Introduction

One of the most common issues we treat here at Bucksfoot Clinic is Ingrowing Toenail infections. It can be very difficult to carry on with ingrown toenail management on your own if you don’t know what to do, and this can turn into an infection. It can even lead to toenail fungus if not taken care of well.

We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about ingrown toenail infections. Read on to learn more.

What Is An Ingrown Toenail Infection?

Before we get into its symptoms, it would help to make it clear on exactly what an ingrown toenail infection is and how it’s caused.

Ingrown toenail infections occur when the corner tip or edge of your toenail pokes into the skin surrounding it, instead of freely growing outwards. The toe that’s most likely to suffer from this issue is your big toe, since it’s usually the one that’s most in contact with your footwear.

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.

If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

Now that you know what an ingrown toenail is and why it’s important to know its symptoms early on, we can tell you what to look out for when self-diagnosing an ingrown toenail infection.
You may have an ingrown toenail infection if you have any of the following symptoms:

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

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

Who Treats Ingrown Toenails?

 If you’ve ever wondered, “who treats ingrown toenails?”, we’ll clear up that doubt for you. The best person who treats ingrown toenails is a Podiatrist.

Lots of people still aren’t aware of what podiatrists do and still find themselves asking the question, “what is a Podiatrist?”.
A Podiatrist is a medical specialist that helps with problems related to your feet and lower legs. We can deal with health issues like diabetes complications and even treat minor and major injuries. People also call us Podiatric Physicians or Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, as well as Chiropodists.

Though a Podiatrist IS a doctors, they don’t go to traditional medical schools. There are separate schools and professional associations for Podiatrists. Doctors usually have an “MD” after their name, which stands for “Medical Doctor”. We have “DPM” at the end of our names. This stands for “Doctor of Podiatric Medicine”.
We can perform surgeries, reset broken bones, order lab tests or x-rays, and even rest broken bones. We’re completely licensed to do so, and we often work alongside other specialists that treat issues of the feet and lower legs.

Ingrowing Toenail Management

Another very important thing to take care of is ingrown toenail management. When you have an ingrown toenail, and you practice ingrown toenail management, you are generally safe from fungus and infection. Good foot care and hygiene are very important. Here’s how you can go about ingrown toenail management:

• NEVER yank or pull on your nail! This can break the skin severely and lead to horrendous complications. You might be able to access your ingrown toenail by lifting your skin gently with a piece of floss. Just make sure to never force it open, and also ensure that your hands are sanitised and clean before you try to treat your ingrown toenail infection.
• To drain the affected area of pus and to reduce your pain, you must fill a bucket with warm water and add epsom salt or coarse salt to it. Then, gently soak your foot in this solution so your skin softens around your ingrown toenail.
• After softening your skin and draining it of any pus, you can put antibiotic / antifungal lotion or cream on the nail and the skin around and under it. Apply the cream directly.
• If your pain is unbearable, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to help with it. Apart from this, you can also take OTC medications to reduce the swelling and discomfort. If the pain truly is unbearable, though, we suggest seeing a podiatrist instead of jumping into OTC medications and trying to treat it on your own.

After you’ve tried all of the above, if your pain and infection persist after a few days, it’s advisable to visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to lift and access the underpart of your nail much easier, so your topical antibiotics can be applied swiftly and can take effect better.

Conclusion

Now that you know some of the main things about ingrown toenail infections, it’ll be easier to identify an issue before it gets out of hand. Book an appointment with Buckfoot Clinic if you think you may be suffering from an ingrown toenail infection. Our podiatrists will be able to help you!

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

Are you experiencing pain in toenail due to shoes? Or perhaps you’re noticing redness around your toenail. Either way, a visit to a podiatrist would do you good. One must never ignore issues related to the feet as they can lead to larger issues, and in some cases, even amputation. Especially if you have diabetes and other circulation-related issues.

There are many possible reasons for pain in toenail due to shoes, and redness around the toenail. We’ve put together this blog to teach you about a few probably reasons. Here they are:

1.Injury:

If you stub your toe or drop something on your toe, this could lead to redness around the toenail.. A red toe can also be caused by other injuries, such as persistent pressure or abrasion from an improperly fitting shoe. In this case, you’ll also feel pain in toenail in shoes.

Treatment:

– over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve)
– immobilization, often by taping to a neighboring toe.

2.Skin Infection:

Cellulitis, a common skin infection, can occur when bacteria that lives on your skin enters your skin itself.

Symptoms:

– Fever
– Toe and foot pain
– Toe and foot swelling
– Redness around toenail
– Pain in toenail due to shoes

Treatment:

– antibiotics such as azithromycin (Zithromax), cephalexin (Keflex), and dicloxacillin (Pathocil)

3.Irritant Contact Dermatitis:

Your skin may get inflamed when exposed to certain pollutants, like gasoline or detergents like soap and bleach.

Symptoms:

– Toe and foot pain
– Rough skin
– Pain in toenail due to shoes
– Redness around toenail

Treatment:

– avoiding contact with the irritating substance
– moisturizer to relieve inflamed skin

4.Allergic Contact Dermatits:

Your skin can become inflamed when it comes into contact with an allergen, such as nickel or plants like poison ivy.

Symptoms:

– Toe and foot itchiness
– Scabs on toes and feet
– Redness around toenail
– Pain in toenail due to shoes

Treatment:

– avoiding contact with the allergen
– moisturizer to relieve inflamed skin

5. Athlete’s Foot:

Athlete’s foot, sometimes called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the toes or feet.

Symptoms:

– Toe and foot itchiness
– Peeling between toes
– Redness around toenail

Treatment:

– OTC antifungal sprays or ointments
– oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)

6. Nail Infections & Ingrown Toenails:

A condition known as paronychia, an infection of the folds of your nails usually brought on by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or a fungus, can result in toe pain and swelling. Nail infections like this can also be caused due to ingrown toenail that haven’t been treated correctly.

Treatment:

– soaking your toe in warm water
– antifungal medication such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) or ketoconazole (Nizoral)
– antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag), clavulanic acid (Augmentin), or clindamycin (Cleocin)

Who Treats Ingrown Toenails?

If you’ve ever wondered who treats ingrown toenails, here’s your answer – we do! Podiatrists are the best people to see when it comes to any issue related to your feet, including ingrown toenails. We can treat your ingrown toenail before it turns into a nasty infection and save you a lot of stress, and money in the future.

Conclusion

There are numerous reasons for redness around toenails. Some are less severe and easier to treat than others. You should be able to take care of a minor injury, like a stubbed toe that isn’t broken, at home.

Visit a podiatrist for a complete diagnosis if you’re not sure why your toe is red and you also have symptoms like pain and swelling. You can book an appointment with Bucksfoot Clinic for the best treatment in town.

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

Though they are very common, there are still a lot of questions surrounding verrucas and verruca treatment. As podiatrists, we have extensive knowledge of verrucas and other foot-related issues. We’re here to answer your questions!

In this blog, we’ll touch upon the following topics:

1. What are verrucas?
2. Verruca symptoms
3. How do verrucas form?
4. Is a verruca contagious?
5. Is a verruca a sore?
6. Verruca treatment

Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Verrucas?

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

Sometimes verrucas can be painless, but more often than not they are very uncomfortable and even painful to deal with. They can disappear overnight or can be persistent for years on end.

Verruca Symptoms

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

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

1. There’s a black dot in the centre (in most cases)
2. The “wart” is oddly cauliflower-shaped
3. You feel a stinging “stepping-on-a-needle” type of pain when you apply pressure
4. The lump is small and rough
5. You may have multiple on your hands and around your mouth as well (in the case of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, or HFM for short, which is common in most children)

How Do Verrucas Form?

As mentioned earlier, verruca infections are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are lots of old wives’ tales surrounding the causes of verrucae, and the most common one is “swimming pools cause verrucae”. Though this is true, it needs a little more context. Swimming pools themselves do not cause the verruca infection, but since verrucae are highly contagious, it’s very easy to develop verrucae from being in the same swimming pool with someone who is affected.

Cross-infection is very common, and if you have a verruca and you’re walking around barefoot, you’ll probably infect the next barefoot person to walk on the same floor. You can also catch it by direct contact with another person’s verruca. In fact, you can even be contagious to yourself. If you have a verruca, and you touch it and then touch other parts of your body, you’re likely to spread the verruca infection.

Is A Verruca Contagious?

Since verrucas are formed by a virus, they are considered extremely contagious. Verrucas can spread through both, direct and indirect contact. This is why verrucas are commonly seen rapidly spreading amongst children in the playground, in the case of HFM. When someone with a verruca infection touches their verruca and then touches other surfaces, the virus can spread. The virus can also spread through direct contact, and it can also spread to other parts of the same body.

Is A Verruca A Sore?

Another very common question people ask is “Is a verruca a sore?”. Verrucae aren’t really sores, but they can cause a feeling of soreness on your feet due to their uncomfortable positioning. In reality, verrucae are a type of wart that are formed by the HPV virus and they tend to be very contagious.

Verruca Treatment

Now that you know a lot more about verrucas on feet and what causes them, you’d probably want to know how to go about verruca treatment.

There are many ways you can go about treating verrucas on your feet. Though they normally go away with time, if you find yourself plagued with verrucas on your feet and they’re either painful or just an eyesore, here’s a few treatments:

1. Home Remedies:

– A great home remedy is taking a piece of banana skin and cutting it to be the same size as the verruca on your feet. Then, go ahead and place the piece of banana skin on the verruca and secure it with a plaster. Do this for about two weeks, every night before bed.
– Garlic is an all-around cure-all and is generally just really good for your health. You can use garlic to treat your verruca as well. Take a piece of garlic and put it over your verruca infection and secure it with a plaster. If you do this daily for a month, your verruca should go away.
– A study was done in which it was proven that duct tape surprisingly helps get rid of verrucas. Take a piece of duct tape and cover your verruca with it, and it should go away in a few weeks.

2. Medication:

– There are many creams, medicated plasters, and gels that you can use to aid the treatment of your verruca. Most of these are readily available as over-the-counter products, so you can get them at your local pharmacy.
– Salicylic acid is the key ingredient in all of these products and this is what actually treats your verruca. It helps soften the verruca significantly.
– Never use salicylic acid products on your face because that can lead to some really bad scarring. Also, if you have pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, consult your doctor before using these products.

3. Cryotherapy:

Cryotherapy is a very effective way to remove your verruca. It is the process in which your verruca is frozen with liquid nitrogen, which makes it fall off. If you’re interested in cryotherapy, please visit a podiatrist and never try to do this on your own. It can lead to scarring and is typically also mildly painful, so it’s not a great option for children and people who are sensitive to pain.

4. Check In With Your Podiatrist:

The best way to treat anything related to your feet is by visiting a podiatrist. They are experts at all things foot-related and will be able to treat your verruca with ease and painlessly. When you visit a podiatrist, they will most likely use SWIFT Machine Treatment to get rid of your verruca. SWIFT is a very quick and efficient way to treat verrucas, it’s in the name itself! SWIFT uses microwave energy for verruca removal.

Conclusion

If you think you’re dealing with verrucas on your feet, don’t hesitate to seek help. Instead of suffering the soreness and the possibility of recurrence, visit a Podiatrist to help you deal with it permanently.

At Bucksfoot Clinic, we offer the best podiatric services. Contact us to book an appointment!

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

Diabetes has many health implications. But did you know that it impacts your feet as well? When you have diabetes, it is important to take special care of your feet, as you are more prone to serious injuries and infections.
Diabetes affects the circulation in your body, and this can result in you losing feeling in your feet. When you are unable to feel sensation in your feet, it’s very easy to ignore minor cuts and other issues. This lets small issues fester into bigger infections and injuries. Diabetes also affects the way your body heals. This can result in slower healing of injuries, promoting infections and complications. In major cases, amputation may be needed.
This is why diabetic foot care is so important. It’s very easy to avoid serious foot problems by practising daily diabetic foot care and visiting a podiatrist at least once a year. Podiatrists handle diabetic foot care management and can help keep your feet healthy.
As podiatrists, we know how important it is to educate people with diabetes about foot care. We’ve put together this blog to explain diabetic foot care to you and help you understand how podiatrists can help. Read on to learn more.

How Is Circulation Affected in People with Diabetes?

As we said, diabetes can affect your body’s circulation. Having poor circulation can lead to a decrease in blood supply to your body, especially your feet. When your feet have a low blood supply, it makes it harder for small sores and cuts to heal. This can lead to severe infection. It’s important to catch the early signs of poor circulation to prevent these issues from occurring. If you feel cramps or pain in the backs of your legs while walking, you could have poor circulation.
Circulatory issues can also be further affected by your habits. In fact, poor circulation can happen due to the narrowing or hardening of clogged arteries as well. That’s why you should avoid smoking, maintaining high blood glucose levels, and having a high blood fat content.

Diabetic Foot Care Management

Now that you know more about diabetes and how it affects your feet, we can tell you more about diabetic foot care management.
It’s recommended you visit a podiatrist for a foot check-up at least once a year if you have diabetes. This is so you can have a professional take regular looks at your feet to detect any issues early on. This helps to prevent ulcers, cuts, sores, and other issues from turning into larger problems. You’ve probably heard that you can get gangrene due to diabetes. This is very true. As we mentioned earlier, serious cases can even lead to amputation. This occurs when you don’t practice diabetic foot care and delay treatment of any type of foot injury.
In truth, diabetic foot care management is not just a one-off thing. You must always take care of your feet, and practice daily diabetic foot care habits to avoid injuries and discomfort. Here are a few ways you can practice diabetic foot care management at home:

Daily Diabetic Foot Care Management:

If you have diabetes and also suffer from neuropathy or vascular disease, here’s how you can avoid foot complications:
– Make sure to clean your feet on an everyday basis. Always dry your feet well after washing them, especially between your toes.
– Always check your feet for redness, heat, swelling, or anything else out of the ordinary. These could be signs of infection.
– If your toes collect a lot of moisture, you can use methylated spirits to keep them dry.
– Take care of dry feet by moisturising them, especially in case of cracked heels. Avoid moisturising between your toes.

Diabetic Foot Care Practices While Buying New Shoes:

If you’re in need of new shoes, here’s how you can optimise them for your safety:
– Never feel pressured into buying shoes you don’t feel comfortable in. If you aren’t entirely happy with a pair of shoes, don’t rush into buying them.
– Try to avoid buying open-toed shoes. When you buy closed-toed shoes, avoid shoes with narrow toes.
– Make sure to measure your feet well and try on shoes properly to check them. Ensure they’re wide, long, and deep enough.

Avoiding Nerve Injury:

– Avoid walking barefoot.
– Make sure to wear the correct shoes. They must be protective and well-fitting. Try to avoid open-toed shoes as far as possible.
– Make sure to visit a podiatrist to treat corns, calluses, verrucas, and other issues.
– Always keep your toenails trimmed. Avoid cutting too deep and only cut along the natural shape of the toenail. File off rough edges after cutting.
– Avoid burning your feet by checking your bathwater temperature with your elbow before stepping in.
– Radiant heaters are hot, so make sure your feet don’t get too close.
– Make sure you are aware of any symptoms that might indicate a problem, such as decreased circulation, abnormal foot structure, or poor hygiene, every six months.

How Diabetes Affects Your Feet’s Nerve Supply

Now that you know how to go about some important diabetic foot care practices on your own, it’s important to know why they’re so integral. Especially when it comes to nerve injury and damage.
You have nerves all over your body that carry messages (feelings) to your brain. Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet the most.
Insensitive, painful or numb feet can be caused by damaged nerves (neuropathy). There is a possibility of minor cuts, blisters or burns not being felt, and ulcers may develop without your knowledge. Burning, tingling, and pain are common symptoms of neuropathy. At night, it tends to be worse.
In spite of the fact that many people with nerve damage do not complain of any symptoms, they are still at risk for developing ulcers if they do not get the proper treatment.

Visiting a Podiatrist for Diabetic Foot Care Management

A podiatrist is a highly trained health professional who specializes in treating foot problems and preventing them.
If your feet aren’t feeling well or you have circulation problems:
– Visiting a podiatrist at least once a year is recommended.
– Avoid trying to treat corns, calluses, and other issues by yourself.
If you’re looking for a reliable podiatrist near you, contact us. Our leading podiatrists here at Bucks Foot Clinic have years of experience and are specialised in diabetic foot care management. Book an appointment with us for a consultation today.

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

Podiatrists & Chiropodists in Amersham

A Podiatrists & Chiropodists is a medical professional who specializes in providing foot care and the subsequent treatments to do with general podiatry.. They are also capable of treating ankle and lower limb conditions, such as ulcers, nerve damage in the feet, and injuries sustained in sports.
One only becomes a Podiatrist after successfully completing podiatric medical school and going through the additional years of training required in a hospital. These additional years of training give these individuals the vital knowledge and experience to conduct Medical Podiatry services .
If you are looking for a Podiatrist or Chiropodist in Amersham, look no further than Bucks Foot Clinic. Read on to know more about all the conditions and treatments our services offer.

What Are Podiatrists/Chiropodists in Amersham?

A Podiatrist will first receive a doctorate degree from a certified institution of podiatric medicine. This is then followed by several years of training in hospitals, where the crucial experience is acquired. Although they have a wide understanding of human anatomy and physiology, they specialize in treating the lower extremities, and more specifically the feet.
After the completion of their training as a Podiatrist/Chiropodist they must then pass a few board certification exams before becoming fully licensed. The letters DPM appear after the name of a fully licensed podiatrist, which means Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
A Podiatrists is able to diagnose and treat various conditions, these include:

• Abnormalities to the foots structure like hammertoe, flat feet, and high arches
• Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout
• Foot injuries like fractured or broken bones, sprains and strains
• Diabetic foot disorders like chronic ulcers, infections, and nerve damage
• Heel pain – plantar fasciitis
• Skin conditions – corns, warts, plantar dermatosis, and athlete’s foot
• Nail conditions – nail infections and ingrown nails

Are There Different Types of Podiatrists/Chiropodists in Amersham?

Similar to primary care doctors, podiatrists treat a variety of foot conditions under general podiatry, but others tend to specialize in specific types of podiatry, such as sports medicine and wound care.
Here are a few specializations of podiatrists in Amersham:

• neurologic foot conditions
• diabetes
• pediatric care
• orthotics
• autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
• circulatory food conditions
• general or reconstructive surgery
• dermatology

Podiatry Services: Diagnosis

Podiatrists will usually start the diagnostic process by examining the patients medical history and current symptoms.
They then perform a basic physical checkup of the foot. During this period, they look for signs of swelling and skin discoloration. One may be asked to walk around in different directions or to move their feet and toes.
They may recommend additional tests based on their initial findings before making their final diagnosis. There are several diagnostic tools available to podiatrists, these include:

• Visual tests that show the details bone fractures, blocked or narrow blood vessels, and other structural problems. These include – X-ray, ultrasound, bone scan, CT scan, and MRI scan.
• Blood tests to detect infections such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• The nerves in the body are measured with a specialized computer system that measures how well they perceive variations in temperature and vibration. A podiatrist uses this test to diagnose diabetic neuropathy, hypersensitivity, and other nerve conditions of the feet.
• A muscle’s ability to respond to nerve impulses can be assessed using electromyography (EMG). An electrode is placed into the muscle in order to measure electrical activity in the muscle tissue. An abnormal EMG reading can help your podiatrist guide your treatment.

