and get the right advice from the shoe store, to get the best for your feet. There are specialist stores with experience in fitting shoes for people with foot problems.
  • Wear protective shoes – If you are in a position where your feet may be injured, protective shoes or footwear, can help manage any damage to your toes.
  • Check your feet – If you are a diabetic, or you have any other issues, it is recommended that you check your feet daily for ingrown toenails (as well as other foot problems)
  • If you have open wounds, it is recommended that you keep them clean, and keep them open to help the wounds heal. It is strongly recommended that you visit us, or your local podiatrist, to make sure that the correct dressing is applied.
  • Do not cut your nails if you have ingrown toenails. We offer guidance and training, for you to cut your nails properly so that the condition is not made worse.
  • Do not peel or bite your nails. This increases the chance of your condition getting worse.

Solutions for In-grown toe nails

  • It is possible for us to trim the nails, to remove the pressure on the toes, and done on a regular basis, this is a great solution for some people who do not need surgery. This can prevent or delay the need for surgery.
  • We can do nail surgery, where we can remove part of the nail so that when you wear slippers or sandals, it still looks natural. This way, your ingrown toenails do not impact your life. This could be a permanent solution for a happier you.


Why suffer in pain. Why wait to get your nails resolved. We will help you manage and/or fix your issue with ingrown nails.

Ingrown toes nails, that are not looked after, have a higher chance of bacterial infections. Talk to us to get the best solution for you. We will advise you of all your options, and help you manage this.

Foot and leg pain

Foot and leg pain: Why you might need a biomechanical assessment.

By Treatment

Move then 15% of UK women have bunions. If not treated a bunion normally gets worse over time. They get bigger, and more painful. They can limit the types and styles of shoes you wear. It makes it difficult to walk around on holidays, or in the perfect shoes.

Bunions are usually hereditary. Bunions are not generally caused by shoes. They are most often caused by a defective mechanical structure of the foot which is genetic and these certain foot types make a person prone to the development of a bunion.

They can, however, be made worse by the shoes we wear and the way we walk (biomechanics). This can be made worse by arthritis. Toe spacers or bunion splints may provide temporary relief. But this only lasts as long as they are on.

It is not a long term solution. Surgery is not usually performed for cosmetic reasons, so if you have a bunion, it is better if you look after it. Where we cannot change the damage that is there, we can help prevent it from getting worse.

What is a biomechanical assessment?
Biomechanics is the study of organisms and how they move. It can relate to horses or dogs, or (in the case of this article!) humans.

Therefore, a biomechanical assessment will involve a specialist, such as a podiatrist, looking at how your joints move when you move them or when they’re moved for you; if the joints move smoothly, get blocked or are able to be unblocked.

Also, it will look at the muscles and how they function (if they’re strong or weak) and if you’re able to do certain functional movements – like hopping, jumping and balancing.

When should you get a biomechanical assessment?
Firstly, anyone can get a bio-mechanical assessment – whether they’re young or old, an elite athlete or a total couch potato. Bio-mechanical assessments aren’t just for people with specific joint pain, they’re for people who want to avoid getting pain and injuries during their day-to-day activities or their sports and hobbies.

However, if you’re getting pain in your feet, whether its pain when you move or stand or get up from being still – your pain may be bio-mechanical in nature. However even hard skin on your feet can be the result of abnormal bio-mechanics since hard skin is just the body’s way of protecting itself from extra friction – which can be caused by poorly functioning joints.

What can you expect?
The first and most important part involves me taking a thorough history – of your health, surgeries, medications, whether you smoke, what you like to do for fun and even when and where you’ve traveled! Fun fact: food poisoning can cause joint pain… so yes, all those questions are relevant!!!

By getting all that info from you I don’t just have an idea of what the problem with your feet maybe, but I also get to know in what direction to set your treatment. After all, a marathon runner with heel pain needs very different exercises to a little old lady!

Once I know what your lifestyle is like, I can then look at what it is that’s causing you pain. This involves a hands-on assessment – basically, I try to poke the bit that hurts and then I can tell you what it is and how we treat it.

Depending on what level you are, and why you’ve attended, I’ll then look at you walking and doing certain movements and exercises – if you do these well, then you may not need very much doing. However, if these identify issues such as weakness or restricted movement, then a customized rehabilitation program with or without orthotics will be recommended.

Medi Peditreatment

Medi-Pedi treatment

By Treatment

The medi-pedi: introducing some luxury add ons to the routine Podiatry treatment.
This is available to all existing patients (new pts would need to have an assessment appointment prior to booking). It is extremely important that patients make the clinician aware of any allergies as some products used may contain nut extracts.

The medi-pedi treatment incorporates a range of cosmetic products rich in botanicals and plant extracts, chosen for their luxurious feel and fragrance. Some of these products are available to purchase for home use.

Patients can enjoy a number of beauty treatments, with the added confidence and knowledge that the same strict health, hygiene protocols used for the Podiatric treatment are applied to all the beauty aspects.

Patients who wish to have nail varnish must either provide their own base, colour and top coat or purchase from the clinical range. Flip flops are available for patients to purchase, however feel free to bring something suitable afterwards (nail varnish may take a considerable time to be fully dry).

Diagnosis and treatment for foot pain

Diagnosis and treatment for foot pain

By Treatment

We have many years of experience in looking and working with feet both in the diagnosis, care, and management of feet based issues. We are here to help you find different solutions for your feet based issues.

We feel that every case is unique and different, and when you have an issue, you want to meet and talk to the professionals. Foot pain can affect your lifestyle, and if left along can affect other parts of your body as well as making day to day motion a lot harder.

We will give you honest and factual advice to get your feet based issues diagnosed, and resolved to the most professional level.

Painful Shins (Shin splints)

Painful Shins (Shin splints)

By Treatment

So, your new fitness plan has caused more problems. You are in pain. Shin Splints are best known as a running injury to the average citizen. Aching or throbbing shins is an ailment that many new runners and many athletes in all sorts of impact-related sports, like football, volleyball, basketball, and sprinting, deal with on a regular basis.

This happens to many new and experienced athletes (and want-to-be athletes). Shin splints, syndrome seems to be an issue encountered more often by new or seasonal athletes.

The tibia is your “shinbone,” the long, straight bone that forms the front of your leg. The tibia carries a significant portion of the impact that goes up your leg when you hit the ground, This also serves as an point for the muscles that control your foot and ankle, all the way from the relatively small ones like which flexes your little toes, to the big calf muscles, which are important for forward movement.

This is also called “exercise-related lower leg pain,” or medial tibial stress syndrome or MTSS. The most obvious symptom, of course, shin pain. The pain usually presents as an aching, burning, or throbbing feeling along the inside edge of the shinbone.

The shin(s) gets progressively more painful throughout the duration of the exercise. Early cases can be a simple ache near the end of a long run but can progress to the point where even short exercise sessions cause pain.