Podiatry Services: Treatment

Once your podiatrist has made a diagnosis, they can provide the necessary treatment. Based on your diagnosis, your Podiatrist will then either initiate your treatment directly or put you onto the specialist for your condition. Podiatrists can provide the following treatments:

• corrective footwear
• Setting of fractured bones
• prescription medication, such as pain relievers, antibiotics, and antifungals
• joint aspiration, or removing fluid from the space around a joint
• corticosteroid, or cortisone, joint injections
• orthotic devices, including insoles and braces

Podiatric surgical procedures include:

• setting broken bones
• correcting structural abnormalities like hammertoes and flat feet
• removal of bunions, bone spurs, and tumors
• treating inflamed or torn tendons and ligaments
• debridement of damaged, infected, or dead tissue

Conclusion

We hope this blog helped you clear any doubts you may have about podiatrists and chiropodists in Amersham. You’ve also learned how we usually go about general podiatry and podiatry services.
If you’re looking for professional help and treatment, contact us or simply book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic

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

Want To Learn How To Treat A Corn?

As Podiatrists, we see Corns and Calluses almost on a daily basis. They are an extremely common condition and can range from being completely painless to extremely painful, depending on severity. It is important to identify when you have a corn, so you can know how to treat your corn properly.
Oftentimes, improper treatment and diagnoses of corns lead to pain. We’ve put together this article to help you understand more about corns, and how to treat a corn properly. Read on to learn more.

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 defense to protect the softer skin underneath from the pressure.

What Causes Corns?

There are many reasons people develop corns. Such as:

– Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially shoes that tend to be too narrow for your feet. When your shoes are too tight, it creates pressure on your toes from friction. This can lead to the development of corns and calluses. People who tend to wear high-heeled shoes a lot can also develop corns and calluses on the balls of their feet due to the pressure created while moving.
– Staying on your feet for long periods of time, such as running, walking, or standing.
– Activities that tend to put pressure on your feet, especially labour and sport activities.
– Walking around barefoot on hard surfaces.
– Not wearing socks with shoes.
– Wearing socks that bunch up or slip around.
– Improper posture while walking; can put excess pressure on the outer or inner edge of your feet.
– Activities that cause constant friction on your feet and fingers.
– Deformities in the structure of your feet. E.g. Hammertoes, bunions, and arthritis in feet.

If you do any of the above on a regular basis, you are highly likely to develop corns and calluses.

How Can A Foot Clinic Near Me Treat Diabetes?

Podiatry is a vital part of diabetic foot care in Beaconsfield that is sometimes neglected. Your diabetes care team should always include a podiatrist. They’ve been specifically educated to assess nerve damage in your feet and assist you in developing treatment and preventative strategies. They also pinpoint specific foot health problems for you!
Diabetes can have a significant impact on your feet, which is why it’s critical to consult a podiatrist at least once a year to address these issues.

Diagnosis

When dealing with a corn, it’s important to rule out any other probable causes of thickened skin, like cysts and warts. Your podiatrist will take a close look at your feet and diagnose the issue properly. Depending on the severity, they may even recommend an X-Ray in case your corn has formed due to a physical abnormality in your foot.

How To Treat A Corn: Medical Remedies

You already know what causes corns. For the most part, when looking at how to treat a corn, one must try to avoid repetitive actions that cause extra friction that leads to the formation of corns. You can help reduce your corn by wearing well-fitting shoes, protective padding, and other self-care methods. In case your corn persists, your podiatrist will give you relief through the following medical treatments:

– Trimming: Your podiatrist will most likely use this method to trim or pare down a large corn. They’ll treat the thickened skin using a scalpel. You must never attempt to do this yourself, as it can lead to an infection if not done right.

– Medication: Your podiatrist may use medications to help treat the corn. They may apply a patch on the affected area, consisting of 40% salicylic acid. These patches are usually available over-the-counter (OTC), without a prescription. Your podiatrist will inform you on how to go about changing the patch, and how often. They may even recommend using a pumice stone, nail file, or emery board to gently scrub away the dead skin that remains, before re-patching it. They may even prescribe salicylic acid gels to put on larger affected areas.

– Shoe Inserts: In case your corn is caused by an underlying foot deformity, your podiatrist may prescribe show inserts for you. These are called “Orthotics” and are generally padded and custom-made to your specific needs. They will help prevent corns from forming in the future.

– Surgery: In the rare case that your corn is caused by improper bone alignment, your podiatrist may recommend surgery.

How To Treat a Corn: Home Remedies

If you’re wondering how to treat a corn at home, there are a few at-home remedies. If you suffer from circulation issues such as diabetes, contact your doctor before trying to treat your corn on your own.
If you don’t have any underlying health issues, here’s how to treat a corn at home:

-Soaking: Begin by soaking the affected area in a warm mix of soapy water. This will soften the corn, making it easier to get rid of the thickened skin.

-Thinning: After soaking the affected area, you can thin out the hardened skin. Make sure your corn is softened before attempting this. You can use an emery board, nail file, or pumice stone to gently rub away at the thickened skin. A washcloth will work just as well. Never use sharp objects to thin your corn away. Avoid using a pumice stone in case of diabetes.

-Moisturise: After doing the above, moisturize the area well. Make sure to use a non-scented and mild moisturized to avoid the risk of infection.

– Footwear: Make sure to wear comfortable socks and footwear. Your shoes must fit you well and be cushioned enough to not cause friction against the corn.

– OTC Pads: You can apply an OTC cushioning pad to protect the affected area. Avoid using OTC liquid corn removers. They contain salicylic acid, which needs to be applied with care. If done improperly, it can irritate healthy skin, cause inflammation, and lead to infections. This risk is increased in case you have a condition that causes poor blood flow, like diabetes.

Conclusion

We hope this article helped you understand how to treat a corn. If you think you need to visit a podiatrist, contact Bucks Foot Clinic. We can help you with all things foot-care related.

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

Diabetes is a silent killer lurking out there for folks who don’t treat their body with the care it deserves. When you have diabetes, foot care is a very important thing to keep in mind.
We at Bucks Foot Clinic have put together this article to teach you a few important things related to diabetic foot care management. If you’re looking for a foot clinic “near me”, we’d be happy to help you. Read on to learn more about diabetic foot care beaconsfield.

Diabetic Foot Care Management: Simple Guidelines

Many of you are already aware of the threats diabetes poses to one’s body. But, did you know even a small cut to your foot can impose some serious consequences?
Diabetic foot care is very important as diabetes can be dangerous to your feet. It can cause nerve damage and take away the feeling in your foot. Adding to this damage, diabetes limits the blood flow to your feet, making it harder to resist infections and recover from injuries. With these problems, you may not notice a tiny object in your shoe which could lead to a blister or sore. A wound that does not heal or becomes infected could put you at risk of having to have your limb amputated. This is in extreme cases, and in cases of negligence.

Following these suggestions could help you avoid serious foot problems that could result in losing a toe, foot or leg:

• Keep your feet healthy by checking them daily. Make sure you watch for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or problems with your nails. Check the bottoms of your feet with a magnifying hand mirror. Contact a podiatrist if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
• Wash your feet on a daily basis. Avoid hot water at all costs. Use only lukewarm water, as if you were bathing a newborn.
• Diabetic foot care management is very essential for your feet. Use a soft sponge while washing your feet, be as gentle as possible. Carefully dry the space between your toes by patting gently.
• To prevent dry skin from itching and cracking, use a moisturizer on a daily basis. Remember to avoid moisturizing between your toes as this may lead to fungal infection.
• Clip your nails carefully and file the edges. Trimming them too short could lead to ingrown toenails, so be careful when cutting. Consult a podiatrist if you have any concerns about your nails.
• Never attempt to remove corns or treat calluses on your own. Consult your doctor for the best treatment options.
• Your socks should be clean, dry and changed on a daily basis.
• Consider socks designed exclusively for diabetic patients. These socks offer increased cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle, and are composed of moisture-wicking fibers.
• Put on some socks at night before bed if your feet feel cold.
• Always make sure to check your shoes and socks to avoid any tiny objects lying in there that could possibly cut you or harm your feet in any way.
• In winter, try maintaining a warm and dry environment for your feet. Cover your feet with warm socks and avoid going in the snow.
• Consider putting antiperspirant on the soles of your feet. This is beneficial if you have excessive foot sweating.
• Walking barefoot is never a good idea. Not even in your own home! Wear a pair of shoes or slippers at all times. You could suffer a scratch or a cut if you tread on something.
• Maintain a healthy blood sugar level if you are diabetic.
• Don’t smoke, as it reduces the blood flow in your feet.
• Check your feet daily. Regular visits to your podiatrist will help you avoid diabetic foot issues.

How Can A Foot Clinic Near Me Treat Diabetes?

Podiatry is a vital part of diabetic foot care in Beaconsfield that is sometimes neglected. Your diabetes care team should always include a podiatrist. They’ve been specifically educated to assess nerve damage in your feet and assist you in developing treatment and preventative strategies. They also pinpoint specific foot health problems for you!
Diabetes can have a significant impact on your feet, which is why it’s critical to consult a podiatrist at least once a year to address these issues.

Some Common Foot Problems People With Diabetes Face.

Diabetes poses a number of risks to the health of your feet. With diabetes, you are at risk of experiencing a variety of foot problems, including:

• Nerve Damage: It’s possible that you’ll come across nerve damage. This causes numbness and pain in your feet. It can lead to more serious issues in the future, such as the loss of all feeling in your feet and toes. Small wounds and injuries go unnoticed when this happens, and they can lead to much larger and more serious health problems.
• Foot Ulcers: Foot ulcers appear on the soles of your feet or on your toes. They are formed when the tissue on the affected region of your foot breaks down, resulting in an exposed wound. They can quickly develop in size and become infected. Foot ulcer treatment can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. If not treated appropriately and promptly, foot ulcers can lead to amputation.
• Charcot Foot: Nerve damage can lead to bones in your feet getting weaker. This is known as Charcot Foot. When these bones become weak, they might fracture and cause foot abnormalities.
• Amputations: Foot ulcers and open wounds can sometimes progress to the point where they can’t be treated or mended. If this is the case, you may need to have your leg amputated.

There are numerous amount of problems diabetes can cause to your feet. This is why seeking diabetic foot care management is very crucial. Here at Bucks Foot Clinic, we offer the best diabetic foot care in Beaconsfield. We will be able to identify risk factors that are unique to you, as well as inform you on what to look out for and how to avoid problems in the future.

Conclusion

By now you already know the importance of diabetic foot care management. Rather than Googling “foot clinic near me”, just contact Bucks Foot Clinic. With us, you will receive top-tier treatment and have top podiatrists assist you on your diabetic foot care journey.

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

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

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

What Are Podiatrists?

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

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

What Can We Do For You?

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

What Are Verruca?

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

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

What Is SWIFT Machine Treatment?

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

How Does Verruca Removal in Amersham Work?

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

Does SWIFT Machine Treatment Hurt?

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

How Many Sessions Will I Need With My Podiatrist?

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

What You Can Expect With SWIFT Treatment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is SWIFT Machine Treatment Right For Me?

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

SWIFT Treatment may not be appropriate for you if:

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

Conclusion

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

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

What Are Ingrown Toenail Infections?

First, it would help to make it clear exactly what an ingrown toenail infection is and how it’s caused.
Ingrown toenail infections occur when the corner tip or edge of your toenail pokes into the skin surrounding it, instead of freely growing outwards. The toe that’s most likely to suffer from this issue is your big toe since it’s usually the one that’s most in contact with your footwear.
This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.|
If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Who Treats Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist.
A Podiatrist is a medical specialist that helps with problems related to your feet and lower legs. We can deal with complications from health issues like diabetes and even treat minor and major injuries. People also call us Podiatric Physicians or Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, as well as Chiropodists.
Though a Podiatrist IS a doctor, we don’t go to traditional medical schools. There are separate schools and professional associations for Podiatrists. Doctors usually have an “MD” after their name, which stands for “Medical Doctor”. We have “DPM” at the end of our names. This stands for “Doctor of Podiatric Medicine”.
We can treat ingrown toenails, perform surgeries, reset broken bones, order lab tests or x-rays, and even rest broken bones. We’re completely licensed to do so, and we often work alongside other specialists that treat issues of the feet and lower legs.

Podiatrist vs. Chiropodist: What’s The Difference?

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

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

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

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

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

How Can We Help?

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Sometimes verrucas can be painless, but more often than not they are very uncomfortable and even painful to deal with. They can disappear overnight or can be persistent for years on end.

How Do Verrucas Form?

As mentioned earlier, verruca infections are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are lots of old wive’s tales surrounding the causes of verrucae, and the most common one is “swimming pools cause verrucae”. Though this is true, it needs a little more context. Swimming pools themselves do not cause the verruca infection, but since verrucae are highly contagious, it’s very easy to develop verrucae from being in the same swimming pool with someone who is affected.

Cross-infection is very common, and if you have a verruca and you’re walking around barefoot, you’ll probably infect the next barefoot person to walk on the same floor. You can also catch it by direct contact with another person’s verruca. In fact, you can even be contagious to yourself. If you have a verruca, and you touch it and then touch other parts of your body, you’re likely to spread the verruca infection.

How Do I Know If I Have Verrucas On My Feet?

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

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

• There’s a black dot in the centre of the raised skin (in most cases)
• The “wart” is oddly cauliflower-shaped
• You feel a stinging “stepping-on-a-needle” type of pain when you apply pressure
• The lump is small and rough
• You may have multiple on your hands and around your mouth as well (in the case of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, or HFM for short, which is common in most children)

Okay, I Have Verrucas On My Feet. Now What?

If you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms, you most likely have verrucas on your feet. You can try to deal with them using at-home remedies, but nothing works better than our Verruca Treatment in Chesham.

If you’re still unsure whether you’re dealing with verrucas or not, you can always book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic, where our top podiatrists can properly diagnose your condition.

Verruca Treatment Chesham

If you’re ready to bid your verrucas farewell, you can opt for our Verruca Treatment in Chesham.

Depending on the severity of your condition, there are different ways we go about verruca treatment in Chesham. The most common ones are Salicylic acid, Cryotherapy, and SWIFT verruca treatment. Our podiatrists will be able to tell you which verruca treatment is best for you.

Here’s some information on each verruca treatment:

• Salicylic Acid:
  There are many creams, gels and medicated plasters for treating warts and verrucas. You can buy these over-the-counter, but only do so if you’re sure it’s a verruca infection. Most of these contain salicylic acid which is a key ingredient in treating verruca infections. Be careful when applying these medications, and try to use as little as possible in surrounding areas because it can cause irritation to healthy skin. You can even protect the skin around the verruca infection with non-fragranced and natural petroleum jelly. Try not to get any of the treatment on broken skin. You can soften the area before-hand by soaking it in water and rubbing it to remove excess hard skin. Once dried, make sure to cover the affected area with a plaster. Apply the treatment according to your Podiatrist / Pharmacist’s advice.
• Cryotherapy:
  This is the process of freezing your wart or verruca using liquid nitrogen so it falls off. Most pharmacists have OTC cryotherapy preparations that contain other gases, but these don’t normally work too well because they can’t freeze at temperatures as low as liquid nitrogen, which is why it’s better if you visit a Podiatrist to get this done (book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic today!). During cryotherapy, your doctor will apply the liquid nitrogen to your verruca using either a spray or a cotton bud. It usually takes between 5-30 seconds to freeze depending on the size and location and also the method used. You may have to repeat the treatment multiple times till the verruca or wart eventually falls off. Cryotherapy, however, hasn’t been shown to work any better than salicylic acid and can often lead to blisters and scarring that can be painful, which is why it’s not recommended for younger children.
• SWIFT Verruca Treatment:
  SWIFT is a relatively new technology that’s been developed in the UK, and has been licensed for treating verrucas by podiatrists all over. SWIFT uses microwave energy, delivered through a probe which is put on the skin to treat the affected area. With SWIFT Machine Treatment, you can get rid of multiple verrucas and warts in just one sitting, and it’s quick and efficient in doing so. The cherry on top is that you don’t require anaesthetics or dressings afterwards!

Conclusion

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

Book an appointment with us today.

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

As podiatrists, we see a variety of conditions on a daily basis. One of the most common ones we treat is Ingrown Toenails.
When it comes to ingrown toenails, it is vital to know the symptoms to avoid infection. When you know ingrown toenail symptoms, you can treat the condition before it turns into something more serious. We’ve put together this article to educate you on ingrown toenail symptoms, management, etc.

Read on to learn more

Ingrown Toenails: Symptoms, Management, And More

Before we move on to ingrown toenail symptoms, treatment and management, it would help to make it clear exactly what an ingrown toenail infection is and how it’s caused.

Ingrown toenail infections occur when the corner tip or edge of your toenail pokes into the skin surrounding it, instead of freely growing outwards. The toe that’s most likely to suffer from this issue is your big toe since it’s usually the one that’s most in contact with your footwear.

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.
If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

Ingrown Toenails Symptoms

As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to catch ingrown toenail symptoms in the beginning in order to avoid developing an infection. The leading cause of ingrown toenail infections is negligence and lack of knowledge when it comes to ingrown toenail symptoms.

Now that you know what an ingrown toenail is and why it’s important to know its symptoms early on, we can tell you what to look out for when self-diagnosing an ingrown toenail infection.

You may have an ingrown toenail infection if you have any of the following symptoms

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

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

What Causes Ingrown Toenail Infections?

As we said earlier, the leading cause of ingrown toenail infections is a lack of understanding/negligence. When you have an ingrown nail, it is important to treat it with utmost care so as to not let it get infected. If you notice an ingrown nail, you must treat it so you can prevent infections from spreading into your foot. 

You can get ingrown toenails from cutting your toenails too short or keeping them too long, wearing improper footwear, angled nail cutting, toenail injury, and poor foot hygiene. 

Sometimes, it’s genetic too. If you have a genetic predisposition to having curved toenails, you are at high risk for ingrowths and infections. 

The best way to prevent these infections is to maintain proper foot hygiene, remember to cut your nails straight, wear shoes that fit you comfortably and check in with your podiatrist if something seems amiss.

Am I Susceptible To Ingrown Toenail Infections?

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.
If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner. 

How To Manage An Ingrown Toenail

Another very important thing to take care of is ingrown toenail management. When you have an ingrown toenail, and you practice ingrown toenail management, you are generally safe from fungus and infection. Good foot care and hygiene is very important. Here’s how you can go about ingrown toenail management: 

• NEVER yank or pull on your nail! This can break the skin severely and lead to horrendous complications. You might be able to access your ingrown toenail by lifting your skin gently with a piece of floss. Just make sure to never force it open, and also ensure that your hands are sanitised and clean before you try to treat your ingrown toenail infection.
  
• To drain the affected area of pus and to reduce your pain, you must fill a bucket with warm water and add Epsom salt or coarse salt to it. Then, gently soak your foot in this solution so your skin softens around your ingrown toenail.
  
• After softening your skin and draining it of any pus, you can put an antibiotic/antifungal lotion or cream on the nail and the skin around and under it. Apply the cream directly.
  
• If your pain is unbearable, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to help with it. Apart from this, you can also take OTC medications to reduce swelling and discomfort. If the pain truly is unbearable, though, we suggest seeing a podiatrist instead of jumping into OTC medications and trying to treat it on your own.
  

After you’ve tried all of the above, if your pain and infection persist after a few days, it’s advisable to visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to lift and access the underpart of your nail much easier, so your topical antibiotics can be applied swiftly and can take effect better.

Conclusion 

We hope this article helped you understand ingrown toenails, symptoms, and management better. If you think you may have an ingrown toenail, it’s best to treat it as soon as possible to avoid a nasty infection from developing.

Looking for reliable podiatrists to help you out? Book an appointment with Bucksfoot Clinic for the best ingrown toenail treatment in town.

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

Out of all the patients we treat, we found that there was one very common issue they faced: Ingrown Toenail Infections.

Ingrown toenails are extremely common, but when left untreated, can lead to nail infections like fungal nail infections. That’s why it’s always best to treat your ingrown toenails before they get to this point. In case you’ve already developed an infection, we’ve put together this article to tell you how to get rid of a nail infection.

Read on to learn more.

Before we move on to how to get rid of nail infection, it would help to make it clear exactly what an ingrown toenail infection is and how it’s caused.

Ingrown toenail infections occur when the corner tip or edge of your toenail pokes into the skin surrounding it, instead of freely growing outwards. The toe that’s most likely to suffer from this issue is your big toe since it’s usually the one that’s most in contact with your footwear.

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.

If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

How To Get Rid Of Nail Infection

Nail infections are definitely not a pleasant sight, this makes a lot of people adopt the idea of “out of sight, out of mind” and completely ignore the infection. Doing so just prolongs the ordeal even though one can get rid of the infection quite easily without a doctor’s appointment.

Here’s how to get rid of nail infection at home:

1. Non-Prescription Treatments/Over the Counter Remedies
   Some treatments do work when it comes to non-prescription treatments. It is possible to get inexpensive, non-prescription anti-fungal remedies at a drug store, but sometimes these tend to not be as effective, as they aren’t strong enough to fight the fungus.

Here are some other common treatments:

• Mentholated Salve/Vicks:
  It may seem unlikely since Vicks VapoRub is made for cough suppression, but it is a great topical ointment for fungal toenails. Its active ingredients like camphor and eucalyptus oil can help treat toenail fungus. All you have to do is apply tiny amounts of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day. A study done in 2011 proved that this ointment had a “positive clinical effect” when it came to the treatment of toenail fungus.
  
• Snakeroot Extract:
  Snakeroot extract is an antifungal made from plants belonging to the sunflower family. A study done in 2008 showed that Snakeroot extract is as effective in treating fungal toenails as a prescription antifungal called ciclopirox. In the study, Snakeroot extract was applied to the affected areas every third day for the first month, twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month. It proved to be very effective.
• Tea Tree Oil:
  Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has antiseptic and antifungal properties. Small-scale clinical studies showed that tea tree oil may be effective in treating toenail fungus. To use this home remedy, all you have to do is apply tea tree oil directly onto the affected nail at least two times a day with a cotton swab.
• Listerine/Vinegar:
  This may seem like an unconventional method, but hear us out. Listerine mouthwash has ingredients like menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus. All of which are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This is why it’s a popular home remedy for toenail fungus. People that have tried and tested this method say that you should soak the affected foot in a tub/basin full of amber-colored Listerine for 30 minutes every day.Vinegar is also a reasonably safe home remedy to try out, although there’s only anecdotal evidence saying that vinegar is an effective treatment for toenail fungus. For this method, soak the affected foot in one part vinegar and two parts warm water for 20 minutes a day.

2. Prescription Medications
   You should check in with a dermatologist or podiatrist if your nail fungus doesn’t clear up at home. Your doctor may gently scrape under your nail to remove some of the fungus or send it to a lab for diagnostic testing. Stronger medications may also be prescribed.

• Topical drugs
  For mild infections, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream or cream solution to apply to the nail or lacquer to paint on the nail. Before applying these remedies, trim your nails and soak the affected area. Using this technique, the drug is able to attack the fungus on the deepest level. In addition, your doctor may suggest that you thin your nail first with a file or urea lotion (which will also reduce pain). That can help the medicine work better, too.

To get rid of nail fungus, you may need to use topical drugs such as:

• Ciclopirox (Ciclodan, Penlac, Loprox)
• Efinaconazole (Jublia)
• Naftifine (Naftin)
• Tavaborole (Kerydin)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)

When you apply them, you may experience side effects such as redness, swelling, stinging, and burning.

• Oral medication
  The doctor may prescribe an antifungal pill you’ll need to take for 12 weeks if the infection is severe. Several studies have shown that drugs like terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox) are highly effective at encouraging a new, healthy nail to grow in to replace the infected one.
  It is not recommended to give these pills to people with liver or heart conditions. There may be interactions with any other medications you’re taking, including beta-blockers and antidepressants.

Conclusion

We hope this article helped you understand how to get rid of nail infections. If your nail infection persists or gets worse, you should visit a podiatrist immediately to avoid further complications. Book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best podiatric care in town.

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

Do you feel pain in your toenail when you wear shoes? Or maybe the pain is prevalent irrespective of your footwear. Either way, you could just be dealing with an ingrown toenail or an ingrown toenail infection.

A lot of people aren’t sure how to properly treat and care for their ingrown toenails. In fact, some people even ask “who treats ingrown toenails?”. If you think you may be confused, this blog is perfect for you. We’ll explain what ingrown toenails are, their symptoms, how to deal with them, and who treats ingrown toenails (Podiatrists).

If you think you need to visit a podiatrist “near me”, book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic today.

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

Ingrown toenail infections occur when the corner tip or edge of your toenail pokes into the skin surrounding it, instead of freely growing outwards. The toe that’s most likely to suffer from this issue is your big toe since it’s usually the one that’s most in contact with your footwear.

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.

If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

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

You may have an ingrown toenail infection if you have any of the following symptoms:

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

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

Who Treats Ingrown Toenails?

 If you’ve ever wondered, “who treats ingrown toenails?” we’ll clear up that doubt for you. The best person who treats ingrown toenails is a Podiatrist.

Lots of people still aren’t aware of what podiatrists do and still find themselves asking the question, “What is a Podiatrist?”

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

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

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

Managing Ingrown Toenails At Home?

If your ingrown toenail looks like it’s just about budding and is still in its early phase, you can go ahead and try out any of the below ingrown toenail management methods.

• NEVER yank or pull on your nail! This can break the skin severely and lead to horrendous complications. You might be able to access your ingrown toenail by lifting your skin gently with a piece of floss. Just make sure to never force it open, and also ensure that your hands are sanitised and clean before you try to treat your ingrown toenail infection.
• To drain the affected area of pus and to reduce your pain, you must fill a bucket with warm water and add Epsom salt or coarse salt to it. Then, gently soak your foot in this solution so your skin softens around your ingrown toenail.
• After softening your skin and draining it of any pus, you can put an antibiotic/antifungal lotion or cream on the nail and the skin around and under it. Apply the cream directly.
• If your pain is unbearable, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to help with it. Apart from this, you can also take OTC medications to reduce the swelling and discomfort. If the pain truly is unbearable, though, we suggest seeing a podiatrist instead of jumping into OTC medications and trying to treat it on your own.

After you’ve tried all of the above, if your pain and infection persist after a few days, it’s advisable to visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to lift and access the underpart of your nail much easier, so your topical antibiotics can be applied swiftly and can take effect better. Finding a podiatry “near me” is fairly simple. You can just google it and you’ll find many viable results. Now that you’re here already, you can book an appointment with us too!

Podiatry near me

As we said above, it’s easy to find a podiatry “near me”. The internet is full of amazing information and businesses ready to help you out. We’re one of them! If you need a podiatrist near you, book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic today!

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

Are you experiencing pain in your toenail due to shoes? You could be dealing with an ingrown toenail. Everyone experiences an ingrown toenail at least once in their life. It is completely normal, especially since we put so much pressure on our feet all the time.

Some people get ingrown toenails more often than others, and this is usually part of a larger problem. If you deal with ingrown toenails regularly, it’s important to understand why and how you can stop them from recurring.

More often than not, wearing ill-fitting shoes can trigger your ingrown nail and cause pain in your toenail due to the shoes. Shoes are not always the cause of the issue, but they are a big culprit in most cases.

As podiatrists, we want to do everything in our power to promote proper foot care. That’s why we’ve put together this article to help you understand why you may feel pain in your toenail in shoes. Read on to learn more.

Before we highlight the reasons for the pain in your toenail in shoes, we’ll give you a background on what ingrown toenails are so you can understand them better.

Ingrown Toenails occur when the edge or corner tip of your nail pierces into your skin and then begins to grow back into it. It can happen to everyone and is extremely common and can also be quite painful to deal with. When you have an unattended ingrown nail, chances of infections run high, especially if you’re on your toes a lot! When left unattended, these infections can spread into the underlying bone structures of your feet. This is why it’s always best to nip these painful growths in the bud!

Why Do I Feel Pain In My Toenail Due To Shoes?

 Now that you’re up to speed with what ingrown toenails are, here are the reasons you may be experiencing pain in your toenail in shoes:

1. Small, Misshapen or Cramped “Toe Box”:
   The “Toe Box” is where your toes sit in your shoes. No matter what shoes your wear, your toes must always have enough wiggle room to move up and down and even side to side.
   When your shoe’s “toe box” is too narrow, your toes will be rendered immobile from being crammed up together. This allows extra force to be exerted onto your toes; not just from the sides of the shoe, but from the toes rubbing against each other themselves. When your toes are forced into this position often, it can make your nails grow irregularly, and often into the skin (i.e. ingrown toenails).
   If you wear shoes that are a size too small, you’ll feel your toes cram up against the front of your shoe. This is problematic as well. Even more so if you have a habit of cutting your toenails too short.
2. Loose Shoes:
   Shoes that are too loose may slide around on your feet, especially when you’re running or playing sports. As opposed to being crammed in a small space, your toenails slam into the front of your shoes repeatedly.This is not an ideal situation either.

   This constant friction increases your risk of getting ingrown toenails, and it can also cause toenail trauma. Runners deal with “Black Toenails” a lot due to lose shoes, that cause bleeding under the nails. This can even lead to nails falling off and re-growing wrong.

3. High Heels:
   When you wear high heeled shoes, you exert extra pressure on the front of your feet. The higher your heels, the more weight are put on your toes. Ill-fitting high heels can also push your toes against the front of your shoes, leading to ingrown toenails.
   This of course doesn’t mean you have to throw out all your high-heeled shoes. Though we wouldn’t recommend wearing high heels on the regular, here are a few guidelines you can follow if you do wear heels:

• Try minimizing the amount of time you wear high heels. Maybe save them for just special occasions.
• Make sure your heels are 2 inches and no more than that.
• If you think you’ll be out for a long time, carry an extra pair of comfortable shoes to switch into.
• Try to wear “chunkier” heels like wedges, rather than thin ones like stilettos.
  

What If My Shoes Aren’t The Problem?

 As we mentioned earlier, ill-fitting shoes aren’t the sole cause of ingrown nails, but they are usually the culprit when it comes to recurring ingrown toenails.

If you try following the above guidelines and wearing the right shoes but still find yourself suffering from ingrown toenails, you could be dealing with something else. Here are a few possible suspects:

• The way you cut your nails. Cutting your nails too short, curving them in the corners too much, or leaving them long can lead to ingrown toenails and other issues. When you trim your toenails, make sure to cut straight across, corner to corner, with just a little “overhang.”
• Genetics: Sometimes, people are naturally predisposed to getting ingrown toenails. This usually happens due to unusually curvy nails.

Don’t let this get you down, however! If you have a persisting ingrown toenail problem, we can help you. At Bucks Foot Clinic, our podiatrists will be able to identify the root cause of the problem and find a permanent solution. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to undergo a simple surgical procedure to fix your issue. We’d love to help.

Contact us and book an appointment today!

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

Nail infections are a very common issue people deal with. No matter how old you are, you are susceptible to a nail infection if you don’t maintain proper foot hygiene and practice foot care. You can develop a nail infection from a seemingly small problem if you don’t handle it right. For example, if you leave your ingrown toenail symptoms unattended for too long, you run the risk of it getting infected.

There are many factors that could lead to nail infections. As podiatrists, we know the importance of foot care. That’s why we’ve put together this article to help you understand more nail infections and how to identify ingrown toenail symptoms. Read on to learn more.

If you’re showing signs of discolored toenails and other unpleasant symptoms, you may just be dealing with a nail infection. Nail infections tend to commonly be fungal in nature.

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

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

What Are Ingrown Toenails?

A very common form of nail infection is an ingrown toenail infection. It’s important to know what an ingrown toenail is so you can treat it properly to avoid it getting infected.

Ingrown Toenails occur when the edge or corner tip of your nail pierces into your skin and then begins to grow back into it. It can happen to everyone and is extremely common and can also be quite painful to deal with. When you have an unattended ingrown nail, chances of infections run high, especially if you’re on your toes a lot! When left unattended, these nail infections can spread into the underlying bone structures of your feet. This is why it’s always best to nip these painful growths in the bud!

How Do Ingrown Toe Nail Infections Form?

The main cause of nail infections like these is negligence. When you have an ingrown nail, it is important to treat it with utmost care so as to not let it get infected. If you notice an ingrown nail, you must treat it so you can prevent infections from spreading into your foot.

You can get ingrown toenails from cutting your toenails too short or keeping them too long, wearing improper footwear, angled nail cutting, toenail injury, and poor foot hygiene.

Sometimes, it’s genetic too. If you have a genetic predisposition to having curved toenails, you are at high risk for ingrowths and infections.

The best way to prevent these infections is to maintain proper foot hygiene, remember to cut your nails straight, wear shoes that fit you comfortably, and check in with your podiatrist if something seems amiss.

Identifying Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

 In order to avoid nail infections like ingrown toenail infections, it’s important to recognize ingrown toenail symptoms in their early stages. This way, you can get the treatment you need at the earliest.

You may be dealing with an ingrown toenail if:

• You have tenderness/pain in your toe on one or both sides of the nail
• The area surrounding your toenail is red
• Your toe swells up around the nail
• You notice infection in the tissue around your nail

If you notice the above symptoms, visit a podiatrist and nip the issue at the bud before negligence turns it into a full-blown nail infection.

 How to Tell If it’s A Nail Infection

 In case you’ve landed on this article too late, and your ingrown toenail looks like it’s infected, but you’re unsure… Here are a few sure-shot symptoms that indicate you’re dealing with a nail infection:

• Swelling
• Pain on touching
• Pressure under the nail
• Hardening / Redness of the skin around the nail
• Bleeding
• Throbbing
• Foul smell
• Oozing fluid / fluid buildup
• Pus or an abscess in the affected toe
• Warmth emanating from the area around the nail

Am I Susceptible To This Nail Infection?

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.

If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat them accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.
If you suspect you have a nail infection, or if you’ve identified an ingrown toenail in its early stages, book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic. We can help you kick that nail infection to the curb!

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

It is very common to experience pain in your toenails. Whether it is a pain in your toenail when pressed, or simply a general overall pain in the toenail, you should never ignore it. Pain in the toenail could be a smaller symptom of a much larger issue that requires immediate medical attention. Our podiatrists will be able to take a look at your aching toenail and diagnose the root cause of the issue and treat it accordingly.

You must never ignore any pain you feel, especially if you experience pain in your toenail when pressed. It could be a sign of an infection. You must always practice proper foot care and make regular visits to the podiatrist to help prevent serious illnesses. Especially if you have diabetes and other circulatory problems, a simple pain in your toenail could lead to a nasty infection, and when ignored for too long, could even result in amputation.

We’ve put together this article to help you understand the common causes of pain in toenails. Read on to learn more.

Here are a few possible reasons for the pain in your toenail:

1. Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection that affects the skin around your nails. Though it usually affects your fingernails, it can also affect your toenails.

You are at an increased risk of developing paronychia if you suffer from trauma to your toenail or have an untreated ingrown toenail. These issues make it very easy for bacteria to enter your system and give you an infection.

Often a simple foot soak can help ease pain and swelling. If even after frequent foot soaks your symptoms worsen, if you see pus or infection, or if you suffer from any immune system issues like diabetes, you would have to see your physician and get the infection drained.

With paronychia, you have to be on the lookout for any signs of cellulites. These signs could include pain, redness, and warmth of the cellulite-laden skin. These symptoms could present a serious bacterial infection, communicable to the surrounding tissue. If these symptoms do occur, see your physician immediately and be prepared for antibiotics.

With the increased severity of cellulites, you might see red streaks on your legs, fever, and nausea. If this does happen, you should get immediate medical care.

Symptoms:

• Pain in toenail
• Warmth in skin and redness
• Swollen toe
• Pus
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

2. Toenail Trauma

Toenail trauma can occur when you drop something heavy on your foot, fall, stub your toe, or even wear shoes that don’t fit you right. You could also experience toenail trauma from exercising.

You’ll experience minor bruising, but it’ll go away on its own. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes to allow your feet to heal and ease the pain.

If your pain is severe, however, visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to drain the blood out from under the affected nail. Never do this at home, because it could lead to a severe infection.

In some instances of toenail trauma, your toenail may just fall off entirely. The nail will regrow within the next few months. In case this occurs, make sure you keep your toe dry and clean at all times. Wear shoes to protect the sensitive area that is normally covered by the nail. Avoid shoes that put pressure on your toes.

You can take over the counter pain relievers to deal with the pain. Make sure to keep your foot elevated, because this helps decrease the swelling in your feet and toes.

If you still suffer from pain and there’s discolouration, or if you notice a dark area of “growth” under the infected nail, see a doctor immediately to rule out tumors.

Symptoms:

• Reddish-black bruise under your nail
• Pressure under your nail
• Pain in toenail
• Visible and distinct separation from skin and nail

3. Hangnail

Though they are called “Hangnails”, they are not actually nails. Hangnails are actually small bits of skin that peel off the corner of your nail. They’re very common and can lead to pain in your toenail. They’re more common on fingernails but can also affect your toes. Some common causes are:

• Soaps that irritate your skin
• Cold climate
• Nail-biting (for fingers)
• Dry skin

It’s important to remember that you should never rip off a hangnail, as it can lead to infection. Hangnails may also bleed in some cases.

4. Fungal Infection:

Fungal infections can affect your toenails or the skin on your feet and toes. When they affect your toenails, it’s called Onychomycosis. When it affects your skin, it could be athlete’s foot.

Onychomycosis can discolour and thicken your toenail. You may also experience pain, specifically when pressure is applied to your nail while wearing shoes.

You can usually treat this condition with medicated nail polish, which is available at most pharmacies near you. If you notice your symptoms get worse or do not go away, visit a podiatrist and they’ll be able to find the right antifungal medicine for you!

Symptoms:

• Discolouration and thickening of the nail
• Pain in toenail
• Nail splitting
• Itchy or painful feet or toes
• Skin peeling between your toes
• Redness

5. Pain in Toenail When Pressed? It Could Be An Ingrown Toenail!

The most common cause behind pain in toenail when pressed is Ingrown Toenails. An ingrown toenail happens when the skin that surrounds your nail grows over the tip. When you cut your toenails shorter than you need to, or if you wear shoes that are too tight, you make yourself susceptible to ingrown toenails. When untreated, an ingrown toenail can be very uncomfortable and can also lead to infections like paronychia.