10 ways to prevent “Shin Splints or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome “

  • Talk to us on the early stages.
  • Rest.
  • Some topical steroids
  • Some anti-inflammatory medicines.
  • Insoles
  • Change of shoes.
  • Amount of exercise.
  • Type of exercise
  • Stretching exercises before and after the sport
  • Use medical tape or support tape to change the pressure and stress points.


It’s best not to ignore any foot pain that lasts longer than a few days. If you shin splint, come and talk to us, as ignoring it will make it worse.

We will guide you on the next step to take, as well as help you with proper arch supports and padding. We can apply medical-grade strapping to help you manage the paid better. We can also make custom shoe inserts and molds, to remove and redistribute the pressure.

At Bucks Foot Clinic, we are here to make your feet work for you. We want the best solution for you. Call us for an appointment, and let us discuss what we can do together.

Bunion care and management

Bunion care and management

By home, Treatment

Move then 15% of UK women have bunions. If not treated a bunion normally gets worse over time. They get bigger, and more painful. They can limit the types and styles of shoes you wear. It makes it difficult to walk around on holidays, or in the perfect shoes.

Bunions are usually hereditary. Bunions are not generally caused by shoes. They are most often caused by a defective mechanical structure of the foot which is genetic and these certain foot types make a person prone to the development of a bunion.

They can, however, be made worse by the shoes we wear and the way we walk (biomechanics). This can be made worse by arthritis. Toe spacers or bunion splints may provide temporary relief. But this only lasts as long as they are on.

It is not a long term solution. Surgery is not usually performed for cosmetic reasons, so if you have a bunion, it is better if you look after it. Where we cannot change the damage that is there, we can help prevent it from getting worse.

Top 10 ways to look after bunions

  • Maintain a normal weight. Excess weight makes a bunion worse.
  • Use shoe inserts to help position the foot correctly. These can be over-the-counter arch supports or prescription orthotic devices.
  • Wear a splint at night to hold the toe straight and ease discomfort. (we will need to look at your feet, so you have the correct splint)
  • Protect it from abrasion in your shoes, by a padding. We can help you with the type and where to apply it properly.
  • Use warm soaks, ice packs, and massage. Anything to remove pressure helps your feet.
  • Buy well-fitting footwear that are wide in the toe area. Get the best advice in choosing shoes.
  • Get the right orthotics (insoles), so that we can remove pressure from your toes
  • Use the right stretching exercises
  • Wear wider shoes, wear shoes with a strap / lace over the instep to reduce pressure on the toe.
  • Calf stretches and other exercises.

We can work with you to make sure that the right shoes are chosen, to minimise the pressure on the toes. With the right insoles and orthotics. We can change your walking style (gait) so that we can minimise the impact of this on your feet, and the rest of your body.

We will guide you on the next step to take. At Bucks Foot Clinic, we are here to make your feet work for you. We want the best solution for you. Call us for an appointment, and let us discuss what we can do together.

Stiff Big Toes – Hallux Rigidus

Stiff Big Toes – Hallux Rigidus

By home, Treatment

If you try to move your toes back, and they do not flex, you can have Hallux Rigidius or Stiff Big toes. Signs of this are when you are walking, and your toe hurts. It is a form of arthritis, where the cartilage in the toe has worn out.

Your big toes bear a great deal of pressure as you walk. With every step, a force equal to about twice your body weight passes through this very small joint. The big toe is used every time we walk, bend down, climb up and even standstill.

The condition varies in terms of stiffness, pain, and loss of mobility. Some people will develop what is known as hallux limit us, where mobility is restricted rather than lost.

Symptoms include:
  • Pain and stiffness during movement
  • Problems with some activities such as running
  • Swelling and inflammation around the joint
  • Symptoms are worse during cold and damp weather
At a more advanced stage, symptoms include:
  • Pain when resting
  • Development of bony bumps (osteophyte) may develop on the top of the joint which can rub on shoes
  • People may walk on the outer side of the foot to avoid pain from the big toe. This can produce pain in the ball or outside of the foot.

The big toe can become what is known as a “frozen joint” when all movement is lost. At this end stage of hallux Rigidus, other related problems are likely to have developed in the foot.

Hallux Rigidus can start early in life, even during the teenage years or the twenties. However, in the majority of cases, it does not get progressively worse. About 20 to 25 percent of patients experience increasing stiffness and loss of mobility and are likely to require treatment.

This is caused and made worse by Having Flat feet, or fallen arches. People with rolling in of the feet when they walk, putting extra pressure on the toe. (It is also possible to have ankle pain in this case) Some people may have a family history of the condition and inherit a foot type which is more prone. This can be caused by biomechanics or musculoskeletal problems. This can also be triggered by injury, inflammation, and infection. This can be treated if caught early, without a need to go down the surgery route. Without fell biomechanical assessment, we can help you find a solution to this.

If not managed correctly, this can cause problems in the hips, knees, and ankles, as this will change the natural walking pattern.

We can work with you to make sure that the right shoes are chosen, to minimise the pressure on the toes. With the right insoles and orthotics, this can also remove a lot of stress on the toe. We can change your walking style (gait) so that we can minimize the impact of this on your feet, and the rest of your body.
Surgery and steroid injections are normally the final solutions, and we can make sure that it does not come to this. We can get you to get to a normal pattern, quickly and effectively.

It’s best not to ignore any foot pain that lasts longer than a few days. We will guide you on the next step to take, as well as help you with proper arch supports and padding. We can also make custom shoe inserts and molds, to remove and redistribute the pressure.

At Bucks Foot Clinic, we are here to make your feet work for you. We want the best solution for you. Call us for an appointment, and let us discuss what we can do together.

Trapped toe nerve

Trapped toe nerve

By home, Treatment

This is also called Morton’s neuroma. It is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third toe and fourth toe.

It feels like you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock. It also involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes also may sting, burn or feel numb.

Top 10 ways to prevent Trapped toe nerve

  • High-heeled shoes have been linked to the development of Morton’s neuroma. Many people experience relief by switching to lower heeled shoes
  • Wear Shoes with wider toe boxes.
  • In extreme cases corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary.
  • Wear the correct type of shoes. Un-necessary pressure in parts of your feet can cause this, and this affects the nerve.
  • Certain high impact sports can cause this, like jogging or running
  • Sports with tight shoes can make the condition worse, like climbing, snow skiing, skating
  • Make sure if you have other foot conditions like high arches, flat feet, etc, you get the right orthotics (insoles)
  • Make sure that your socks and shoes do not have any lumps are imperfections.


It’s best not to ignore any foot pain that lasts longer than a few days. If you experience a burning pain in the ball of your foot that’s not improving, despite changing your footwear and modifying activities, this can make the situation worse.