If your ingrown toenail is not significantly bad and doesn’t show signs of infection (like drainage and warmth), it can be treated at home. Soak your feet in warm water multiple times a day, this will help you with the tenderness and redness.

To give yourself relief when you have an ingrown toenail, take over the counter medicines for the pain and make sure to wear shoes that fit you well, i.e. don’t pinch your toes. This will allow your nail to heal as well.

If at-home treatments don’t help you, visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to trim or partially remove the affected nail. If you notice your simple ingrown nail is worsening, visit a podiatrist immediately. You’ll know it’s worse if you notice pus, an unpleasant smell, and discharge.

If you have a condition like diabetes, visit a doctor or podiatrist as soon as you notice an infected ingrown toenail. You’re at high risk of developing a severe infection.

Symptoms:

• Pain in toenail and skin surrounding it
• Redness around nail
• Fluid-filled bump on edge of your nail bed

Conclusion

Now that you know some of the common reasons people get pain in their toenails, you’ll be able to identify and treat the pain in your toenail properly. Book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best podiatric treatment in town.

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

As well-renowned podiatrists, we see a varying array of foot problems every day. Among the most common is “Corns”. These are very simple issues, but if not treated well, can turn sour very quickly. Much like most health issues, it is important to know more about corns and how to identify them, so you can give them the correct treatment.

That’s why we’ve put together this article. This article will answer simple questions like “what’s a corn?” and “Are you likely to get one?”, and even delve into deeper topics like their symptoms and how to treat a corns.

Read on to learn more!

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “what’s a corn?” we’ll clear that doubt up for you.

Corns are usually classified alongside calluses, as they are usually similar in nature. The major difference is that corns tend to be painful in comparison to calluses. Corns and calluses are usually hard buildups of thick skin. They can form pretty much anywhere on your body but are most commonly spotted on your feet, fingers, and hands.

How Are Corns Formed?

Corns and calluses are usually the results of repeated friction, irritation, pressure, or rubbing on the skin. They are usually seen on prominent and bony areas of your body, like your feet and fingers. On the fingers, they form where there is constant friction on the skin. For example, when you hold a pencil or pen and write for a long time.

Corns and calluses tend to be hard as this is your body’s defense to protect the underlying area of skin from constant pressure and irritation.

Here are a few examples of reasons people usually develop corns:

• Deformities in the structure of your feet. E.g. Hammertoes, bunions, and arthritis in feet.
• Wearing socks that bunch up or slip around.
• Not wearing socks with shoes.
• Walking around barefoot on hard surfaces.
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially shoes that tend to be too narrow for your feet. When your shoes are too tight, it creates pressure on your toes from friction. This can lead to the development of corns and calluses. People who tend to wear high-heeled shoes a lot can also develop corns and calluses on the balls of their feet due to the pressure created while moving.
• Staying on your feet for long periods of time, such as running, walking, or standing.
• Activities that tend to put pressure on your feet, especially labor and sports activities.
• Improper posture while walking; can put excess pressure on the outer or inner edge of your feet.
• Activities that cause constant friction on your feet and fingers.

If you do any of the above on a regular basis, you are highly likely to develop corns and calluses.

How Do You Know If You Have A Corn?

Corns are rather distinct, so if you think you may have corn, here are the symptoms to look out for. You can identify 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. 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.

Are You Likely To Get Corns?

Corns and calluses can affect pretty much anyone. You are more likely to get corn if:

• The bones in your feet are misaligned due to a medical condition. E.g. in the case of bone spurs, hammertoes, bunions, and arthritis in the feet.
• You don’t wear socks with shoes.
• You don’t practice proper foot hygiene, or wear footwear that is not suited to your feet.
• You smoke cigarettes.

How to Treat Corns

 Now that you’ve found the answer to the question, “what’s a corn?” and learned a little bit about corns, we can finally give you some insight on how to treat a corns.

If it isn’t infected, here’s how to treat corn at home:

• Soak your feet in warm water to soften the corns
• Use a foot file/pumice stone to gently rub and file away the hardened skin
• Moisturise the area to keep the skin soft
• Make sure to keep the area clean and moisturised, and wear cushioned socks with wide and comfortable shoes to avoid constant friction

It is always best to visit a podiatrist if you are unsure of how to treat corn at home, especially if you have diabetes or any other circulation-related issues. Here’s how a podiatrist can help you:

• We’ll take a look at your corn first to identify it
• We may prescribe antibiotics if it is infected
• To remove the corn, we will slowly and gently cut it away
• We will give you patches to help soften the area for removal
• We can also prescribe you special soft pads to wear with shoes to take the pressure off the area.

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 foot pads can help ease the discomfort significantly. You can also use toe splints to prevent your toes from creating friction with each other.

Conclusion

 We hope this article helped answer your questions surrounding what corns are and how to treat corns. If you think you have corn, but it isn’t getting better over time, it may be time to visit a Podiatrist. Book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best podiatric treatment in town!

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

Ingrown Toenail Infections are surprisingly common, and they usually occur due to negligence.

Read this article to learn more about ingrown toenail infections, their symptoms, and how to go about ingrown toenail management.

It is necessary to know what you’re looking for when self-diagnosing yourself with an infection. You can’t confirm something unless you know what it is. So, what exactly is an Ingrown Toenail Infection?

Ingrown Toenails occur when the edge or corner tip of your nail pierces into your skin and then begins to grow back into it. It can happen to everyone and is extremely common and can also be quite painful to deal with. When you have an unattended ingrown nail, chances of infections run high, especially if you’re on your toes a lot! When left unattended, these infections can spread into the underlying bone structures of your feet. This is why it’s always best to nip these painful growths at the bud!

What Causes Ingrown Toenail Infections?

The main cause of ingrown toenail infection is negligence. When you have an ingrown nail, it is important to treat it with utmost care so as to not let it get infected. If you notice an ingrown nail, you must treat it so you can prevent infections from spreading into your foot.

You can get ingrown toenails from cutting your toenails too short or keeping them too long, wearing improper footwear, angled nail cutting, toenail injury, and poor foot hygiene.

Sometimes, it’s genetic too. If you have a genetic predisposition to having curved toenails, you are at high risk for ingrowths and infections.

The best way to prevent these infections is to maintain proper foot hygiene, remember to cut your nails straight, wear shoes that fit you comfortably and check in with your podiatrist if something seems amiss.

Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

 Now that you know what an ingrown toenail is and why it’s important to know its symptoms early on, we can tell you what to look out for when self-diagnosing an ingrown toenail infection.

You may have an ingrown toenail infection if you have any of the following symptoms:

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

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

Who Is Likely To Get Ingrown Toenail Infections?

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.

If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

Ingrowing Toenail Management

If your ingrown toenail looks like it’s just about budding and is still in its early phase, you can go ahead and try out any of the below-ingrown toenail management methods.

• NEVER yank or pull on your nail! This can break the skin severely and lead to horrendous complications. You might be able to access your ingrown toenail by lifting your skin gently with a piece of floss. Just make sure to never force it open, and also ensure that your hands are sanitised and clean before you try to treat your ingrown toenail infection.
• To drain the affected area of pus and to reduce your pain, you must fill a bucket with warm water and add epsom salt or coarse salt to it. Then, gently soak your foot in this solution so your skin softens around your ingrown toenail.
• After softening your skin and draining it of any pus, you can put antibiotic / antifungal lotion or cream on the nail and the skin around and under it. Apply the cream directly.
• If your pain is unbearable, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to help with it. Apart from this, you can also take OTC medications to reduce swelling and discomfort. If the pain truly is unbearable, though, we suggest seeing a podiatrist instead of jumping into OTC medications and trying to treat it on your own.

After you’ve tried all of the above, if your pain and infection persist after a few days, it’s advisable to visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to lift and access the under part of your nail much easier, so your topical antibiotics can be applied swiftly and can take effect better.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Apart from ingrown toenail management, it’s important to know how you can prevent the infection altogether. Prevention is always better than cure, so follow these rules so you never have to suffer from an ingrown toenail infection:

• Whenever you trim your toenails, make sure to trim straight across. The edges of your nail must never curve inwards.
• Try not to cut your nails too short.
• Always only wear shoes that fit you properly. Your shoes must never be too tight, and your toes must always have breathing room inside. The same applies for socks and tights.
• If you work in conditions that are hazardous in nature, i.e. construction, try to wear steel-toed boots while working to prevent heavy objects falling on your toenails and hurting them.
• If you suspect that your toenails may be abnormally thick or curved, visit a podiatrist for confirmation. Surgery may be necessary for prevention in this case.

Conclusion

If you’ve tried the entire above pre-infection ingrown toenail management techniques, and it hasn’t worked… It may be time to visit a podiatrist. Book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic today and kick all your foot problems to the curb.

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

Toenail fungus is a very common reason for pain in toenails. Though it is a very common issue, there are still questions surrounding what toenail fungus looks like and how to treat fungal toenail.

We’ve put together this article to help you learn more!

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

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

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

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

What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?

A very common question that gets asked is “what does toenail fungus look like?” It’s good to know the symptoms so you can know how to treat your fungal toenail.

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

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

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

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

Am I At Risk For Fungal Toenails?

If you’re wondering whether you’re a candidate for toenail fungus, we’re here to answer your question. Just like all infections and diseases, certain people tend to be more at risk when it comes to contracting fungal nail infections.

You’re at higher risk of contracting fungal nail infections if you:

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

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

How to Treat Fungal Toenail

 It is very important to know how to treat fungal toenail, so you can avoid further infection/damage. When left undiagnosed and ignored, fungal toenails can go south very quickly.

If you think you may be dealing with toenail fungus, here are some home remedies to help treat it:

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

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

Conclusion

We hope this article helped answer your questions surrounding toenail fungus. If you think you may be dealing with any issues related to your feet, book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic! We’d be happy to help you.

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

You probably landed on this article because you googled “what is a podiatrist?” or “podiatrist near me”. Either way, it means you’d like to learn more about podiatrists and find one near you!

We’d love to help answer your questions, and let you know that we’re here for all your foot-care needs. Read on to learn more about how we can help you!

Lots of people still aren’t aware of what podiatrists do and still find themselves asking the question, “what is a Podiatrist?”.

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

Are Podiatrists Doctors?

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

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

Common Conditions Treated By Podiatrists

 Keeping in mind that podiatrists treat from any age bracket, here are some of the conditions they treat:

• Sprains and Fractures: Podiatrists often work with athletes and treat them for sprains and fractures and how to avoid them. And are also actively involved in sports medicine and treatment of other foot-related issues.
• Nail Disorders: It isn’t uncommon to visit your podiatrist for an infected toenail. These can be caused by an ingrown nail or be of fungal nature. Either way, it’s always best to get it checked by a podiatrist immediately.
• Hammertoes and Bunions: In the case of a hammertoe, one isn’t able to bend the toe in the right manner. Bunions, on the other hand, occur when the big toe joint gets enlarged or moves out of place. Note that both bunions and hammertoes are problems related to the bones in one’s feet.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that occurs due to the wear and tear, inflammation and swelling of one’s joints. Depending on the intensity of the arthritis, your podiatrist will prescribe either drugs or medical shoes for posture and also physical therapy. In the off chance that conventional treatment isn’t helpful, one can undergo surgery.
• Growing Pains: The formative years are very important as this is the stage your body is creating its structural base. Thus if one notices any irregularities with the structure of their children’s feet, like toes not lining up or flat feet, one should visit your podiatrist. They may advise a particular exercise or braces or even correctional surgery.
• Diabetes: Diabetes boils down to the body’s mismanagement of the hormone known as insulin. Insulin is a compound produced by the body to break down sugar for the body. One of the effects of diabetes is nerve damage and difficulty supplying oxygenated blood to your feet. This can cause serious complications and can even result in a foot amputation. Meeting your podiatrist at an earlier stage is very crucial, as with the right aid one can avoid severe complications.
• Heel Pain: Heel pain is commonly caused by calcium buildups at the bottom of your heel, known as “heel spurs”. These occur due to rigorous running, being overweight, or simply wearing ill-fitting shoes. There are other reasons you may be facing heel pain, as well. Plantar Fasciitis is a common reason, and it is basically the inflammation of a connective tissue that goes along your foot’s bottom area. This occurs widely due to non-supportive shoes and strenuous sports activities. Another common cause for heel pain is “Overpronation”, which is when your foot may bend inwards or outwards while walking. This usually affects athletes. Another reason for heel pain is “Achilles Tendinitis”, which makes the back of your heel ache, where the tendon is. Podiatrists can treat all of these issues with a wide range of treatments. Most commonly, they will start you off with OTC medications. They may even prescribe shoe inserts known as “Orthotics”. They can even perform surgery in dire situations.
• “Morton’s Neuroma”: You can experience pain or burn in your feet due to nerve problems related to the third and fourth bones in your feet. It may even feel like there’s something in your shoe when there isn’t. This is called “Morton’s Neuroma”, and is commonly seen in runners. Wearing shoes that are too tight, or being affected by overpronation just makes it worse. Podiatrists are well equipped to handle this issue, and they can administer shots for pain and inflammation. They can even find the right orthotic (shoe insert) for you and perform surgery to remove it altogether.

Why Should You See A Podiatrist?

Feet are often overlooked, but they are extremely important as they support you throughout your life. Did you know that by the age of 50, most people would have walked approximately 120,700 km? Can you imagine the stress on your feet for a lifetime? Feet are very important, complex structures consisting of tendons, ligaments, and bones. All of these parts have to work carefully in unison to keep you moving around. This is why it’s important to take care of your feet and visit a podiatrist the minute you notice something strange is afoot (pun intended!).

Book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic if you’re dealing with any of the following:

• Discolored/thickened toenails
• Cuts/cracks in the skin on your feet
• Warts and other growths
• Pain in your feet
• Peeling / scaling on the soles of your feet

Though these may seem like small issues, they can often lead to much bigger problems in the future. Our professionals will take a good look at your problems and help you with all your needs, so you never have to search “podiatrist near me” online again!

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

Although corns and calluses are a very commonly faced issue, there are still lots of questions surrounding them. If you think you may have a corn, but aren’t certain for sure, this article may help you. We’ll even help you answer questions surrounding how to treat a corn and whether a corn is serious.

So, if you want to learn more about the hard bump on your foot, read on!

Before we get into how to treat a corn and the different types of corns, it’ll help to know just what a corn is. Corns and calluses are usually hard buildups of thick skin. They can form pretty much anywhere on your body, but are most commonly spotted on your feet, fingers, and hands.

What Are The Different Types of Corns?

 Corns are significantly easy to identify, as they are characteristically round and small. You’ll most likely see these hardened areas of skin on the sides of your toes, or the top of them too. There are a few different types of corns, as follows:

• Hard Corns: These types of corns tend to be small, hard, and dense. They usually encompass a much larger area of your skin and are commonly seen on the top of your toes. They usually occur due to bone pressure, hence the location.
• Soft Corns: Soft corns tend to have a greyish/whitish tone, and are much softer and rubbery compared to hard corns. They usually show up in between your toes.
• Seed Corns: These types of corns are normally seen on the bottom of your feet and they are typically small.

Why Do Corns & Calluses Form?

 Corns and calluses are usually the result of repeated friction, irritation, pressure, or rubbing on the skin. They are usually seen on prominent and bony areas of your body, like your feet and fingers. On the fingers, they form where there is constant friction on the skin. For example, when you hold a pencil or pen and write for a long time.

Corns and calluses tend to be hard as this is your body’s defense to protect the underlying area of skin from the constant pressure and irritation.

Are Corns Painful?

 Corns and calluses can either be painless, or can turn painful if not treated well. They are usually not painful as they develop, but become painful as they get harder over time. The area of skin that is raised can be sensitive or tender to touch. In general, though, corns aren’t too painful to deal with. However, like anything else, if they get infected, they can cause discomfort and pain.

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.

Am I Likely To Get A Corn?

 Corns and calluses can affect anyone. You are more likely to get a corn if:

• The bones in your feet are misaligned due to a medical condition. E.g. in the case of bone spurs, hammertoes, bunions and arthritis in the feet.
• You don’t wear socks with shoes.
• You don’t practice proper foot hygiene, or wear footwear that is not suited to your feet.
• You smoke cigarettes.

What Are The Common Causes of Corns?

There are many reasons people develop corns. Such as:

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially shoes that tend to be too narrow for your feet. When your shoes are too tight, it creates pressure on your toes from friction. This can lead to the development of corns and calluses. People who tend to wear high-heeled shoes a lot can also develop corns and calluses on the balls of their feet due to the pressure created while moving.
• Staying on your feet for long periods of time, such as running, walking, or standing.
• Activities that tend to put pressure on your feet, especially labour and sport activities.
• Walking around barefoot on hard surfaces.
• Not wearing socks with shoes.
• Wearing socks that bunch up or slip around.
• Improper posture while walking; this can put excess pressure on the outer or inner edge of your feet.
• Activities that cause constant friction on your feet and fingers.
• Deformities in the structure of your feet. E.g. Hammertoes, bunions, and arthritis in feet.

If you do any of the above on a regular basis, you are highly likely to develop corns and calluses.

How to Treat A Corn

 If it isn’t infected, here’s how to treat a corn at home:

• Soak your feet in warm water to soften the corns
• Use a foot file / pumice stone to gently rub and file away the hardened skin
• Moisturise the area to keep the skin soft
• Make sure to keep the area clean and moisturised, and wear cushioned socks with wide and comfortable shoes to avoid constant friction

It is always best to visit a podiatrist if you are unsure of how to treat a corn at home, especially if you have diabetes or any other circulation-related issues. Here’s how a podiatrist can help you:

• We’ll take a look at your corn first to identify it
• We may prescribe antibiotics if it is infected
• To remove the corn, we will slowly and gently cut it away
• We will give you patches to help soften the area for removal

We can also prescribe you with special soft pads to wear with shoes to take the pressure off the area.

If you’re dealing with a corn or callus that is hard to manage, don’t hesitate to contact us! Here at Bucks Foot Clinic, we offer the best solution to all your foot-related problems.

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

If you’ve landed on this article, you probably googled something like “ingrown toenails cure near me” and are looking for ingrown toenail remedies in Amersham. You’ve come to the right place!

Bucks Foot Clinic is here for all your podiatry needs, and we believe in educating our audience above all. So, we’ve put together this article to let you know everything you need to know about Ingrown Toenail Infections, including ingrowing toenail management. Read on to learn more.

Ingrown toenail infections occur when the corner tip or edge of your toenail pokes into the skin surrounding it, instead of freely growing outwards. The toe that’s most likely to suffer from this issue is your big toe, since it’s usually the one that’s most in contact with your footwear.

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.

If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

Symptoms to Look Out For

 Here are some of the main symptoms to look out for, in order to identify an ingrown toenail infection so you can go about ingowing toenail management correctly.

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

Ingrowing Toenail Management

 Ingrown toenail infections are easy to cure at home if you identify them soon. Never yank or pull on the ingrown nail; you shouldn’t force it and you must always make sure your hands are clean and dry before attempting to fix it at home.