We will guide you on the next step to take, as well as help you with proper arch supports and padding. We can also make custom shoe inserts and molds, to remove and redistribute the pressure.

At Bucks Foot Clinic, we are here to make your feet work for you. We want the best solution for you. Call us for an appointment, and let us discuss what we can do together.

Arthritis and Gout in feet

Arthritis and Gout in feet

By Treatment

Arthritis is the inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints and can have increased fluid in the joints. There are many types of arthritis has multiple causes. Each has a different cause and potential remedial action.

It is very common, as there are more than 100 identifiable disorders. The feet, with 33 weight-bearing joints, all of which can be afflicted and there is no way to avoid the pain of the tremendous weight-bearing load on the feet.

Arthritis is a disabling and occasionally crippling disease; In some forms, it appears to have hereditary tendencies. While the prevalence of arthritis increases with age, all people from infancy to middle age are potential victims.

People over 50 are most prone to arthritis. Arthritic feet can result in loss of mobility and independence, but early diagnosis and proper medical care can help significantly.

Gout (gouty arthritis):
  • Swelling in one or more joints
  • Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint
  • Redness or heat in a joint
  • Limitation in motion of joint
  • Early morning stiffness
  • Skin changes, including rashes and growths

With over 100 different causes, there is no one solution. We can help with your pain management as well as creating and working with you on a system of proper foot care. We can help with Early diagnosis is important to effective treatment of any form.

Destruction of cartilage is not reversible, and if the inflammation of arthritic disease isn’t treated, both cartilage and bone can be damaged, which makes the joints increasingly difficult to move. Only 5% of arthritis, can cripple you, but if left, and not managed, it can be worse. Even bunions can be manifestations of arthritis. Arthritis may be treated in many ways. Information is very important.

We can help with shoe inserts called orthotics, or with braces or specially prescribed shoes. We do not want your joints to get damaged, so you need surgery. We want to work with you to correct any faulty mechanics that lead to the joint not moving properly.

The earlier you come to us, the more we can do. We want to help and work with you to get the best out of your feet, and we know that with the best help, you will get more from your body.

Podopaediatrics

Podopaediatrics

By Treatment

Growing feet. When your child complains of painful feet, do not ignore it. This can be a lifelong problem, which can be cured, as their bodies, and bones are still being formed, we can help your child.

Podiatry is the specialist care of the foot and any and all ailments stemming from abnormalities and diseases of the lower limb. This area of practice has become further specialized in recent years, with practitioners adopting further education to focus on specific areas of podiatry, thereby providing high caliber and extremely specialized services to anyone looking for treatment.

In this article, we look at the sub-specialty of podiatry known as

Podopaediatrics – or in this case problems with Children’s feet. A number of different foot ailments can affect children from a variety of different backgrounds, these can include structural issues with the foot like flat-footedness, or other, more general issues like ingrown toenails or infections.

We are trained to provide treatment to younger children. Sessions are straightforward and usually involve both parent and child. The podiatrist responsible for delivering treatment will first examine any relevant documents and ask any questions necessary to have a complete understanding of a child’s medical history.

This is an important first step as it informs the podiatrist about any underlying conditions or other issues of which he or she should be aware prior to treatment.

We will then do an exam of the foot to gain a better understanding of the child’s complaint and what may be causing it. If a diagnosis can’t be established through such an exam, then further testing or investigations will be arranged. We have other specialists which can help, like musculoskeletal, or gait analysis.

If a diagnosis is made then the podiatrist will talk through a management plan with both parent and child. Such a plan usually involves steps that can be taken by the parent or child to help the condition, as well as any treatments which would help.

Often, the initial examination will allow us to diagnose and suggest solutions immediately, so they can be very brief. But this can have long-term benefits to your child.

Athlete’s Foot & other Infections

Athlete’s Foot & other Infections

By home, Treatment

No one likes smelly feet. It is embarrassing, and if not managed, gets worse. It is also more common than most people believe.IF your feet are smelling or itching, there is a good chance you have athlete’s foot. This is a fungus and must be treated as such, as it is easy to spread to your other foot, as well as to other family members.

In the initial stages it is not painful, then it causes rashes, and peeling skin. If not treated, it will smell, and get itchy.

This is when you have a higher chance of transferring/transmitting to other people (as you use your fingers to scratch it). If still not treated, it will cause fungal nails, which is a lot harder to cure and remove.

If you are diabetic, like all foot infections, you need to get this looked at by a podiatrist to make sure the condition is looked after properly. Any condition where there is poor circulation can decrease the immunity against the infection.

Top 10 ways to prevent Athlete’s Foot

  • Sweating heavily or not drying the feet can increase the moisture for encouraging the breeding of fungus. If you dry between the toes all the times.
  • Get this managed quickly, as this will spread to the nail.
  • Walking barefoot in damp communal areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
  • If you have diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system, any infection, can increase the chance of fungus. Consult your podiatrist at the first sign of athlete’s foot.
  • Change your socks daily
  • Use a disinfectant, liquid or soap to scrub your feet daily
  • Use antibacterial spray in your shoes
  • Keep your feet dry and clean at all times
  • Wear flit flops with walking in communal areas
  • Do not share towels, nail clippers, etc with other people.Do not ever share trainers
  • Always wash your hands after treating, cutting your nails (ok, we lied about 10 ways)
Important

If you have diabetes, or have reduced blood circulation and nerve supply in your feet you are a high risk of skin infection. So any minor injury or condition has the potential to cause more serious issues. Fungal nail infection is a condition, which can lead to more serious conditions. Any diabetics with nail infections should get professional help as soon as possible.

Treatment

Atheletes foot can be treated and managed with the correct creams and ointments. Some over-the-counter medicines work, many do not. We have access to stronger ointments and creams, to ensure that you get rid of your athlete’s foot.

Some of the methods we use include
  • We also use homeopathy where we use natural algae to help the body fight the fungus.
  • We have strong ointments and creams we can use to fight the fungus
    With available on the table, and with your particular case, we can find the right solution to get rid of your fungus.

We can use the latest state of the art equipment, or we can work with other methods to remove the fungal infection on the nails that are there. Together we can find the perfect solution.

GeneralPodiatry NailCutting

General Podiatry / Nail Cutting

By Treatment

We, at Bucks Foot Clinic, can assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns. These can range from sports injuries to heel pain, diabetic foot checks, cracked heels, nail care, dry skin, children’s feet and more. If you have a problem with your feet, no matter how big or small, it’s worth getting some expert advice from your podiatrist.

ngrown toenail, Skin diseases and nails, Unusual nail shape, Nail tumours, Nail Splinters, Nail bleeding, Older nails, Birth disorder of the nail, etc.

We look at

Nail discoloration, Nail infections, Injury to the nail bed, Lifted nail plate, Psoriasis, fungal infection, Thickened nails, Nail Neglect, Injury to the nails, Poor circulation, Arthritis in the toes, Ill-fitting shoes, Ridged nails, Trauma to the nail matrix, Splitting nails, Continuous mild trauma such as habitual finger-tapping or using the nails as tools (to pick between the teeth, for example), deformed or brittle nails.

A violent toe-stubbing, dropping a heavy object on the toes, Bacterial infection of the nail, Overzealous attention to the cuticles, Severe nail-biting (yes people to bite their toenails), Eczema, Inflammation of the skin alongside the nail, Fungal infection, Diabetic nail management.

Skin Care

Part of being a podiatrist is looking after the skin on people’s feet. Most of our work includes cleaning the dead and dry skin and callous off the feet to bring them back to smooth and pain-free again.

In addition to simple foot care, we also deal with a more unusual skin complaint, some of which include: Corns, Callous, Cracked Heels, Warts, Blisters, Diabetic wounds, Smelly feet, etc.

General care

No matter what the cause whether it be diabetes, a decrease in flexibility, eye site problems, or a loss in strength, if you’re finding difficult to attend to your own nail and foot care, our podiatrist’s can help.

No need for a referral

Our doors are open, and there is no referral needed to see a podiatrist, from your GP.

We are medically trained and qualified and certified. We take our profession seriously, and all our team always do continuous training.

We invest in the best equipment to make sure that you are looked after. Call us for us to talk to each other about your needs, and we can help.

Nail care Nail Cutting and General Nail Care

Podiatry is a medical field, and we focus on the medical level of nail management.

Toenail problems can affect people of all ages, but tend to be more common in older people.

Aged care

We believe that you should have the right help at any age. As we age we often find things harder to manage, including our nails. That’s where our Podiatrists can help. Trained to cut and file nails and remove hard skin using sterilized equipment, we can assist those who find it difficult in caring for their feet.

Home visits

If you are disabled and unable to leave home or get a carer to drive you to one of our clinics, we may be able to arrange home visits to your place. We will arrange for a convenient session, and we will come to you.

Top ways to look after your nails

  • Practice good personal hygiene.
  • Wear protective gloves for wet jobs such as washing the dishes.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals such as strong soaps and detergents.
  • Avoid or limit the handling of chemicals such as hair dyes.
  • Wear gloves or in the case of feet, suitable protection.
  • Take care with the use of nail polish or other chemicals.
  • Don’t clean under your nails too often or too aggressively.
  • When giving yourself a home manicure, do not push back the cuticles.
  • Resist the urge to bite or tear off hangnails – use nail nippers. (try to avoid the use of clippers as they do not cut at the right angles)
  • Don’t bite your nails.
  • Remove artificial nails carefully and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Moisturise your feet frequently, particularly after washing them.
  • Remember to rub the moisturiser over your nails and cuticles too.
  • Treat any sign of eczema on your hands promptly.
  • To protect yourself from fungal infections, don’t share towels, always dry yourself thoroughly after bathing (particularly between the toes), and wear thongs in communal bathing areas such as the local gym or swimming pool.
  • Make sure your shoes are well-fitting and have plenty of room for air movement
Hip Leg KneeAnkleProblems(GaitAnalysisandin soles)

Hip/Leg/Knee Ankle Problems

By Treatment

Hips hurting, Leg Hurting, Ankle painful?

Chances are, it all starts from your feet. The main problem is most people do not take it seriously, where later on, it results in surgery to fix, and correct the issue. It is your body, and you should make sure you get it to last properly for a lifetime. We also call this Biomechanics.

We will check, analyze and investigate how you stand and walk. We have specialist podiatrists, that focus on musculoskeletal analysis and management (That means looking at your bones, the muscles, ligaments, and joints), so we can measure track and find a solution that fits your unique body.

None of us are perfect, and over time, we know that we will need help. The earlier this is done, it keeps you more mobile in your later life. We can investigate how you stand and walks. When we study your gait, we will help you find multiple solutions to manage the issues faced by you.

Make an appointment. If you are concerned about this why not contact us here at the Bucks Foot Clinic and we can work together to provide you with the best results and solutions to your problems.

Identifying Problems. Finding problems in gait can be the key to identifying the cause of pain in the feet, ankles, legs, knees, hips, back, or neck. This will help determine underlying problems such as bone deformities, movement restrictions, muscle weakness, nerve dysfunction, skeletal or joint malalignments, complications from spasticity or contracture, and complications from arthritis.

Analysis process

At the Bucks Foot Clinic, you will be asked to walk at a comfortable speed while various computerized measurements are made. Several types of measurements may be used depending on the nature of the problem. These measurements will be combined with the doctor’s tests to determine the problem and the recommended treatment.
These can include

  • Foot Step Analysis
  • Force and Pressure Measurements
  • 3-D Motion Analysis
  • Muscle Function Measurements
  • Slow Motion Video

As this is a specialist area, you will be looked after by a musculoskeletal podiatrist. This makes sure that you have the right care, and attention, using all the latest equipment and techniques. This will get you back on your feet in the shortest possible time.

The analysis is the first step in the process. We will give you accurate information, so we can find the right solution. With so many options available on the table, and with your particular case, we can find the right solution to help you.

We can use the latest state of the art equipment, or we can work with simple methods, so you are running around and in the best shape. Together we will find the perfect solution.

diabetic foot care

Diabetic foot care/assessment

By Treatment

We make sure we help you manage your feet. We know the importance of monitoring and keeping an eye on your feet.

At Bucks Foot Clinic, we have made diabetes an area of care, and strength. We understand the issues and problems and we have worked with diabetics over many years. As a diabetic, do not overlook the need to visit a podiatrist on a regular basis, even if it is one of the most overlooked aspects of diabetes management.

We only employ podiatrists, to make sure you have the highest level of care for diabetic care. At our clinic our professional podiatrists are trained in the care, solving and guidance from the issues relating to diabetic foot assessment.

We also provide advice and therapy to help those with diabetes manage their foot care. The best ways to care for diabetic feet. (normally we would have 10 top tips, but in this case, we would prefer for you to meet with us, so we can build a custom care plan.

The top 10 ways to manage Hard Skin

  • Check your feet. It’s essential to check your feet daily for any signs of damage. Do this daily. If you are unsure how to check your feet, please contact us
  • In addition, you should have regular foot assessments with a professional podiatrist to reduce the risk of injury, infection and other complications.
  • Please take care that your socks are proper fitting seamless socks.
  • Ensure your feet are clean and free from infection.
  • Wear only well-fitting shoes. Poor fitting or Ill-fitting shoes can result in blisters, ulcers, corns and calluses, and nail problems.
  • Avoid walking barefoot, especially when outside to reduce the risks of cuts and grazes.
  • Try to avoid sitting cross-legged as this can hinder circulation.
  • Moisturise your skin, paying particular attention to your heels, as dry skin can lead to cracking and fissures.
  • Wear the right shoes. Get proper advice. We always regularly recommend the ideal footwear for diabetics.
  • Never attempt to treat yourself. Anything from corns, hard skin, etc. Always consult a podiatrist.