Some home remedies include:

1. Soaking your foot in warm water and Epsom salt / coarse salt to soften the skin around your nail. This will also help drain the pus out and reduce pain.
2. Applying antibiotic or antifungal lotion onto the nail and skin under and around the nail.
3. Taking over-the-counter pain medication to help with the discomfort, pain, and swelling.
4. Wearing comfortable and breathable shoes.

If these don’t home remedies don’t work, and you find it hard to manage, your doctor may do some of the things listed below:

1. Pack an antibiotic soaked gauze under your nail to eliminate infection and encourage the nail to grow out normally
2. Trim or cut off the ingrown part of your nail
3. Surgery, only if the case is serious and / or recurring

If your ingrown nail persists and the infection isn’t getting better, it’s time to see a doctor near you.

Ingrown Toenail Remedies Amersham

 There are also a few other ways you can go about caring for your ingrown toenail infection. If you’re looking for ingrown toenail remedies in Amersham, you may try the following (but it’s better to visit a podiatrist):

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections, and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gasses that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.
• VapoRub: Though commonly used to treat colds and coughs, vicks vaporub has proved itself beneficial in treating fungal nail infections, in a study done in 2011.

If your infection has more serious symptoms, or persists after taking the above measures, visit a podiatrist immediately.

The best way to permanently deal with and cure your ingrown toenail infection is by visiting a podiatrist near you. For the best podiatric treatment near you, visit Bucks Foot Clinic. We’ll be able to help you resolve your issue with ease.

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

Verruca Infections are very common, and we see them in our patients almost on a daily basis. They’re a pretty simple issue to deal with, but they can often become painful and hard to manage if not properly cared for.

There are lots of questions surrounding verrucas on feet, one of the most common being “Do I have a verruca or a corn?”. We’re here to give you the answers you need. So, if you want to know more about verruca infections, read on!

Verrucas are a type of wart that develop on your feet. This type of wart is specific to the feet and is surprisingly common. Verruca infections are usually harmless, and so many people aren’t even aware of their existence. You can either have a single verruca that develops on your foot, or you can also have a cluster of verrucae that covers a greater area on your foot.

Verruca infections are a result of a viral infection called the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV for short. There are so many types of HPV, but in particular HPV 1, 2, and 4 are the subtypes that are most likely to lead to verrucae development.

How Can You Tell If You Have A Verruca Infection?

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

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

• There’s a black dot in the centre (in most cases)
• The “wart” is oddly cauliflower-shaped
• You feel a stinging “stepping-on-a-needle” type of pain when you apply pressure
• The lump is small and rough
• You may have multiple on your hands and around your mouth as well (in the case of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, or HFM for short, which is common in most children)

How Do Verrucas on Feet Form?

As mentioned earlier, verruca infections are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are lots of old wive’s tales surrounding the causes of verrucae, and the most common one is “swimming pools cause verrucae”. Though this is true, it needs a little more context. Swimming pools themselves do not cause the verruca infection, but since verrucae are highly contagious, it’s very easy to develop verrucae from being in the same swimming pool with someone who is affected.

Cross-infection is very common, and if you have a verruca and you’re walking around barefoot, you’ll probably infect the next barefoot person to walk on the same floor. You can also catch it by direct contact with another person’s verruca. In fact, you can even be contagious to yourself. If you have a verruca, and you touch it and then touch other parts of your body, you’re likely to spread the verruca infection.

Do I Have A Verruca or A Corn?

Most people tend to confuse Verrucas for Corns. It’s a very common problem seen by Podiatrists everywhere. A lot of times, patients come in after “mistreatment” caused by the confusion. When you can’t tell if it’s a verruca or a corn, it’s probably best to see a medical professional (why not book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic?) before you treat it at home. The wrong treatment for the wrong lesion can sometimes even lead to more serious problems. So it’s best to know how to SPOT the difference between these spots.
Since you already know how you can tell if it’s a verruca on your feet, we won’t get into too much detail. In fact, we have an article specifically for this question alone. So, if you want to know if you’re dealing with a verruca or a corn, read this article of ours. It’ll give you better insight into properly identifying the differences between the two so you can tell if you’re dealing with a verruca or a corn with ease.

Now that you know everything you need to know about verruca infections, it’ll be easier for you to identify them and get the proper treatment required. In case you’re dealing with verrucas on your feet, or any other issue related to your feet, visit a podiatrist immediately.

Bucks Foot Clinic is here to help you! Book an appointment with us for quick and painless relief.

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

There are lots of issues you can face with your feet, but among the most annoying and unattractive ones is Verrucae. Luckily for you, there is now a permanent solution to this problem that prevents it from recurring ever again. SWIFT Machine Treatment is the best way to permanently treat your Verrucae, so you never have to worry about them coming back again.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about SWIFT Treatment in Beaconsfield and Little Chalfont.

Before we tell you everything you need to know about SWIFT Machine Treatment, we’ll explain what Verrucae are.

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

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

What Is SWIFT Treatment in Little Chalfont?

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

Is SWIFT Machine Treatment Painful?

 Treatment for most skin issues can be slightly uncomfortable. It’s the same for verrucas as well. You may feel a slight amount of discomfort during the treatment, but pain is a very subjective thing. Some people may find it more painful than others but the general consensus is that SWIFT Machine Treatment is not too painful. A common comparison made by people who’ve undergone SWIFT treatment is that it feels like a sudden heat that lasts for 2-3 seconds and then subsides. You don’t require anaesthetics for the treatment, but if you feel like you have a very low pain tolerance, you can choose to apply them 45 minutes prior to the session. Depending on the size of your verruca, your podiatrist may even choose to reduce the lesion with a blade.

How It Works

As mentioned earlier, SWIFT uses microwave energy to help heal the infected area of your skin. With SWIFT, you don’t puncture or damage the skin, and the treatment is quick and effective. It uses the same technology that’s been used to effectively treat cancer for the last 30 odd years. SWIFT Machine Treatment is completely non-invasive and is a super effective procedure. As it is with most skin conditions and viruses, the best way to treat verrucas is by triggering the body’s immune system to allow it to naturally heal and clear the infected area. This is precisely what SWIFT treatment does. It uses microwave technology to make electromagnetic waves penetrate deep into the infected area to alert the immune system of the verruca to instigate the self-healing process, while also destroying the verruca as well.

Can I Get Swift Machine Treatment in Beaconsfield?

If you’re wondering whether you can get SWIFT Machine Treatment, here’s your answer. Pretty much anyone with skin lesions can undergo SWIFT treatment, but there are a few exceptions (listed below). SWIFT Machine Treatment is suitable for children who are older, and also low-risk diabetics with good circulation in their bodies. Before undergoing treatment, your podiatrist will assess you and advise you accordingly.

SWIFT Treatment may not be suited to you if:

• You have heart problems or wear a pacemaker
• You have nerve damage in your feet
• You have poor circulation or diabetes (high-risk)
• You have metal pins/plates/replacement joints in your feet/ankles
• Your body doesn’t heal too well
• You’re on immunosuppressive drugs from cancer treatment/rheumatoid arthritis (since they lower your immunity)
• You are under 10 years old
• You’re very sensitive to pain (fear not, however, because in this case, you can use analgesics and go ahead with the procedure)

You’re pregnant/breastfeeding since your immune system is very turbulent during this period. So, the SWIFT Treatment results may not be as successful.

Now that you know about SWIFT Machine Treatment and how it can help you permanently fix your problem, you may be wondering where you can undergo this process.

Bucks Foot Clinic offers the best SWIFT Treatment in Little Chalfont and Beaconsfield. Contact us and book an appointment today!

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

If you’ve been googling “foot specialist near me”, that’s a big teller that you are in need of foot care. Perhaps you’re dealing with a nasty nail infection that you’re not quite sure how to get rid of.

Whatever the case may be, a podiatrist can help you with your foot care issues with ease. Podiatrists are also called foot specialists, and they specialize in your feet, so they know everything there is to know when dealing with nail infections and other foot care-related issues.

If you want to know more about how a foot specialist can help you, you’re in luck! This article will tell you more about what foot specialists do and will teach you how to deal with nail infections as well.

Read on to learn more.

“Foot Specialist” is an easy term for Podiatrists / Chiropodists. In simple words, they handle all things foot-care-related.

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

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

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

How A Foot Specialist Near Me Can Help

There are many ways in which a foot specialist can help you. They can give you advice and treatment to deal with discolored toenails, nail infections, painful feet, cracks or cuts in your skin, growths like verrucas and warts, and more foot care-related issues.

Foot specialists / Podiatrists can give you orthotics as well and can prescribe any medications you may need.

You don’t necessarily have to have a big issue to see a Podiatrist, as it’s recommended to visit one at least for a single session of consultation. Especially in the case of hard skin on your feet, or ingrown toenails.

Apart from this, Podiatrists can give you much-needed knowledge on foot care, like what kind of footwear to wear, and how to maintain foot hygiene.

They can also help with bigger issues and are very needed especially for diabetic patients. They can treat issues and prevent them from recurring or becoming worse, and can also treat sports and exercise-related injuries.

Podiatrist vs. Chiropodist: What’s The Difference?

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

Dealing With A Nail Infection

If the source of your foot care troubles is a nail infection, a foot specialist / Podiatrist can help you easily. There are a few home remedies for infected nails, but we advise you to see a podiatrist. These home remedies give instant relief, but aren’t a permanent solution.
A few common home remedies are as follows:

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gasses that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.
• VapoRub: Though commonly used to treat colds and coughs, vicks vaporub has proved itself beneficial in treating fungal nail infections, in a study done in 2011.

Now that you know more about foot specialists and how they can help with foot care, you probably want to know where you can find the right person for the job. You can stop googling “foot specialist near me” because you’re in the right place already.

Bucks Foot Clinic has professionals who have lots of experience and knowledge in the field. If you have any foot care-related issues or nail infections, we can handle them with ease. So, contact us and book an appointment!

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

Verrucas on feet are very common. Though they are so common, there are lots of questions surrounding verrucas. Some people even ask, “is a verruca a sore?”. As professional podiatrists, we want to educate you as much as we can.

So, if you’d like to learn more about verrucas on feet, if a verruca is a sore, and how we go about verruca treatment, read on!

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

Sometimes verrucas can be painless, but more often than not they are very uncomfortable and even painful to deal with. They can disappear overnight, or can be persistent for years on end.

What Causes Verrucas on Feet?

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

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

Is A Verruca A Sore?

A very common question people ask is “Is a verruca a sore?”. In fact, verrucas often get confused for many things, like corns and other types of warts.

Verrucae aren’t really sores, but they can cause a feeling of soreness on your feet due to their uncomfortable positioning. In reality, verrucae are a type of wart that are formed by the HPV virus and they tend to be very contagious.

Verrucas also are’t corns. To learn more about how you can differentiate between the two, read this article!

Verruca Treatment

Now that you know a lot more about verrucas on feet and what causes them, you’d probably want to know how to go about verruca treatment.

There are many ways you can go about treating verrucas on your feet. Though they normally go away with time, if you find yourself plagued with verrucas on your feet and they’re either painful or just an eyesore, here’s a few treatments:

1. Home Remedies:

• A great home remedy is taking a piece of banana skin and cutting it to be the same size as the verruca on your feet. Then, go ahead and place the piece of banana skin on the verruca and secure it with a plaster. Do this for about two weeks, every night before bed.
• Garlic is an all-round cure-all and is generally just really good for your health. You can use garlic to treat your verruca as well. Take a piece of garlic and put it over your verruca infection and secure it with a plaster. If you do this daily for a month, your verruca should go away.
• A study was done in which it was proven that duct tape surprisingly helps get rid of verrucas. Take a piece of duct tape and cover your verruca with it, and it should go away in a few weeks.

2. Medication:

• There are many creams, medicated plasters, and gels that you can use to aid the treatment of your verruca. Most of these are readily available as over the counter products, so you can get them at your local pharmacy.
• Salicylic acid is the key ingredient in all of these products and this is what actually treats your verruca. It helps soften the verruca significantly.
• Never use salicylic acid products on your face because that can lead to some really bad scarring. Also, if you have pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, consult your doctor before using these products.

3. Cryotherapy:

   Cryotherapy is a very effective way to remove your verruca. It is the process in which your verruca is frozen with liquid nitrogen, which makes it fall off. If you’re interested in cryotherapy, please visit a podiatrist and never try to do this on your own. It can lead to scarring and is typically also mildly painful, so it’s not a great option for children and people who are sensitive to pain.

4. Check-In With Your Podiatrist:

   The best way to treat anything related to your feet is by visiting a podiatrist. They are experts at all things foot-related and will be able to treat your verruca with ease and painlessly. When you visit a podiatrist, they will most likely use SWIFT Machine Treatment to get rid of your verruca. SWIFT is a very quick and efficient way to treat verrucas, it’s in the name itself! SWIFT uses microwave energy for verruca removal. To learn more about what you can expect from SWIFT treatment, read our article on this topic!

If you think you’re dealing with verrucas on your feet, don’t hesitate to seek help. Instead of suffering the soreness and the possibility of recurrence, visit a Podiatrist to help you deal with it permanently.

At Bucks Foot Clinic, we offer the best podiatric services. Contact us to book an appointment!

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

Got a fungal nail infection / ingrown toenail infection that you just can’t seem to get rid of? Then nail surgery may just be right for you. The pain can be annoyingly unbearable, so why make it a recurring feeling when you can just get rid of it entirely? Nail surgery is the perfect fix to all your infection problems.

 There are lots of questions surrounding nail surgery, however, and we’re here to clear them up for you. So, if you want to know more about what nail surgery is, who does nail surgery, how effective it is, and more, read on!

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

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

Who Does Nail Surgery?

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

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

What Happens During Nail Surgery?

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Ready For Nail Surgery

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

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

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

Aftercare

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

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

How Effective Is It?

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

Are There Alternatives to Nail Surgery?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Toenail Trauma
   

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

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

Symptoms:

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

2. Ingrown Toenails
   

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

Symptoms:

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

3. Fungal Infections
   

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

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

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

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

Symptoms:

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

4. Paronychia
   

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

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

Symptoms:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Treat Fungal Toenail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Very Commonly Seen Issue: Verrucas on Feet

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

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

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

Verruca Symptoms

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

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

• There’s a black dot in the centre of the raised skin (in most cases)
• The “wart” is oddly cauliflower-shaped
• You feel a stinging “stepping-on-a-needle” type of pain when you apply pressure
• The lump is small and rough
• You may have multiple on your hands and around your mouth as well (in the case of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, or HFM for short, which is common in most children)

 Verruca Treatment

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

Here’s some information on each verruca treatment:

• Salicylic Acid: There are many creams, gels and medicated plasters for treating warts and verrucas. You can buy these over-the-counter, but only do so if you’re sure it’s a verruca infection. Most of these contain salicylic acid which is a key ingredient in treating verruca infections. Be careful when applying these medications, and try to use as little as possible in surrounding areas because it can cause irritation to healthy skin. You can even protect the skin around the verruca infection with non-fragranced and natural petroleum jelly. Try not to get any of the treatment on broken skin. You can soften the area before-hand by soaking it in water and rubbing it to remove excess hard skin. Once dried, make sure to cover the affected area with a plaster. Apply the treatment according to your Podiatrist / Pharmacist’s advice.
• Cryotherapy: This is the process of freezing your wart or verruca using liquid nitrogen so it falls off. Most pharmacists have OTC cryotherapy preparations that contain other gases, but these don’t normally work too well because they can’t freeze at temperatures as low as liquid nitrogen, which is why it’s better if you visit a Podiatrist to get this done (book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic today!). During cryotherapy, your doctor will apply the liquid nitrogen to your verruca using either a spray or a cotton bud. It usually takes between 5-30 seconds to freeze depending on the size and location and also the method used. You may have to repeat the treatment multiple times till the verruca or wart eventually falls off. Cryotherapy, however, hasn’t been shown to work any better than salicylic acid and can often lead to blisters and scarring that can be painful, which is why it’s not recommended for younger children.
• SWIFT Verruca Treatment: SWIFT is a relatively new technology that’s been developed in the UK, and has been licensed for treating verrucas by podiatrists all over. SWIFT uses microwave energy, delivered through a probe which is put on the skin to treat the affected area. With SWIFT Machine Treatment, you can get rid of multiple verrucas and warts in just one sitting, and it’s quick and efficient in doing so. The cherry on top is that you don’t require anaesthetics of dressings afterwards!

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

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

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

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

One of the most common issues we treat here at Bucks Foot Clinic is ingrown toenail infections. It can be very difficult to carry on with ingrown toenail management on your own if you don’t know what to do, and this can turn into an infection. It can even lead to toenail fungus if not taken care of well.

We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about ingrown toenail infections. In this article, we’ll highlight the following:

• What is an ingrown toenail infection?
• What does toenail fungus look like?
• How to treat fungal toenail
• Ingrown toenail management

Read on to learn more!

Before we move on to treatment and management, it would help to make it clear on exactly what an ingrown toenail infection is and how it’s caused.

Ingrown toenail infections occur when the corner tip or edge of your toenail pokes into the skin surrounding it, instead of freely growing outwards. The toe that’s most likely to suffer from this issue is your big toe, since it’s usually the one that’s most in contact with your footwear.

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.

If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?

When left untreated, a simple ingrown toenail infection can lead to toenail fungus.

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

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

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

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

How to Treat Fungal Toenail  

There are lots of different at-home treatments for toenail fungus. Which one is most effective to you depends on your situation and symptoms. Our podiatrists will be able to properly diagnose and treat your fungal toenail efficiently. In general, oral antifungal medicines are very effective and have great potential. You may even pair these pills with topical antifungal cream / medicine for best results.

Apart from that, there are a few home remedies:

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

We recommend seeing a podiatrist, however, because at-home treatments can go south very quickly if not performed correctly.

Ingrown Toenail Management

Another very important thing to take care of is ingrown toenail management. When you have an ingrown toenail, and you practice ingrown toenail management, you are generally safe from fungus and infection. Good foot care and hygiene is very important. Here’s how you can go about ingrown toenail management:

• NEVER yank or pull on your nail! This can break the skin severely and lead to horrendous complications. You might be able to access your ingrown toenail by lifting your skin gently with a piece of floss. Just make sure to never force it open, and also ensure that your hands are sanitised and clean before you try to treat your ingrown toenail infection.
• To drain the affected area of pus and to reduce your pain, you must fill a bucket with warm water and add epsom salt or coarse salt to it. Then, gently soak your foot in this solution so your skin softens around your ingrown toenail.
• After softening your skin and draining it of any pus, you can put antibiotic / antifungal lotion or cream on the nail and the skin around and under it. Apply the cream directly.
• If your pain is unbearable, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to help with it. Apart from this, you can also take OTC medications to reduce the swelling and discomfort. If the pain truly is unbearable, though, we suggest seeing a podiatrist instead of jumping into OTC medications and trying to treat it on your own.After you’ve tried all of the above, if your pain and infection persist after a few days, it’s advisable to visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to lift and access the underpart of your nail much easier, so your topical antibiotics can be applied swiftly and can take effect better.

Now that you know some of the main things to know about ingrown toenail infections, it’ll be easier for you to identify an issue before it gets out of hand. Book an appointment with Buck Foot Clinic if you think you may be suffering from an ingrown toenail infection. Our podiatrists will be able to help you!