Extra points for Free

  • Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.
  • Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water.
  • Don’t go barefoot, even at home. Wear shoes or sturdy slippers at all times.
  • Check your soles of your foot before you put on your shoes daily.
  • Wear clean, dry socks. And of course, put them on properly, so the seams are not in the wrong place
  • Check inside your shoes for any tear or rough edges that could injure your foot. Look at your soles and outside for any damage. The right shoes is needed to help you look after your feet, so they last you longer
  • Shake out your shoes before you put them on to make sure there’s nothing inside.
  • Choose a comfortable and safe style of shoe, such as those with closed toes, low heels, and soles that aren’t slippery.
  • Trim toenails straight across. See us for any deformed toes. Don’t cut off or file corns, calluses or bunions yourself. If you have a cut, please call us.

We have an experienced team that can help you look after and care for your feet. We have the latest technology and a highly skilled team.

We really care of being the best in our profession. Come and see us, and we can demonstrate what we can do better.

Hard skin (Callus)

Calluses / Hard Skin

By Treatment

Our feet do a lot of work. The body builds extra skin to protect itself. This causes hard skins. Everyone has this, it is really common. This can be caused by friction, wearing away or normal day to day activities.

Based on your feet, and your activity, these can get a lot more uncomfortable and can cause you more pain. Most of the time, they can be looked after with some TLC (Tender Love and Care). But, we are always here to help you to take care of them.

We can help you manage and look after you and your feet so that it does not interfere with your daily activities. We can look at your feet and see the cause of the callus, and work with you to remove them, as well as provide both long and short-term solutions for the same. Where there are many over the shelf solutions to remove the hard skin, it is recommended that if this is a regular issue, give us a visit and we can see if there are any other underlying issues that can be causing it.

The top 10 ways to manage Hard Skin

  • Get proper fitting shoes to the weight can be distributed correctly.
  • Check that you do not have joins in your socks, or your shoes have smooth insides, which cause local pressure points in the foot
  • If you have worn soles, please get this replaced, as this increases the rubbing on your skin.
  • Wear socks, when you have shoes
  • Moisturize your feet regularly. This helps the foot to look after itself. We recommend specialised moisturising foot cream
  • Use a pumice stone to gently remove dead skin. It should be used carefully to remove hard skin, as it is abrasive.
  • Do not use knives, scalpels as you can remove too much skin, or cut your self
  • Get a pedicure, as a good pedicurist will help remove any dead skin.
  • Do not use electric abrasive rollers. These can cause more problems if used incorrectly.
  • Get proper advise, so you can manage your circumstances properly.

We have an experienced team that can help you look after and care for your feet. We have the best medical lotions and ointments and can help remove hard skin properly.

With your particular case, we want to find the right options for you and your feet. Together we can find the perfect solution.

feet

Heel Pain

By home, Treatment

Ok, we can use the technical word, it is Plantar fasciitis. There is a muscle that your heel to the front of your foot. It supports the arch of your foot and helps you walk. As expected, your ligaments experience a lot of wear and tear in your daily life. Normally, these ligaments act as shock absorbents, supporting the arch of the foot. When there is extra pressure on your feet can damage or tear the ligaments. This then causes pain.

The pain can be at the bottom of the heel, or even although some experience pain at the bottom mid-foot area. This can develop gradually over time, and certain actions like sports can make it worse. The definition of pain in this is varied. Some people say it is as dull, while others a sharp pain.

The pain is usually worse in the morning when you take your first steps out of bed, or if you’ve been sitting or lying down for a while. Climbing stairs can be very difficult due to heel stiffness. After prolonged activity, the pain can flare up due to increased inflammation. Pain isn’t usually felt during the activity but rather just after stopping.

The top 10 ways to manage Heal Pain

  • If you are working or exercising on your feet more, you need better foot support.
  • You need to have the correct arch support and shoes
  • Stay off your feet when possible.
  • Apply ice and raise your feet for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day to reduce swelling, and to calm the inflation
  • Change you routine to more non-impact sports
  • We can show you exercises to strengthen your arches
  • You can use a towel, and use it to pull your toes towards you when you keep your knee straight
  • Splints can be attached to the calf and foot when you sleep helping to stretch your muscles
  • The hardest one to do, but one of the most effective, is to lose weight.

So how can we help

  • We have an experienced team that can help with your custom arch support, to remove the pressure of your ligaments and muscles.
  • We also have access to advanced medical strapping techniques, that will move the pressure off the feet, to relieve the pain, and to help the feet heal. These braces can provide instant relief.
  • We can use the latest wave of technology, which can help and speed up the healing.
  • With so many options available, and with your particular case, we can find the right solution to get you out of pain. Together we can find the perfect solution.
Verrucae and Wart

Fungal nail infections

By Treatment

Nail fungus is more common than most people believe. This is when a white or yellow spot occurs under the tip of your fingernails or toenails. As this gets more infected, the fungal infection goes deeper into the nail, causing your nail to discolor, to thicken and to start crumbling.

It can easily be passed from nail to nail. In the initial stages, it is not painful, and may not cause any discomfort. Over time, the fungus will settle into the nail, and cause thicker nails, and get the nails to crumble. This also passes onto other nails and causes athlete’s foot. This means getting rid of fungus on the nail, becomes a difficult process as it always keeps on coming back.

Fungal nails can make your feet smell, distort its shape, become brittle, crumbly or ragged, as well as being thick. We can work with you to fight it and get rid of fungal nails for once and for all. If you are diabetic, like all foot infections, you need to get this looked at by a podiatrist to make sure the condition is looked after properly.

Any condition where there is poor circulation can decrease the immunity against fungus. Toenail fungal infection can start from an athlete’s foot (foot fungus), and it can spread from one nail to another. But it is uncommon to get an infection from someone else.

Top 10 ways to prevent Fungal nail infections

  • Sweating heavily or not drying the feet can increase the moisture for encouraging the breeding of fungus. If you dry between the toes all the times.
  • If you have athlete’s foot, get this managed quickly, as this will spread to the nail.
  • Walking barefoot in damp communal areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
  • If you have diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system, any infection, can increase the chance of fungus. Consult your podiatrist at the first sign of athlete’s foot.
  • Change your socks daily
  • Use a disinfectant, liquid or soap to scrub your feet daily
  • Use antibacterial spray in your shoes
  • Keep your feet dry and clean at all times
  • Wear flit flops with walking in communal areas
  • Do not share towels, nail clippers, etc with other people.
  • Do not ever share trainers
  • Always wash your hands after treating, cutting your nails (ok, we lied about 10 ways)
Observations

A severe case of fungal nails can be painful and can cause permanent damage to your nails. This can lead to other infections that spread beyond your feet, as this is caused by a low immune system or by other conditions like diabetes.