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

Here at Bucks Foot Clinic, we get a lot of clients that complain about ingrown toenail infections. This issue is very common, and one of the leading reasons it occurs so often is simply because you wear shoes that don’t fit you right. It’s very important to keep track of your ingrown toenail so it doesn’t turn into an ingrown toenail infection.

You should always look out for ingrown toenail symptoms so you can care for it from the get-go. There are a few home remedies on how to get rid of nail infections as well.

Read this article to learn more!

Ingrown toenails occur when the corner tip / edge of your nail pierces into your skin and grows back into it. This condition has the potential to be very painful, and it can happen to pretty much anyone. Ingrown toenails are very common in big toes.

If left untreated, your simple ingrown toenail could turn into an ingrown toenail infection. This can be dangerous as the infection can sometimes spread to your foot’s underlying bone structure.

Keep in mind that if you suffer from diabetes, or other conditions that affect circulation, you’re at high risk for developing ingrown toenails. You can also have serious complications if it turns into an ingrown toenail infection. Check in with a podiatrist before it gets to that stage.

Ingrown Toenail Symptoms

The best way to avoid an ingrown toenail infection is by keeping a lookout for ingrown toenail symptoms. When you know the symptoms of ingrown toenail, you can nip it in the bud before it turns into a worse problem.

You may be dealing with an ingrown toenail if:

• You have tenderness / pain in your toe on one or both sides of the nail
• The area surrounding your toenail is red
• Your toe swells up around the nail
• You notice infection in the tissue around your nail

If you notice the above symptoms, visit a podiatrist and nip the issue at the bud before it turns into an ingrown toenail infection.

Ingrown Toenail Infection Symptoms

If you leave your ingrown toenail untreated, it could lead to an infection. This infection is potentially serious, and your symptoms can start off simple enough then escalate highly.

Keep a lookout for the following early symptoms:

• Swelling
• Pain on touching
• Pressure under the nail
• Hardening / Redness of skin around the nail
• Bleeding
• Throbbing
• Foul smell
• Oozing fluid / fluid buildup
• Pus or an abscess in affected toe
• Warmth emanating from the area around the nail

How to Get Rid Of Nail Infection

If you notice the first signs and symptoms listed above, don’t panic! There are a few home remedies you can use for minor infections. Here they are:

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections, and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gasses that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.
• VapoRub: Though commonly used to treat colds and coughs, vicks vaporub has proved itself beneficial in treating fungal nail infections, in a study done in 2011.

If your infection has more serious symptoms, or persists after taking the above measures, visit a podiatrist immediately.

Though the above home remedies help fight minor infections, they aren’t as effective as visiting a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to tackle the infection and help you prevent it from recurring. If you think you may be suffering from an ingrown toenail infection and want to know how to get rid of your nail infection, Book an Appointment with Us! We’ll be able to help you with all your podiatric needs.

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

Are you currently suffering from pain in your toenail? Toenail pain can manifest in many forms. You could experience pain in toenail when pressed, or pain in toenail in shoes. Either way, toenail pain is not fun.

There are lots of conditions and habits that could lead to pain in your toenail. You could experience pain from wearing tight shoes that don’t fit you right, or from cutting your nails shorter than necessary.

You could also be suffering from pain due to infections. If you have diabetes or another circulatory issue, you’re very likely to develop an infection that could lead to pain in your toenails.

Most times, toenail pain is easy to treat at home. But, you should always check in with a podiatrist because the pain may be related to something more serious.

There are 4 main reasons you could be experiencing pain in your toenails. Read on to learn more.

1. Toenail Trauma

Toenail trauma can occur when you drop something heavy on your foot, or if you fall, stub your toe, or even wear shoes that don’t fit you right. You could also experience toenail trauma from exercising.

You’ll experience minor bruising, but it’ll go away on its own. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes to allow your feet to heal and ease the pain.

If your pain is severe, however, visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to drain the blood out from under the affected nail. Never do this at home, because it could lead to a severe infection.

In some instances of toenail trauma, your toenail may just fall off entirely. The nail will regrow within the next few months. In case this occurs, make sure you keep your toe dry and clean at all times. Wear shoes to protect the sensitive area that is normally covered by the nail. Avoid shoes that put pressure on your toes.

You can take over the counter pain relievers to deal with the pain. Make sure to keep your foot elevated, because this helps decrease the swelling in your feet and toes.

If you still suffer from pain and there’s discolouration, or if you notice a dark area of “growth” under the infected nail, see a doctor immediately to rule out tumours.

Symptoms:

• Reddish-black bruise under your nail
• Pressure under your nail
• Pain in toenail
• Visible and distinct separation from skin and nail

2. Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenail happens when your skin that surrounds your nail grows over the tip. When you cut your toenails shorter than you need to, or if you wear shoes that are too tight, you make yourself susceptible to ingrown toenails. When untreated, an ingrown toenail can be very uncomfortable and can also lead to infections like paronychia.

If your ingrown toenail is not significantly bad and doesn’t show signs of infection (like drainage and warmth), it can be treated at home. Soak your feet in warm water multiple times a day, this will help you with the tenderness and redness.

To give yourself relief when you have an ingrown toenail, take over the counter medicines for the pain and make sure to wear shoes that fit you well, i.e. don’t pinch your toes. This will allow your nail to heal as well.

If at-home treatments don’t help you, visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to trim or partially remove the affected nail. If you notice your simple ingrown nail is worsening, visit a podiatrist immediately. You’ll know it’s worse if you notice pus, an unpleasant smell, and discharge.

If you have a condition like diabetes, visit a doctor or podiatrist as soon as you notice an infected ingrown toenail. You’re at high risk of developing a severe infection.

Symptoms:

• Pain in toenail and skin surrounding it
• Redness around nail
• Fluid-filled bump on edge of your nail bed

3. Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection that affects the skin around your nails. Though it usually affects your fingernails, it can also affect your toenails.

You are at an increased risk of developing a paronychia if you suffer from trauma to your toenail or have an untreated ingrown toenail. These issues make it very easy for bacteria to enter your system and give you an infection.

Often a simple foot soak can help ease pain and swelling. If even after frequent foot soaks your symptoms worsen, if you see pus or infection, or if you suffer from any immune system issues like diabetes, you would have to see your physician and get the infection drained.

With paronychia, you have to be on the lookout for any signs of cellulitis. These signs could include pain, redness, and warmth of the cellulite-laden skin. These symptoms could present a serious bacterial infection, communicable to the surrounding tissue. If these symptoms do occur, see your physician immediately and be prepared for antibiotics.

With increased severity of cellulitis, you might see red streaks on your legs, fever, and nausea. If this does happen, you should get immediate medical care.

Symptoms:

• Pain in toenail
• Warmth in skin and redness
• Swollen toe
• Pus
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

4. Fungal Infections

Fungal infections can affect your toenails or the skin on your feet and toes. When they affect your toenails, it’s called Onychomycosis. When it affects your skin, it could be athlete’s foot.

Onychomycosis can discolour and thicken your toenail. You may also experience pain, specifically when pressure is applied to your nail while wearing shoes.

You can usually treat this condition with medicated nail polish, which is available at most pharmacies near you. If you notice your symptoms get worse or do not go away, visit a podiatrist and they’ll be able to find the right antifungal medicine for you!

Symptoms:

• Discolouration and thickening of nail
• Pain in toenail
• Nail splitting
• Itchy or painful feet or toes
• Skin peeling between your toes
• Redness

Other Causes

If any of the above isn’t the culprits, you may be suffering from something else. You could be suffering from a condition in which pain in toenail is a symptom, but not the main symptom. You could be suffering from a chronic illness like arthritis, liver or lung disease, bursitis, or even psoriasis. This is why it’s important to visit a podiatrist to ensure you aren’t suffering from something worse.

If you suffer from pain in toenail, pain in toenail when pressed, or pain in toenail in shoes, it’s important to monitor it. If you suffer from any of the below, call a podiatrist immediately:

• You pain in toenail doesn’t get better after at-home treatment
• The pain affects your everyday activities
• You notice discharge or pus
• There’s a foul odor
• Red streaks on your foot
• You have pain in toenail and you are diabetic

If you suffer from the above, contact a podiatrist immediately. You can book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best podiatric treatment.

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

If you’ve landed on this article, you’re probably dealing with a nasty nail infection and want to know how to get rid of your nail infection. There are a few ways to go about it, but one of the best and quickest ways is to go in for nail surgery.

To know more about what nail surgery is, who does nail surgery, and how to get rid of a nail infection, read on!

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

During nail surgery, a podiatrist might remove one or two sections from your nail, on each side. In some forms of nail surgery, your podiatrist may have to remove your whole nail, depending on the extent of infection / injury.

Once the nail surgery is over, the podiatrist will use a form of treatment to prevent the affected nail from growing again.

Who Does Nail Surgery?

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

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

Why Should You Go In For Nail Surgery?

If you have an ingrown, distorted, or fungal toenail, it could lead to lots of pain and can even get infected further. Most conservative and common treatments in clinics will help alleviate the symptoms for a while, but the issue tends to recur when the nail grows back.

Nail surgery offers a permanent solution to your nail issue, and prevents problems from recurring in the future.

What’s The Alternative to Nail Surgery?

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

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

What Happens In Nail Surgery?

During nail surgery, your podiatrist will inject your affected toe with local anesthetic so you don’t feel pain. After the toe becomes numb, the infected nail or nails are removed. After which, Phenol (a chemical) is applied to the area to prevent the nail from regrowing.

Once this is done, your podiatrist will dress your toe heavily and the dressing will have to stay on for 2-3 days and be kept dry.

After Nail Surgery?

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

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

How Effective Is Nail Surgery?

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

How to Get Rid Of Nail Infection

 There are a few home remedies for infected nails, but we advise you to see a podiatrist. These home remedies give instant relief, but aren’t a permanent solution.

A few common home remedies are as follows:

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections, and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gases that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.
• VapoRub: Though commonly used to treat colds and coughs, vicks vaporub has proved itself beneficial in treating fungal nail infections, in a study done in 2011.

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

During nail surgery, a podiatrist might remove one or two sections from your nail, on each side. In some forms of nail surgery, your podiatrist may have to remove your whole nail, depending on the extent of infection / injury.

Once the nail surgery is over, the podiatrist will use a form of treatment to prevent the affected nail from growing again.

Who Does Nail Surgery?

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

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

Why Should You Go In For Nail Surgery?
If you have an ingrown, distorted, or fungal toenail, it could lead to lots of pain and can even get infected further. Most conservative and common treatments in clinics will help alleviate the symptoms for a while, but the issue tends to recur when the nail grows back.

Nail surgery offers a permanent solution to your nail issue, and prevents problems from recurring in the future.

What’s The Alternative to Nail Surgery?

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

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

What Happens In Nail Surgery?
During nail surgery, your podiatrist will inject your affected toe with local anesthetic so you don’t feel pain. After the toe becomes numb, the infected nail or nails are removed. After which, Phenol (a chemical) is applied to the area to prevent the nail from regrowing.

Once this is done, your podiatrist will dress your toe heavily and the dressing will have to stay on for 2-3 days and be kept dry.

After Nail Surgery?

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

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

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

How to Get Rid Of Nail Infection

 There are a few home remedies for infected nails, but we advise you to see a podiatrist. These home remedies give instant relief, but aren’t a permanent solution.

A few common home remedies are as follows:

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections, and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gases that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.
• VapoRub: Though commonly used to treat colds and coughs, vicks vaporub has proved itself beneficial in treating fungal nail infections, in a study done in 2011.

Though you may be tempted to treat your infected toenail at home, it’s always best to see a podiatrist for a permanent and safe solution.

Book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best podiatric care.

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

Corns, also called clauses, are thickening of the skin that usually occurs on the feet due to constant friction and pressure. They can be extremely painful and left untreated, can lead to even more serious conditions like infections and complications for people with diabetes.

Corns are a very common problem faced by people. They often form on the feet and can be very easily treated at home, or with the help of a podiatrist. Though they are very common, there are still lots of questions surrounding them. Some questions that we aim to answer with this article are:

• What is a corn?
• What are the signs and symptoms of a corn?
• Is a corn serious?
• Do I have a verruca or corn?
• How to treat a corn

We’ve broken up this article into the above sections to make it easier for you to navigate! So, read on to have your questions answered.

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.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of 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 Corn Serious?

Corns are often caused due to wearing ill-fitting shoes. As you continue to wear these shoes, your corn gets worse and painful to pressure. Corns aren’t serious, and they do go away with time if cared for well. When you remove the cause of the corn (ill-fitting footwear, for example), the corn will cease over time.

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, as 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).

Do I Have A Verruca Or Corn?

As we mentioned earlier, corns are often confused with verrucas, which are a completely different issue altogether. There are a few key identifying factors when differentiating on whether you have a verruca or corn. These are just a few of many:

• Verrucas are viruses (often called the Verruca Infection) caused by HPV. They are highly contagious (commonly seen when children with HFM Disease interact with other children on playgrounds). Corns, on the other hand (or foot!), are cone-shaped pieces of hard skin that form on areas of pressure. They are formed by friction and are not contagious.
• Verrucas aren’t picky. They see all feet as fit for infection. Corns, however, tend to form on dryer skin.
• Verrucas have a long incubation period that can range from a couple of months to a year. Corns tend to form over a long period of time from constant pressure and friction, while Verrucas seem to kind of just “show up” out of the blue.

If you want to know more about how to differentiate between verrucas and corns, we have a few more articles 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 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.

No matter what the issue is with your feet, it’s always best to see a podiatrist. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic. We’ll be able to help you with all your problems!

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

References:

1. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-corns-calluses
2. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_happens_if_a_corn_is_left_untreated/article.htm
3. https://www.afaasonline.com/faqs-about-corn-removal
4. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-corns-calluses-basics

A lot of cases of pain in toenail are caused by fungal toenails and ingrowing toenails. That’s why it’s important to know how to treat fungal toenail at home, as well as ingrowing toenail management.

Keep in mind, however, that home remedies are often a quick fix and may not alleviate the issue altogether. Which is why it’s best to see a podiatrist for your fungal toenail, ingrowing toenail, or pain in toenail. But, if you like quick home remedies to help you ease the pain quickly, this article is just right for you.

So, read on to learn about 10 quick home remedies on how to treat fungal toenail!

Toenail fungus is also called onychomycosis. It is a common fungal infection of the toenail. The main symptom is a brown, white, or yellow coloration on one or more of your toenails. It can spread rapidly and cause your nails to crack / thicken.

Toenail fungus is not an attractive look, as you may have guessed already. But, worry not, because there are treatments you can try at home to deal with it!

Here are 10 of the most popular home remedies on how to treat fungal toenail:

1. Vicks VapoRub
   It may seem unlikely since Vicks VapoRub is made for cough suppression, but it is a great topical ointment for fungal toenails. It’s active ingredients like camphor and eucalyptus oil can help treat toenail fungus.
   All you have to do is apply tiny amounts of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day. A study done in 2011 proved that this ointment had a “positive clinical effect” when it ame to treatment of toenail fungus.

2. Snakeroot Extract
   Snakeroot extract is an anti-fungal made from plants belonging to the sunflower family. A study done in 2008 showed that Snakeroot extract is as effective in treating fungal toenails as a prescription antifungal called ciclopirox.
   In the study, Snakeroot extract was applied to the affected areas every third day for the first month,  twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month. It proved to be very effective.

3. Tea Tree Oil
   Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has antiseptic and antifungal properties. Small-scale clinical studies showed that tea tree oil may be effective in treating toenail fungus. To use this home remedy, all you have to do is apply tea tree oil directly onto the affected nail at least two times a day with a cotton swab.

4. Oregano Oil
   Oregano oil has Thymol in it. Thymol has antifungal and antibacterial properties. To use this treatment, apply oregano oil to the infected nail at least twice daily with a cotton swab. You can even make a mix of oregano oil and tea tree oil. Both of these have the potential to cause skin irritation and allergic reaction, though, so we don’t recommend combining them.

5. Olive Leaf Extract
   Olive leaf extract has an active ingredient called “oleuropein”, and it has antifungal, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting abilities. You can either apply it topically or ingest in the form of a capsule.
   A 2012 review proved that taking one to three olive leaf capsules with meals twice a day, is more effective than taking it topically. If you choose this home remedy, make sure to drink lots of water throughout.

6. Ozonized Oils
   These are oils that are injected with ozone gas, such as olive oil and sunflower oil. A 2011 study proved that ozone exposure in low concentrations for short durations can inactivate organisms like fungi, yeast, and bacteria.
   Another study found that ozonized sunflower oil was more effective than prescription topical antifungal ketoconazole when it came to treating toenail fungus.
   For this remedy, all you have to do is work the oil into the affected toenail twice a day.

7. Vinegar
   This is a reasonably safe home remedy to try out, although there’s only anecdotal evidence saying that vinegar is an effective treatment for toenail fungus.
   For this method, soak the affected foot in one part vinegar and two parts warm water for 20 minutes a day.

8. Listerine Mouthwash
   This may seem like an unconventional method, but hear us out. Listerine mouthwash has ingredients like menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus. All of which are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This is why it’s a popular home remedy for toenail fungus.
   People that have tried and tested this method say that you should soak the affected foot in a tub/basin full of amber-coloured Listerine for 30 minutes everyday.

9. Garlic
   A review done in 2009 proved that garlic has some antifungal and antimicrobial properties. To use this method, place chopped/crushed garlic cloves on your affected toenail, everyday for 30 minutes.
   If you don’t like the smell of garlic, you can also treat it by ingesting garlic capsules. Take these capsules as it says on the box.

10. Change in Diet
    There’s no doubt that there’s a direct link between diet and health. You are what you eat. So, the healthier you eat, the better chances your body has of fighting off illnesses like toenail fungus.
    Eat the following:

• probiotic-rich yogurt
• enough protein to support nail regrowth
• enough iron to prevent brittle nails
• a diet rich in essential fatty acids
• foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as low fat dairy products

Though home remedies are a good way to gain immediate results, they may not always work effectively. That’s why you must always see a Podiatrist for fungal toenail and ingrowing toenail maintenance. Especially if you have diabetes, a simple cosmetic issue like fungal toenail can turn into something way worse if left untreated.

So, don’t hesitate. Book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best foot-care treatment in all fields.

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

Have you ever asked yourself, “What’s the difference between a verruca and a corn?”?

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

So, if you want a run-down of what sets a verruca apart from a corn, read on!

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

1. Is It Contagious?
   A key differentiating factor is whether the spot is contagious or not. Verrucas are viruses (often called a 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. What Kind Of Skin Is It On?
   Verrucas aren’t picky. They see all feet as fit for infection. Corns, however, tend to form on dryer skin. So, if you have normal skin and notice something odd, it could just be verrucas on your feet.
3. Incubation?
   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.
4. Striations?
   When you look closely, it’s easy to tell whether it’s a verruca or corn. Verruca infections tend to be sneaky and interrupt the striation (or lines) on your skin. Corns don’t do this; they’re quite out and proud.
5. Does It Have Black Dots?
   Verrucas on feet tend to have black dots in the centre where the blood has clotted on the surface of your skin. Corns don’t have these black dots. 