If you have diabetes or have reduced blood circulation and nerve supply in your feet you are a high risk of skin infection. So any minor injury or condition has the potential to cause more serious issues.

Fungal nail infection is a condition, which can lead to more serious conditions. Any diabetics with nail infections should get professional help as soon as possible.

Treatment

Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat. Very few over the counter medicines have any success rates. As the results may take months, it is advisable to get professional support as quickly as possible, to look after and cure your fungal nail infections.

Some of the methods we use include
  • At Bucks Foot Clinic, we have invested in the latest technologies.
  • We also use homeopathy where we use natural algae to help the body fight the fungus.
  • We have strong nail lacquers which we can use to fight the fungus
    We have homeopathic nail cream.
  • We can debride (or make the nail bed rougher), to help for other methods to work better (like the nail lacquer)

With so many options available on the table, and with your particular case, we can find the right solution to get rid of your fungus.

We can use the latest state of the art equipment, or we can work with other methods to remove the fungal infection on the nails that are there. Together we can find the perfect solution.

heal Balm

Professional Products For Foot Care

By Blog

At Bucks Foot Clinic we stock a wide variety of products for self management and treatment of many foot conditions. As a client of the clinic you may be advised to purchase and use these to manage your foot condition.The first rule in self management and treatment, is to know what you are dealing with and that is why we use our professional know how to help you.

Foot files : In stock are disposable files to purchase as well as reusable structured/shapes files ideal for keeping heels smooth, particularly before applying creams

heal Balm
heal Balm

Insoles and orthotics : A wide selection available to patients although we advise bought after consultation with our biomechanics specialist, Jez Ousey.

Creams : We are excited to be promoting a number of specialist foot care creams. Some have become permanent stock others are “guest” / feature creams. All the creams are selected for their potential benefit. Flexitol and ureka contain urea which is particularly helpful for very dry or callused feet. These are regular stock

heal Balm

We are featuring Dermatonics at the moment – offering hard skin reducing balm, soothing foot cream, and an ultra-cool foot gel. Several of our products come in larger, better value sizes and handy travel sizes, so you need never be without the right product to maintain your feet.

  • Anti fungal treatments
  • Amolophine
  • Emtrix
  • Tibenafine cream
  • Lamisil spray
  • Daktarin spray
  • Mykored drops and spray

Consultation with the podiatrist, to assess your needs and Tailor a treatment regime to address your fungal issue. Specialist equipment and expertise to prep the areas for treatment.

Also offering :

  • Noveon laser treatment packages.
  • Verruca prevention and treatment
  • Exculpatory prevention spray
  • Warred
  • Salactol
  • Silver nitrate pencils
  • Spirularin

We offer a number of clinic based treatments including cryotherapy and swift- microwave therapy. We can advise you on a treatment plan to resolve your verruca satisfactorily.

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Pedi roller
  • Calf bar
  • Arch supports and insoles, also sports tapes
  • Sore toes
  • Silipos tubes
  • Otoform devices
  • Bunion straps

Dr remedy nail treatment polishes and non acetone remover are available to purchase with or without an appointment or medi pedi.

Don’t judge a man until you have walked in his shoes…

Don’t judge A Man Until you have Walked in His shoes

By Blog

Footwear can give podiatrists an insight to possible causes of foot problems and indeed help to resolve some foot health issues.

Footwear must be fit for purpose and fit.

Which may seem a very obvious point. Wear the correct shoes for the activity being undertaken, for example: trainers for sport, cushioning and support if the activity involves extended time on your feet. Although as adults our feet are no longer growing, it is still important to have a little room between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe – this allows for extension of the foot in action and possible increase of size due to swelling/fluid retention. Similarly consideration should be given to the width in relation to foot shape and type. A simple tool for assessing foot size and shape in respect of a particular shoe is to take an outline of the foot and one of the shoe and compare the two, there should be no foot template showing outside of the shoe… A good shoe is foot shaped, feet vary in shape and size, not every shoe style will suit / fit every foot shape.

bucks foot clinic
bucks foot clinic

When purchasing it is worth paying attention to the materials used in the construction, leather shoes tend to have longevity and will, with wear mould to the foot shape. Some modern fabrics have wicking properties, particularly useful in sports wear and for those who are prone to sweaty feet. Cheaper man made fabrics may not remain aesthetic for long, and promote moisture retention, which in turn harbour fungus (causing athlete’s foot). Shoe hygiene is a consideration, and there are a number of products available to address the build up of sweat and smell, as well as antifungal preparations. Some modern shoes are even machine washable.

Talking style…

Fashion along with budget has a huge bearing on footwear choices. That being the case, what makes a good shoe?

  • Foot shaped, a shoe which is not competing against the natural shape of the wearers foot, will be more comfortable, no need to be broken in and give rise to fewer corns, calluses and deformities.
  • Fastenings, buckles, laces, Velcro or at least a high elasticated front interface, will hold the foot in the shoe. Very much like wearing a seatbelt in a car. In slip on pumps the foot is kept on the shoe as a result of two functional mechanisms both of which in the long term result in conditions requiring Podiatry treatment.
    • Snug fit, crowding the toes in a small space….
    • Clawing/gripping, the toes work in an attempt to hold the shoe on, often the cause of claw and hammer toes.

The shoe detective…

The wear and tear of a well-worn shoe can give the wearer and the clinician clues as to the way the lower limb and foot are working.

Uneven wear at the heel shows the position at which the foot/shoe strikes the ground during walking.

Distortion Of the upper in relation to the sole can show the professional a number of functional abnormalities that may benefit from biomechanical assessment and intervention. Similarly, evidence of fit can be assessed from the molding of the upper over bony prominences and observing the foot imprint on the integral insole.

The pattern of wear, spirals can show abnormal phases within walking, which give rise to pain and lesions and may be improved or resolved with orthotics.

The new shoe…

Whilst a well-fitting shoe should never need to be broken in, it may be advisable to wear for short but increasing periods initially, to allow the materials to ‘give’, to avoid blisters and allow acclimatisation of the new pair.

Limo shoes…

So-called because they are only worn to get from the car to the red carpet… these are truly unsuitable footwear and purely for appearances! Towering heels and skimpy straps – if you must have them, avoid weight-bearing or walking and kick them off under the table as soon as possible!

bucks foot clinic
Book an Appointment

Behind The Scene Of Best Podiatry Treatment

By Blog

It is important to understand that the podiatrist is a highly qualified professional with special expertise in caring for all conditions affecting the foot and lower limb.