6. Is It Yellow And Raised?
   The skin on top of and around a Corn tends to be hard and thick, raising the skin. It can also give it a slightly yellow tone. Verrucas do not look as yellow and raised, they actually tend to be flatter because of the constant pressure put on them.
7. What’s The Shape Like?
   Corns tend to have a conical, circular shadow to them, without any disruption of skin striations. Verrucas have an odd cauliflower-esque shape to them in comparison.
   These are some of the key factors that tell you what the difference between a verruca and a corn is. Now that you know whether it’s a verruca or corn that’s bugging you, it’ll be much easier to manage. Though it is best to see a Podiatrist rather than try to treat it on your own. Especially if it’s a verruca infection.

To sum it up, here’s how you can tell if you have verrucas on your feet:

• There’s a black dot in the center (in most cases)
• The “wart” is oddly cauliflower-shaped
• You feel a stinging “stepping-on-a-needle” type of pain when you apply pressure
• The lump is small and rough
• You may have multiple on your hands and around your mouth as well (in the case of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, or HFM for short, which is common in most children)

If you think you’re dealing with a verruca infection or verrucas on your feet, don’t hesitate to see a podiatrist. You can book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for the best verruca treatment in town!

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

Verrucas are a very common issue many people from all walks of life face. Though they are so common, there are still many questions surrounding verrucas. No question is too silly when it comes to your health, and this is precisely why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand verruca infections better!

Verrucae (yes, you read right, the plural of Verruca is Verrucae) are a type of wart that develop on your feet. This type of wart is specific to the feet and is surprisingly common. Verruca infections are usually harmless, and so many people aren’t even aware of their existence. You can either have a single verruca that develops on your foot, or you can also have a cluster of verrucae that covers a greater area on your foot.

Verruca infections are a result of a viral infection called the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV for short. There are so many types of HPV, but in particular HPV 1, 2, and 4 are the subtypes that are most likely to lead to verrucae development.

This question is an age-old one. Almost everyone asks this, because it is very easy to confuse a verruca for a corn. They are vastly different, however.

Most verrucae have black dots in their center, but some don’t, which leads people to mistake them for corns and allow them to grow. Verrucae are known to push the papillary lines on the foot, while corns do not do this.

Normally, verrucae are painful when pinched but not when pressed, while corns are the opposite.

To know more about how you can spot the differences between corns and verrucas, read this article.

As mentioned earlier, verruca infections are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are lots of old wive’s tales surrounding the causes of verrucae, and the most common one is “swimming pools cause verrucae”. Though this is true, it needs a little more context. Swimming pools themselves do not cause the verruca infection, but since verrucae are highly contagious, it’s very easy to develop verrucae from being in the same swimming pool with someone who is affected.

Cross-infection is very common, and if you have a verruca and you’re walking around barefoot, you’ll probably infect the next barefoot person to walk on the same floor. You can also catch it by direct contact with another person’s verruca. In fact, you can even be contagious to yourself. If you have a verruca, and you touch it and then touch other parts of your body, you’re likely to spread the verruca infection.

Am I Susceptible To Verruca Infections?

This is a very subjective question. Everyone’s immune system is different, so some people may run the risk of developing verrucae while others don’t. You do, however, run the risk of getting verruca infections if you don’t partake in foot hygiene and take certain preventative measures.

How Can I Prevent Verrucae?

Verrucae are super common and are nothing to be ashamed of! Most people have developed a verruca infection at least once in their lives. You can follow these measures to reduce your risk of verruca infections:

• Try not to walk barefoot, especially in areas where other people walk barefoot.
• Don’t swim with a person who has a verruca infection.
• Try not to share yoga mats and clothing items.
• Avoid touching warts, be it your own or someone else’s.
• If you have to touch someone’s wart (or your own), make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after.
• Do not share footwear with anyone.
• Don’t try on shoes in shops without wearing socks first.

What Can I Do For Verruca Treatment?

In most cases, verrucae go away on their own. They can be an eyesore, however, which is why many people opt for verruca treatment. If you want to wait it out, you can, but this entails almost waiting for a couple of years. Verrucae take a long time to go away. If you want to opt for verruca treatment, we can help you at Bucks Foot Clinic. We’ll be able to diagnose your verruca and discuss treatment options, both clinical and home-based!

Are There Any Home Remedies For Verruca Infections?

There are a few ways you can go about treating your verruca at home. When it comes to OTC (over-the-counter) remedies, it’s been evident that salicylic acid-based verruca treatments tend to work effectively. Over-the-counter remedies only work half the time, though, and you also run the risk of damaging the skin around your verruca.

If you have conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or diminished sensation in your feet, DO NOT self-treat your verrucae. This could actually be disastrous. We can’t stress on this enough, but never EVER attempt any form of “home surgery”. You WILL put yourself at risk for further infection.

If you have a verruca and you’re concerned or simply find it to be an eyesore, visit a podiatrist. You can book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic for all your verruca treatment needs.

My Child Has A Verruca – Will Verruca Treatment Differ?

If you’re a parent and your child has a verruca, don’t worry! Book an appointment with us and our experienced podiatrists will be able to modify verruca treatments to be suitable and comfortable for your child.

Will My Verruca Infection Go Away On Its Own?

Verrucae tend to go away with time, but you have to have a lot of patience. Some verrucae are adamant and stick around for even a couple of years. Most of our clients seek verruca treatment because their verrucas are either an eyesore, or are super uncomfortable. They can hurt, itch, cause rubbing, and spread to other parts of your foot.

Just like with any other lesion on your foot, verrucae can make it hard for you to walk. In fact, you may adjust the way you walk in order to avoid the sore area, and this can lead to an alteration of your gait which causes aches and pains in other parts of your feet and legs.

So, though verrucae go away with time, it’ll do you good to visit a podiatrist and nip them in the bud before they get too uncomfortable and change your lifestyle.

If you find yourself suffering from verruca infections or any other foot-related issues, don’t hesitate and wait till it’s too late. Book an appointment at Buck Foot Clinic and we’ll be able to offer you the best treatment for all your foot-related issues!

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

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the lower limbs and feet. Podiatrists are trained and are doctors of podiatry, so they can prescribe drugs, order lab tests, and even perform surgery. They can perform surgery for common foot issues like ingrown nails, foot ulcers, corns, calluses, plantar fasciitis, and more.

For the most part, people know what podiatrists do and that they are trained to perform surgery, but there are many questions surrounding this topic. Lots of people ask questions about just what kind of surgeries podiatrists specifically perform, so we’re here with answers!

This article will highlight what kind of foot surgery podiatrists can perform, and give you a quick view into some of the most common foot surgeries in Amersham. Read on to learn more about ingrown toenail, hammertoe, and bunion and corn removal foot surgery in Beaconsfield.

Here at Bucks Foot Clinic, our podiatrists are trained to perform many foot surgeries. We have different branches, so you can get foot surgery in Chesham, foot surgery in Amersham and foot surgery in Beaconsfield.

Our podiatrists are trained to perform foot surgeries for a variety of issues, such as:

• Bunions and Corns
• Hammertoes and other toe problems
• Nerve Entrapments in feet and ankles
• Arthritis in feet and ankles
• Skin Disorders
• Tendon and Soft Tissue Disorders
• Sports Injuries
• Fractures in feet and ankles
• Foot Issues related to Diabetes
• Birth Deformities
• Heel Pain
• High-Arched and Flat Feet

A podiatrist will be able to perform foot surgery for all the above issues. A lot of foot issues don’t respond to normal management. In these cases, a podiatrist will be able to determine when foot surgery may be helpful. When pain or deformity persists, foot surgery may be the right approach to getting rid of discomfort and restoring proper foot function. Some conditions that may need foot surgery are:

• Bunions: These are very common foot deformities. Bunions are enlarged areas of bone and tissue around joints, usually in the big or little toes. They can make it uncomfortable to walk, and even make it difficult without foot surgery.
• Hammertoes: This foot deformity is a contracture of a toe and can cause pain and irritation while wearing footwear. It can also lead to frequent formation of calluses and corns.
• Neuromas: This is basically the enlargement of a nerve segment between your third and fourth toes. It leads to swelling, numbness, and discomfort while walking.
• Bone Spurs: This is a bone overgrowth and is normally caused by trauma, pressure, or reactive stress of ligaments and tendons. Bone Spurs can cause you serious pain and can also restrict joint movement.

Out of all these issues, the most common foot surgeries we perform in our Beaconsfield, Amersham, and Chesham clinics are foot surgeries for ingrown toenail, hammertoe, and bunion and corn removal. We’ll highlight each one below!

Our podiatrists are experts in scalpel blade techniques and anesthesia administration, which lets them, perform foot surgery for nails. Ingrown toenails are very common and they occur when a toenail grows into the flesh next to it. This can be immensely uncomfortable. Ingrown toenails can also be caused because of the curvature of your toes, ill-fitting shoes, toenail/toe injury, or improper nail cutting.

If your ingrown toenail doesn’t heal naturally, you’ll have to visit a podiatrist to get it treated. They’ll most likely perform ingrown toenail surgery to remove a part of the nail, or the whole nail depending on severity.

Our podiatrists can perform foot surgery related to hammertoes. This is one of the treatments for imbalanced toe muscles. Hammertoes are usually caused because of ill-fitting shoes, pointed shoes, or narrow shoes. You can avoid having to get foot surgery for hammertoe by performing strengthening exercises and wearing properly fitted shoes. But, if your hammertoe persists, and you have symptoms like foot pain, redness, irritation, inflammation, burning, and corns or calluses, you may have to go in for foot surgery.

Another foot surgery our podiatrists perform often is bunion surgery and corn removal. Bunions are a condition in which you suffer from a bump at the base of your big toe (usually). Corns, on the other hand, are hardened areas of your foot that are thick-skinned. In most cases, when a person has bunions, they also have corns.

Both of these issues can be painful, if not treated in time. When ignored, foot surgery will be necessary.

If you had any questions relating to the type of foot surgery a podiatrist can perform, we hope you found your answers. If you have any questions, or think you may need to see a foot care specialist, don’t hesitate to reach out and book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic! Our experts will be more than happy to help you.

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

Why You Should See A Podiatrist Regularly for Diabetic Care

Diabetes comes with many other stemming problems. One of the most dangerous of them is foot problems. Did you know that every 20 seconds, a limb is lost to diabetes? That’s scary, isn’t it? When you have diabetes, you run the risk of foot problems and complications. These issues usually occur because of nerve damage or neuropathy in the feet and toes.

When you have neuropathy in your feet, you lose the ability to feel pain over time. This makes it difficult to know the true condition of your foot’s health. Small cuts and wounds are easy to overlook because of this and can turn pretty nasty when overlooked for long periods of time. Your small cut can very easily turn into a foot ulcer if left ignored.

This is where podiatrists come in! Podiatrists can help you take care of and protect your feet to prevent disastrous issues like the above. It’s very important to see a podiatrist regularly when you have diabetes. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so regular visits to a podiatrist can really prevent your feet from suffering in the long term because of diabetes. If you have diabetes, you’ll want to go in for diabetic care treatment in Little Chalfont or diabetic care in Amersham to cut big issues like the above at the root.

Podiatry is a very important yet often overlooked segment of diabetic care in Amersham. Podiatrists play an integral role in your diabetes health care team. They are trained specifically to assess nerve damage in your feet and help you come up with treatment and prevention plans. They also identify foot health risks specific to you!

Diabetes can truly affect your feet in so many ways, which is why it’s important to see a Podiatrist at least once a year to address these issues related to diabetes.

As we said earlier, there are a number of risks diabetes brings to your feet’ health. If you have diabetes, you run the risk of experiencing a number of foot problems, including:

• Nerve Damage: You may go through neuropathy (or simply put, nerve damage). This causes pain and often numbness in your feet. This can lead to more severe problems in the future, like the complete loss of feeling in your feet and toes. When this occurs, small cuts and injuries go unnoticed and often stem from much larger and more dangerous health issues.
• Foot Ulcers: These are wounds that can develop on your feet and/or toes. Foot ulcers occur on your feet when the tissue on the affected part of your foot is broken down to make an open wound. They can grow much larger and very easily get infected. Treatment for foot ulcers is often very expensive and lengthy, which is why it’s best to prevent them. Foot ulcers can also lead to amputation if not treated properly and timely.
• Charcot Foot: When you have neuropathy in your feet, it can also lead to the bones in your feet being weakened. Once these bones weaken, they can even fracture and result in foot deformities.
• Amputations: In some cases, foot ulcers and open wounds reach a stage where they can’t be treated and repaired. When this is the case, you may require amputation.

These are a handful of issues you can face with your feet due to diabetes. In reality, there are many more complications you can experience resulting from diabetes. This is why it’s integral to seek diabetic care treatment in Little Chalfont or Amersham. A podiatrist will be able to determine risk factors specific to you, and tell you what to look out for and how you can prevent these issues from occurring.

If you have diabetes and are considering seeing a podiatrist, good move! You absolutely need to see a podiatrist on a regular to make sure your feet stay healthy. When visiting a podiatrist for your diabetes, make sure you are prepared with information on your medical history. Also try to jot down some questions you may have, including concerns about care. It’s always best to be completely comprehensive about your questions so you get all your doubts cleared. When visiting a podiatrist for diabetic care treatment in Amersham, you’ll want to discuss the following:

• Neuropathy: If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of neuropathy or nerve damage, tell your podiatrist and they’ll give you a monofilament test or another very detailed test for nerve damage. This way, you’ll be able to understand whether you have nerve damage or not, how to prevent it or keep it from spreading, and all the other issues that come with nerve damage.
• Foot Exams: Your podiatrist will give you a proper examination for your feet. They’ll even show you how you can go about doing this at home and what you’ll have to look out for.
• Temperature Monitoring: Keeping your feet in optimal temperature is integral when you have diabetes. Temperature monitoring has been clinically proven to prevent foot ulcers and the risk of amputation significantly. Your podiatrist will show you how you can incorporate temperature monitoring in your everyday routine. They’ll even be able to suggest diabetic socks that are ideal for your specific needs.
• Foot Care: Your podiatrist will also be able to tell you how to go about your foot care routine. They’ll teach you how you can protect your feet everyday and maintain proper foot health to prevent any future issues from developing.

When you have diabetes and you don’t make regular visits to your podiatrist, it can lead to disastrous complications. It can often lead to conditions that are limb-threatening and require amputation. If you have diabetes, you need to take extra care of your feet and protect yourself from infection so you don’t have to suffer the consequences later.

Diabetes leads to a significant raise of blood sugar. These high levels of sugar can damage the nerves in your feet and cause peripheral neuropathy. This, combined with the characteristic poor circulation in diabetic patients can lead to slower healing and increase your chances of infection. When you have nerve damage, you lose sensation in your feet. You won’t be able to feel if your shoes are fitting your right, and this can lead to many other foot complications. This loss of feeling can also make you not realize if you have a blister or a small cut on your foot, which can often lead to bigger issues like foot ulcers. Left untreated, these seemingly small conditions can become way worse and affect your feet terribly.

It’s important to practice regular foot care if you have diabetes. You must wash your feet daily, and check for blisters and small cuts. You need to dry both your feet thoroughly and pay close attention to the spaces between your toes to prevent fungal infections.

If you suffer from diabetes and you notice you have sores on your feet, visit a podiatrist immediately! If left untreated, these sores can become infected and lead to gangrene or even the need for amputation.

Based on statistics, most amputations caused by diabetes could have been easily prevented with proper and regular foot care. This is why it’s absolutely integral to make regular visits to a podiatrist for diabetic care treatment in Little Chalfont.

Now that you know of the various foot care risks that come with diabetes, you probably want to visit the nearest podiatrist. If you’re looking for diabetic care in Amersham or diabetic care treatment in Little Chalfont, you can book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic. We have trained professionals who’ll be able to help you with all things foot-related!

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

Ingrown toenail infections are one of the most common issues people face when it comes to their feet. Many people suffer from this condition, but they rarely know what it is so they cannot treat it correctly and manage it before it gets too bad. It is important to know ingrown toenail symptoms and ingrown toenail management so the condition doesn’t get worse. It’s always better to treat something in its early stages so it doesn’t get infected worse or become a recurring problem. There are many causes of ingrown toenail infections, and the most common causes are improper foot care and wearing shoes that do not fit you right.

If you think you might be suffering from an ingrown toenail infection, read this article to learn how you can identify it and go about ingrown toenail management so it doesn’t get worse!

Before we get into its symptoms, it would help to make it clear exactly what an ingrown toenail infection is and how it’s caused.

Ingrown toenail infections occur when the corner tip or edge of your toenail pokes into the skin surrounding it, instead of freely growing outwards. The toe that’s most likely to suffer from this issue is your big toe since it’s usually the one that’s most in contact with your footwear.

This condition is potentially very painful and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail infection can lead to other infections that may even spread into the underlying bone structure of your feet.

If you have a condition that reduces the blood flow to your feet, like diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, you’re more likely to suffer from an ingrown toenail. In fact, if you suffer from any of these conditions, your ingrown toenail can turn sour very quickly and lead to severe complications. This is why it’s important to know the symptoms early on and treat it accordingly.

Ingrown toenails are treatable at home, but at-home treatments can lead to complications if not carried out properly and hygienically. These complications will require immediate attention from a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

Now that you know what an ingrown toenail is and why it’s important to know its symptoms early on, we can tell you what to look out for when self-diagnosing an ingrown toenail infection.

You may have an ingrown toenail infection if you have any of the following symptoms:

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

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

Once you’ve checked off “yes” on any of the above symptoms, your next step is to start ingrown toenail management at home to prevent the issue from getting worse. If your ingrown toenail looks infected and has a funky smell or is leaking fluid, skip the home remedies and see a podiatrist immediately! You can never be too safe when it comes to infections.

If your ingrown toenail looks like it’s just about budding and is still in its early phase, you can go ahead and try out any of the below-ingrown toenail management methods.

• NEVER yank or pull on your nail! This can break the skin severely and lead to horrendous complications. You might be able to access your ingrown toenail by lifting your skin gently with a piece of floss. Just make sure to never force it open, and also ensure that your hands are sanitised and clean before you try to treat your ingrown toenail infection.
• To drain the affected area of pus and to reduce your pain, you must fill a bucket with warm water and add Epsom salt or coarse salt to it. Then, gently soak your foot in this solution so your skin softens around your ingrown toenail.
• After softening your skin and draining it of any pus, you can put an antibiotic/antifungal lotion or cream on the nail and the skin around and under it. Apply the cream directly.
• If your pain is unbearable, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to help with it. Apart from this, you can also take OTC medications to reduce swelling and discomfort. If the pain truly is unbearable, though, we suggest seeing a podiatrist instead of jumping into OTC medications and trying to treat it on your own.

After you’ve tried all of the above, if your pain and infection persist after a few days, it’s advisable to visit a podiatrist. They’ll be able to lift and access the underpart of your nail much easier, so your topical antibiotics can be applied swiftly and can take effect better.

Apart from ingrown toenail management, it’s important to know how you can prevent the infection altogether. Prevention is always better than cure, so follow these rules so you never have to suffer from an ingrown toenail infection:

• Whenever you trim your toenails, make sure to trim straight across. The edges of your nail must never curve inwards.
• Try not to cut your nails too short.
• Always only wear shoes that fit you properly. Your shoes must never be too tight, and your toes must always have breathing room inside. The same applies to socks and tights.
• If you work in conditions that are hazardous in nature, i.e. construction, try to wear steel-toed boots while working to prevent heavy objects falling on your toenails and hurting them.