HCPC registration identifies those who adhere to guidelines on minimum standards of practice. It is also a prerequisite for employment within the NHS. Members are selected at random every two years for audit and must sign a declaration of competence to work in the profession, as well as participation in continuing professional development. These guidelines are there to protect you.
The register was first opened in 2003. It is possible for members of the public to look up whether or not their chosen podiatrist is registered with this body (www.hcp-U.K.org/check/).

Under these guidelines podiatrists are expected to meet criteria on how they work.

Examples include:

*How instruments should be sterilised
scrubbed to remove debris, ultrasonic cleaning to remove smaller particles and then vacuum sterilised where they are packed in pouches for single use.
Some of the instruments/tools are single-use – disposable (files and blades): Waste disposal sharps are initially placed in yellow bins and clinical waste is bagged for removal by specialist contractors for incineration. Paper waste and confidential material is professionally shredded by contractors.

*The type of flooring
Continuous with no joins to reduce cross-infection and improve the potential for sanitising.

*Professional conduct
The ability to safely perform tasks, communicate efficiently with the patient, Carter’s and other professionals.

Podiatrist may belong to a professional body CoP (formally SOCAP) Access to a consultation with a podiatrist may be through the NHS via a GP or self-referral into the private sector.

All podiatrists will be able to advise and treat a wide number of foot pathologies from routine nail care, corns and callus to infections, footwear and preventative care.

Podiatrists hold a BSc Hons in podiatry, usually, a three-year full-time course incorporating clinical learning, placements, and lectures.

Further training and qualifications may lead to Podiatric surgeon status or the ability to prescribe medication relevant to the care of the foot.

Specialisms may include: biomechanics, sports medicine, cosmetic, nail surgery Generalists may treat many of these conditions in a broad sense before referral to colleagues who specialise.

Meet the team

Leena Lakhani BSc (Hons) MSChP Podiatric Medicine, HCPC Registered
Resident nail surgery lead and practice owner/manager qualified in 1996 from Southampton University

Jez Ousey BSc (Hons) MSChP Podiatric Medicine, HCPC Registered
Biomechanics specialist and sports medicine in podiatry qualified from University of East London

Genevieve Strowger BSc (Hons) MSChP Podiatric Medicine, HCPC Registered
Special interest in dementia care relating to podiatry and medi-pedi/cosmetic lead, Qualified in 1996 from the University of Brighton

Behind the scenes HPC

We look forward to helping you towards happy, healthy feet.

Verrucae are often confused with corns. Corns are the result of friction…

Verrucae Are Often Confused With Corns

By Blog

Verrucae are often confused with corns. Corns are the result of friction and / or pressure, whereas verrucae form due to a viral infection. Both can be unsightly and painful!
Although verrucae are considered to be harmless, they can be notoriously difficult to resolve.

There are a huge number of products available over the counter and online, but know what you are treating and remember that podiatrist are specialists with access to a number of proven treatments all at their disposal.

Verrucae commonly occur in young teens and those who are immunosuppressed (due to drug therapies, age or health condition). They are caused by the same group of viruses that cause warts. These lesions are highly infectious, meaning they are easily passed from person to person and area to area.

The first thing your podiatrist will do, identifies the true nature of the lesion – verrucae or corn, before then advising you on the best treatment regime for you – even if this is to not treat. Several of the treatment options rely upon creating an immune response so that the body actually fights the infection to resolve it and reduce the chance of developing further infections in the future.

Prevention is better than cure – how to avoid catching verrucae.

• Avoid direct contact with verrucae/warts, including your own warts, remember to wash your hands after touching/treating warts/verrucae. Do not be tempted to pick or cut lesions.
• Avoid walking barefoot around swimming pools, locker rooms and gyms. wear flip flops/wet shoes or protector spray to prevent spread and re-infection. If you have a verruca – wear a rubber verrucae sock.
• Do not use the same emery board, pumice stone, or nail clippers that you would use on healthy skin. Do not share these tools with others.
• Do not share footwear.

Early detection and treatment often results in faster and better outcomes.

Treatment options available at Bucks Foot Clinic

* Swift Microwave Therapy –
This is the very latest in verrucae treatment and only available in a handful of practices, it has been particularly helpful in the treatment of stubborn lesions.

* Chemotherapy / Acid –
We have a number of different high strength acids which we expertly apply and monitor.
Homeopathic options are also available – a form of algae.

* Cryotherapy / freezing therapy –
Freezing kits are available to buy from pharmacies, however, they are not as effective or as cold as the cryogen we utilise. This device allows liquid nitrogen to be accurately targeted at even the most awkwardly located lesion.

* Dry Needling –
This physical method is usually done under local anesthetic for maximum comfort.

Together we can find the perfect solution.

Nail fungus is common and in many cases goes undiagnosed. The condition.

Best Treatment for Nail Fungus

By Blog

Nail fungus is common and in many cases goes undiagnosed. The condition often presents as white or yellow areas under the tip of fingernails or toenails. As the infection progresses the area of discoloration becomes larger, thickened and crumbling features. It is not uncommon for there to be an unpleasant odor in infected feet and the footwear of those
infected. This infection has the potential to spread to other nails and other people. Where the sufferer has diabetes or another chronic systemic ailment, it is advisable to seek assistance from a podiatrist, who will advise on the best way to manage the condition.

The condition is usually pain-free. Any discomfort is usually associated with nail changes and thickening. Resolving nail fungal infections is often a slow and laborious job, needing
commitment and cooperation from the patient. Understanding how the fungus lives can help in the prevention and treatment of infections.
A fungus is a normal part of the natural flora and fauna of our skin. If one swabbed the general population, many would show positive for fungus, without
necessarily having an infection. Fungus thrives in warm, moist conditions, typical of most sports shoes. The fungus often infects the spaces between the toes – athletes foot, presenting
as white, macerated skin with associated itching. The area may then split and become secondarily infected with bacteria and be incredibly painful. In advanced infection, small red vesicles/blisters develop beyond the toe spaces, followed potentially by generalised infection across the whole foot, often dry, white and flakey in appearance. Generalised skin infection of this nature often leads to nail involvement, particularly if there has been damage or trauma to the nail. Characteristically looking in the early stages like fingers reaching up
towards the cuticle from the free edge.

Prevention is better than cure.
Wash feet, including between the toes, ensuring that soap is properly rinsed. Check for any signs of damage to nails, maceration between the toes, etc.
Apply foot cream to maintain good skin quality. Keep the feet and spaces between the toes dry. If prone to maceration between the toes, apply surgical spirit on a cotton bud after bathing and thoroughly drying the area.
Where possible, wear socks and hosiery with a high proportion of natural fibers for their absorbent properties. Socks and hosiery should be changed daily and after sporting activities.
Where possible washed at 60 degrees and before wearing, spray with a dry powder antifungal product. Try and swap footwear on at least a daily basis to avoid moisture build-up.
Apply dry powder antifungal product to internal surfaces of footwear. Consider a UV footwear insert to reduce the fungal load. Avoid sharing footwear, socks, towels and nail clippers, etc.

Remember that all our instruments and tools are either disposable or subject to rigorous sterilisation regimes as per medical regulations. Many nail spas and pedicurists reuse files and drill bits for many many clients -potentially spreading undiagnosed fungal infections.

Treatment
Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat. Very few over the counter medicines have any success rates. As the results may take months, it is advisable to get professional support as quickly as possible, to look after and cure your fungal infections.

Podiatry treatments available at Bucks Foot Clinic

Diagnostics
It is possible to take a nail sample and confirm, within a few minutes, whether there is a presence of fungal infection in the nail before investing
in or commencing treatment.

Laser
The clinic has invested in the latest technology for fungal nail treatments:
Noveon Laser. This high powered, safe equipment, targets the nails,
destroying the infected area. There are relatively few practices with this
equipment and trained practitioners.

Homeopathy
A natural algae nail paint or nail cream to help the body fight the fungus.

Nail Lacquer
Antifungal nail lacquer available only through podiatrists.

Antifungal creams and sprays
For use on the skin and in footwear/socks.

Physical podiatry

The podiatrist can debride the affected areas and reduce the thickening, which will improve the appearance and enable better penetration of any nail
the product being used. Skin protector spray creates a permeable layer over the skin reducing the potential of collecting spores when in communal places.

With so many options available and with consideration of your particular case, we can find the right solution to get rid of your fungus.

Let us help you to fight the fungus.

Foot Focus: All I want for Christmas is party feet

Foot Focus: All I want for Christmas is party feet

By Blog

Foot Focus: All I want for Christmas is….. Party Feet

Christmas is on the horizon and it’s time to sparkle… but it’s hard to glitter when your feet hurt…

Wearing winter shoes and heels brings on the corns and calluses, out of sight out of mind, summer is a distant memory!

Just because our toes are tucked up in thick, cozy socks and sensible boots it is still important to keep up a simple footcare routine. Wash your feet daily and dry thoroughly, checking between the toes for any signs of athletes foot. Use a pumice or foot file on the thickened skin. Apply a good quality foot cream and treat yourself to a little massage whilst you do so: rubbing and stroking towards the heart. Bucks Foot Clinic stock a number of foot creams and sundries.

If you have sore areas or corns, book in with a podiatrist to treat these. Don’t be tempted to use corn plasters or corn remover pastes, particularly if you have diabetes or circulatory issues.
And for those parties, try to find heels which are comfortable to have you dancing into the small hours. Towering heels might be the height of fashion and a party season must have, but if they cause your face to grimace rather grin, it’s not seasonal cheer… Look for styles with functional straps to hold the foot securely, avoid overly pointed toes – consider instead peep-toes.

Think about block heels or wedges for stability and greater comfort. If possible try to wear the party shoes for short periods ahead of the big night. Some designs incorporate padding in the soles and are well worth seeking out. And if that pair of “Cinderella must go to the ball” shoes is falling short on the comfort level, there are products that can help. Silicone foot pads can reduce the pain of overloading, gel sleeves can protect sore toes and heel grips assist in keeping the shoe on properly. Silicone spray can be helpful at stopping blisters and rubbing in new shoes. Many of these products can be purchased from our clinic along with help and advice from our team of foot experts. If all else fails pop a little pair of soft pumps in your bag and change into them.

Perhaps consider a medi-pedi, for yourself or as a gift for a fellow Christmas party goer! A medi-pedi is a combination of routine podiatry care – addressing corns and calluses and the luxury of a pedicure using lovely botanical products and a professional nail polish. Bring your own Christmas favorite or purchase from our range of Dr. Remedy nail polishes – we have berry reds, sophisticated navy’s and neutrals and sparkles aplenty!

From Bucks Foot Clinic, May we thank you for your business and wish you a very merry Christmas – go be fabulous and sparkle for the whole season with happy healthy feet!

FootFocus AllIwantforChristmasispartyfeet
Chilblains article

Chilblains article

By Blog

Foot Focus The chill factor

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, we know that winter will soon be upon us. Whilst we romanticise about toasting our toes in front of the log fire, it is worth remembering the common seasonal complaint of chilblains. More women than men are affected.

Characteristically presenting itself as painful, often itchy and burning, red, swollen areas on the toes, fingers, and ears. For most, this is a mild discomfort which readily resolves, however in some cases, the areas blister and become open wounds and may require professional assistance.

The underlying cause is one of a circulatory nature, where the tiny blood vessels of the area have not responded appropriately to changes in temperature. People, particularly at risk, are those with family history, poor circulation, exposure to cold and damp conditions, poor nutrition or low body weight and smokers (nicotine having a constricting effect on blood vessels).

For many, chilblains are seen as an old-fashioned ailment, and there is some truth in that. In the days before central heating, when the population was more likely to be underweight, footwear was more basic, smoking was a common pastime, employment was physical and in poor conditions, often outside or on hard cold floors, chilblains would have been a common blight.

As a result, there are many historical references, folklore and old wives tales regarding their treatment, varying from rubbing the areas with raw onion, to soaking the feet in wee – but in these enlightened times, these are not recommended nor do they help.

In mild to moderate cases the discomfort can be alleviated by the application of calamine and witch-hazel, this may help with the associated itching. Foot warming creams and balms available from your podiatrist may prove beneficial.

In instances where the skin has become broken or where the condition seems ongoing, a podiatrist will be able to treat and advise.

In stubborn cases, Nifedipine, a prescription-only medication, may be indicated.

Prevention is better than cure!

It is surprising how much of an impact such a potentially minor ailment can have, ask anyone who has suffered from chilblains, it is miserable!

* Avoid exposure to cold, when cold, allow warming in a natural way – not toasting your feet in front of an open fire! Pre-warm footwear. Good hosiery (thermal fibers)

* Promote healthy circulation – exercise, smoking cessation, healthy diet.

* Good skincare – checking feet for early signs, applying the cream to improve skin quality, rubbing/ massage will also stimulate the microcirculation.

* Good ambient temperature – not a direct heat source, no draughts.

* Well fitting footwear – and fit for purpose. Chafing or tight areas can give rise to chilblains too.

If in doubt make an appointment to see your podiatrist!

Bucksfootclinic
SWIFT Treatment

Bucks Foot Clinic Podiatry

By Blog

Welcome to Bucks Foot Clinic. As the Lead Podiatrist, I am happy to help you with any questions. With over 20 years’ experience in podiatry, and up to date with all the latest treatments and methods in foot care and management. We will always give you accurate and honest advice about your feet and management. This ensures that your feet can get the best possible care in all cases.

We also give you a guarantee on the quality of our services. We will make sure that you get the best possible service at any time.

Thanks