If you suspect that your toenails may be abnormally thick or curved, visit a podiatrist for confirmation. Surgery may be necessary for prevention in this case.

Now that you know about the early symptoms of an ingrown toenail infection and how you can go about ingrown toenail management at home, you shouldn’t really have much of a problem.

However, if your ingrown toenail persists, is recurring, or gets worse over time (say it starts pussing or gets very painful), you should visit a podiatrist and get professional treatment.

In some cases, surgery may be needed to combat the effects of ingrown toenail infections. It shouldn’t reach this stage if you treat it properly in its early stages and continue to practice prevention and proper foot hygiene.

If you’re looking for a podiatrist to help with your ingrown toenail management, or just to treat any other general foot problems you may have, you can book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic!

We have highly skilled professionals in the field that can help you with all your foot-related issues.

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

How To Get Rid Of A Nail Infection & Common Foot Care Practices

Taking care of your feet is a very integral part of your health. Foot care is often overlooked and seen as something that isn’t too important, but it truly can make the world of a difference when it comes to your overall health. Your feet, though strong, often make direct contact with the ground and can therefore pick up a lot of infections and things like ringworm, which can affect your entire body’s health. This is why it’s important to practice foot care and hygiene, so you can prevent your body from being affected at its root. Read on to learn about common foot problems, how you can practice proper foot care, and where you can get ingrown toenails treatment in Amersham.

When you don’t take care of your feet and their hygiene, you are susceptible to a lot of diseases and viruses. Without proper foot care, you place yourself at risk when it comes to things like:

• Ingrown Toenails
• Nail Infections
• Athlete’s Foot
• Blisters
• Verrucas
• Corns
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Warts
• Stone Bruises
• Ringworm

The list truly goes on and on. Foot care is an important and integral part of maintaining your body’s overall health and it should not be overlooked.

I’m sure you wouldn’t cut back on brushing your teeth on a daily basis, right? You should also feel the same way when it comes to caring for your feet. Here are a few basic (and effective) ways you can improve your foot care regimen and maintain proper foot hygiene.

• Clean your feet in warm water, but try not to soak them too much as this will tend to dry your feet out too much.
• Check your feet for sores, swelling, cuts, and infected toenails DAILY.
• Don’t wear shoes that don’t fit you right. Tight shoes can lead to a number of issues. Your shoes should never hurt to wear.
• Try not to wear flip-flops because they don’t give you enough arch support.
• Don’t wear the same shoes every day, and make sure to clean them regularly.
• Trim your toenails regularly. Cut straight across, and then use a file to smooth the corners so your nail won’t grow into your skin.

Keep your skin hydrated and moisturized daily with creams, lotions, and petroleum jelly. Try to avoid anything with an excessive amount of chemicals. Avoid moisturizing between your toes, because you should keep the skin there dry to prevent any infections that breed in moisture.

Now that we’ve discussed proper foot care and hygiene, we can move on to one of the most frequently asked questions, “How to get rid of nail infections”. If you find yourself suffering from a nail infection, there are a few topical at-home remedies you can resort to. It’s always best to see a podiatrist, however, because when you don’t treat a nail infection, things can go south. Topical home remedies can give you instant relief and help treat your nail infection, but will often not fully cure it.

At-Home Remedies On How To Get Rid Of A Nail Infection:

• Snakeroot Extract: Sometimes the best solutions are found in nature. The extract of this antifungal plant can be used to treat fungal nail infections and has proved to be as effective as ciclopirox, a drug-store anti-fungal treatment.
• Ozone Oils: Oils like sunflower oil and olive oil are oils that contain the same gases that exist in the ozone layer. Many studies have been conducted that have concluded that these “ozonized” oils are effective when it comes to treating nail fungus and may just be the best home remedy on how to get rid of a nail infection. In fact, a study took place in which sunflower oil had higher clinical effects than a common antifungal medication called ketoconazole.
• Oregano Oil: Another proof of the effectiveness of nature is oregano oil. It contains “thymol”, a naturally occurring phenol that is said to have antifungal properties. In treatments, this oil is also combined with tea tree oil, but this increases the risk of negative side effects, irritation, and allergic reaction.
• VapoRub: Though commonly used to treat colds and coughs, vicks vaporub has proved itself beneficial in treating fungal nail infections, in a study done in 2011.

These are a few of the most popular at-home remedies. If your nail infection persists, it is advisable to see a foot specialist to avoid any further damage and spread. Please see a podiatrist if the symptoms of your nail infection get worse or do not leave.

Another very common problem related to foot care is ingrown toenails. Many people suffer from ingrown toenails, and when left ignored, the ingrowth can get worse and become increasingly painful. When you visit a specialist for ingrown toenail treatment, they’ll most likely tell you to try this first:

• Soak the affected foot in warm water a few times a day for a few days; this softens your skin around the ingrown nail and prevents the nail from growing further into it.
• Ensure that your foot is dry the rest of the day.
• Make sure to only wear shoes that are wide and comfortable.
• Take over-the-counter painkillers to help deal with the pain (if needed).

If you do all of the above, but still find yourself suffering from a bad ingrown toenail, you’ll want to seek ingrown toenail treatment near you. You can book an appointment with Bucks Foot Clinic, we have some of the best available ingrown toenail treatment in Amersham.

You’ve now learnt about how you can practice proper foot care and hygiene, how to get rid of a nail infection, and where you can seek ingrown toenail treatment in Amersham. If you find yourself suffering from these problems frequently, and the symptoms do not go away and just seem to get worse, it’s advisable that you see a podiatrist. Our trained professionals at Bucks Foot Clinic are well adept at handling all foot care issues, and will be happy to help you!

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

One of the most common and contagious problems people face in regard to their feet is the development of Verrucas. Verrucas are not picky, and can affect pretty much anyone, of all ages. In fact, most people have gotten a verruca at least once before. Verrucas are very easily confused with warts, but it’s to be noted that they are not warts itself, but are technically a type of wart. Both warts and Verruca infections are formed because of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Verrucas are also very commonly confused with corns, but you must know the differences so you can treat them accordingly.

This article will give you some insight into what exactly verrucas on feet are, why they form, how they can be treated, and how you can tell them apart from other common foot problems.

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

Sometimes verrucas can be painless, but more often than not they are very uncomfortable and even painful to deal with. They can disappear overnight, or can be persistent for years on end.

Verrucas are caused by infection on your skin by the HPV virus. They are highly contagious and so they spread from person to person in a seemingly never ending cycle. They are spread through both direct and indirect skin contact.

You’re very likely to get affected by a verruca on your foot if your skin is wet or damaged, which is why swimming pools and communal showers serve as breeding grounds for verruca infections. They’re so contagious that you can even infect yourself! If you touch your infection and then touch other parts of your body, the infection can spread and affect those areas too.

You’re also very likely to develop a verruca if your immune system isn’t running smoothly and you’re generally prone to illnesses. This may occur due to a medical condition or because you’re taking immunosuppressant medications.

There are some safety precautions that are integral when you or someone you know has been affected by a verruca infection. To prevent the further spread of verrucas, please follow these guidelines below:

• Don’t be barefoot in communal showers, try to wear at least flip flops
• Always cover your verruca with a plaster if you plan on going swimming
• Never scratch at or pick on your verruca because this will help it spread
• Never share towles, shoes, and socks
• If you have verrucas on your fingers, don’t bite your nails and try not to touch things too much
• If you choose to use a pumice stone on your verruca, do not let anyone else use the same one

There are many ways you can go about treating a verruca infection. Thought they normally go away with time, if you find yourself plagued with verrucas on your feet and they’re either painful or just an eyesore, here’s a few treatments:

1. Home Remedies:

• A great home remedy is taking a piece of banana skin and cutting it to be the same size as the verruca on your feet. Then, go ahead and place the piece of banana skin on the verruca and secure it with a plaster. Do this for about two weeks, every night before bed.
• Garlic is an all-round cure-all and is generally just really good for your health. You can use garlic to treat your verruca as well. Take a piece of garlic and put it over your verruca infection and secure it with a plaster. If you do this daily for a month, your verruca should go away.
• A study was done in which it was proven that duct tape surprisingly helps get rid of verrucas. Take a piece of duct tape and cover your verruca with it, and it should go away in a few weeks.

2. Medication:

• There are many creams, medicated plasters, and gels that you can use to aid the treatment of your verruca. Most of these are readily available as over the counter products, so you can get them at your local pharmacy.
• Salicylic acid is the key ingredient in all of these products and this is what actually treats your verruca. It helps soften the verruca significantly.
• Never use salicylic acid products on your face because that can lead to some really bad scarring. Also, if you have pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, consult your doctor before using these products.

3. Cryotherapy:Cryotherapy is a very effective way to remove your verruca. It is the process in which your verruca is frozen with liquid nitrogen, which makes it fall off. If you’re interested in cryotherapy, please visit a podiatrist and never try to do this on your own. It can lead to scarring and is typically also mildly painful, so it’s not a great option for children and people who are sensitive to pain.

4. Check In With Your Podiatrist:The best way to treat anything related to your feet is by visiting a podiatrist. They are experts at all things foot-related and will be able to treat your verruca with ease and painlessly. When you visit a podiatrist, they will most likely use SWIFT Machine Treatment to get rid of your verruca. SWIFT is a very quick and efficient way to treat verrucas, it’s in the name itself! SWIFT uses microwave energy for verruca removal. To learn more about what you can expect from SWIFT treatment, read our article on this topic!

A lot of people find themselves asking, “do I have a verruca or corn?”. It’s very easy to get confused between a verruca or corn, so it’s always good to know the main differences, so you can treat it accordingly.

• Verrucas are viruses, while corns are cone shaped hard pieces of skin.
• Verrucas are contagious, corns are not.
• Verrucas often are shaped like a cauliflower and they tend to have a black spot in the center, while corns have a more uniform cone-like shape.
• Verrucas can happen to anyone, while corns are more likely to show up in people with dryer skin.
• Verrucas are not as raised and yellow as corns are.

These are just a few key observable differences that’ll help you identify if you have a verruca or a corn. If you want to learn more about these differences in depth, please read this article.

Now that you know what a verruca is and how you can tell if you have a verruca or corn, you may want to see a podiatrist for further treatment or to get rid of your verruca entirely. If you’re looking for verruca treatment in Beaconsfield, Bucks Foot Clinic is the best option for you! We have trained professionals who’ll be able to deal with your verruca infection with ease. Book an appointment with us for hassle-free consultation and verruca treatment in Beaconsfield!

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

Corns are a very common issue faced by many people. They usually occur because of constant friction, so the main cause of corns is usually wearing the wrong shoes that don’t fit you right. They’re very easy to prevent, but can be really irritating so you may want to get them removed when they show up too often. Worry not, because there’s a lot you can learn about corn treatment for feet, and how you can prevent them altogether. It’s always best to see a podiatrist to get the right corn treatment in Beaconsfield. If you find yourself wanting to get rid of your corn, there’s great services for corn removal in Little Chalfont.
Read on to learn more about corns and how you can treat them and get them removed.

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.

You’re more likely to develop corn if:

• You have a medical condition that changes the alignment of the bones in your feet. Ex. arthritis, hammertoes, bunions, bone spurs.
• You don’t wear socks
• Your shoes are too narrow for your feet

If you check yes on any of the above, you run the risk of developing corns on your feet.

You’re probably wondering if corns are painful. The answer is both yes and no. When you first develop corn, it won’t cause you pain at all. But, as the corn further develops and the skin thickens more, it can start causing pain. The areas of your skin that are raised will become sensitive to pressure and tender to touch compared to the unaffected skin surrounding it. Corns can even get infected, and that can lead to significant amounts of pain. This is why it’s always best to see a podiatrist so they can give you corn treatment for your feet so that the issue doesn’t get worse.

As with all things, prevention is always better than cure. Feet are often overlooked, but they’re very integral to your overall health since they make the most contact with the ground. In order to prevent corns from developing on your feet, you should keep the following in mind:

• Always wear shoes that fit you well and are comfortable. Your shoes must support your feet but also be cushioned and have shock-absorbing soles. Your feet should never feel cramped in your shoes, and there must always be ample space for your toes so they aren’t rubbing against the shoes or each other.
• Try to avoid narrow-toed and high-heeled shoes as far as you can.
• Use insoles that are cushioned.
• Wear socks with your shoes.
• Inspect your feet regularly and practice proper foot care and hygiene.
• Always keep your toenails trimmed.
• Try not to walk barefoot.
• Try keeping your feet as dry as you can. Use foot powder if you’re prone to sweaty feet.

In case you find yourself riddled with corns, you should know how they are treated by your podiatrist. You can try to treat them at home as well, but it’s always better to see a professional.

• 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.

If, for whatever reason, your corn does not go away or gets worse, you may consider getting it removed. If you’re looking for a podiatrist clinic to do the job well, you can count on Bucks Foot Clinic! We have the best corn treatment in Beaconsfield and will be more than happy to assist you.

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

Gone are the days where the notorious verruca is seen as difficult to treat! With evergreen technology, you can get SWIFT machine treatment and permanently say goodbye to the verrucas that have been persistently pursuing your feet. Read on to learn more about verrucas and how you can get SWIFT treatment in Little Chalfont and Beaconsfield to treat them!

This article will probably be lost on you if you aren’t aware of what a verruca is. Verrucas are contagious and often painful lumps/warts that form on the soles of your feet. They are often confused with corns, but are very different from them. To learn more about the differences between verrucas and corns, and verrucas in general you can read our blog post about it!

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

As mentioned earlier, SWIFT uses microwave energy to help heal the infected area of your skin. With SWIFT, you don’t puncture or damage the skin, and the treatment is quick and effective. It uses the same technology that’s been used to effectively treat cancer for the last 30 odd years. SWIFT Machine Treatment is completely non-invasive and is a super effective procedure. As it is with most skin conditions and viruses, the best way to treat verrucas is by triggering the body’s immune system to allow it to naturally heal and clear the infected area. This is precisely what SWIFT treatment does. It uses microwave technology to make electromagnetic waves penetrate deep into the infected area to alert the immune system of the verruca to instigate the self-healing process, while also destroying the verruca as well.

Treatment for most skin issues can be slightly uncomfortable. It’s the same for verrucas as well. You may feel a slight amount of discomfort during the treatment, but pain is a very subjective thing. Some people may find it more painful than others but the general consensus is that SWIFT Machine Treatment is not too painful. A common comparison made by people who’ve undergone SWIFT treatment is that it feels like a sudden heat that lasts for 2-3 seconds and then subsides. You don’t require anaesthetics for the treatment, but if you feel like you have a very low pain tolerance, you can choose to apply them 45 minutes prior to the session. Depending on the size of your verruca, your podiatrist may even choose to reduce the lesion with a blade.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

In some cases, one session may be enough to remove a verruca or wart. In fact, one sitting can usually be enough to remove multiple verrucas. But, as is with all things, the number of sittings you may need can be pretty subjective. It all depends on how your body reacts to the treatment. No body is the same, so some people may need more than one session while others are good to go after just one. Recent studies have shown that the very best results are seen with 3 sessions in 4 weekly intervals. Your podiatrist will be able to work out these details with you and give you a clearer idea on how many sittings you may need based on how your body reacts to the SWIFT Machine Treatment.

What You Can Expect With SWIFT Treatment in Little Chalfont and Beaconsfield?

SWIFT Machine Treatment is very simple! Once the verruca has been cleaned, the probe is kept over the affected area and a precise and highly controlled dose of energy is administered to it. When the electromagnetic waves hit the infected tissue, the temperature of the area is heightened and so the diseased cells get destroyed. This also triggers your body’s self-healing mechanism and this ensures that the tissue starts self-repairing automatically, while generating fresh and new cells.

With SWIFT treatment, you get what you expect, because the name itself suggests the treatment is swift and quick! The zap lasts 2-5 seconds, and in most cases there’s a minimum of four zaps per verruca.

For most people, the “pain” is bearable and the treatment has been compared to the feeling of a quick injection.

Once you’re done with the procedure, the area may feel a little tender, but you can still go about your day-to-day activities without hindrance, as long as you’re weary not to put excessive amounts of pressure on you foot.

SWIFT Treatments require more than one session, but the total number of sessions depends on the size, location, duration, and number of verrucas on your feet, as well as how your body takes to the treatment. The ideal number of sessions (as mentioned above) is 3, with a 4 week interval between each one.

After your first sitting, the verruca will not change in appearance, but don’t let this make you lose hope. Visible results may be slow, but the healing is still rapidly taking place. All you need is a bit of patience, and you’ll see the worthwhile results after all your sessions! Your body’s immune system will take a little while to gain pace, which is why most treatments require that four-week gap, to allow your body to adjust well.

Am I Suitable To SWIFT Machine Treatment?

Pretty much anyone with skin lesions can undergo SWIFT treatment, but there are a few exceptions (listed below). SWIFT Machine Treatment is suitable for children who are older, and also low-risk diabetics with good circulation in their bodies. Before undergoing treatment, your podiatrist will assess you and advise you accordingly.

SWIFT Treatment may not be suited to you if:

• You have heart problems or wear a pacemaker
• You have nerve damage in your feet
• You have poor circulation or diabetes (high-risk)
• You have metal pins/plates/replacement joints in your feet/ankles
• Your body doesn’t heal too well
• You’re on immunosuppressive drugs from cancer treatment/rheumatoid arthritis (since they lower your immunity)
• You are under 10 years old
• You’re very sensitive to pain (fear not, however, because in this case, you can use analgesics and go ahead with the procedure)

You’re pregnant/breastfeeding since your immune system is very turbulent during this period. So, the SWIFT Treatment results may not be as successful.

Now that you understand SWIFT Machine Treatment better, you’ll be more inclined to try it out on your verrucas. Book an appointment with us at Bucks Foot Clinic to receive the best SWIFT Treatment in Little Chalfont and Beaconsfield!

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

There are so many important parts of your body, you tend to overlook some of the smaller ones. Though they may be small, they do not lack significance. Toenails come under this category of overlooked body parts that need focused care. There are a plethora of problems you can face when it comes to your toenails, and the most common and popularly suffered one is Ingrown Toenail Infections. You can come from any walk of life, and suffer from this issue. But do not fear, we have a guide to help you understand Ingrown Toenails Infection better!

It is important to know what you’re looking for when self-diagnosing yourself with an infection. You can’t confirm something unless you know what it is. So, what exactly is an Ingrown Toenail Infection?

Ingrown Toenails occur when the edge or corner tip of your nail pierces into your skin and then begins to grow back into it. It can happen to everyone and is extremely common and can also be quite painful to deal with. When you have an unattended ingrown nail, chances of infections run high, especially if you’re on your toes a lot! When left unattended, these infections can spread into the underlying bone structures of your feet. Which is why it’s always best to nip these painful growths at the bud!

The main cause of an ingrown toenails infection is negligence. When you have an ingrown nail, it is important to treat it with utmost care so as to not let it get infected. If you notice an ingrown nail, you must treat it so you can prevent infections from spreading into your foot.

You can get ingrown toenails from cutting your toenails too short or keeping them too long, wearing improper footwear, angled nail cutting, toenail injury, and poor foot hygiene.

Sometimes, it’s genetic too. If you have a genetic predisposition to having curved toenails, you are at high risk for ingrowths and infections.

The best way to prevent these infections is to maintain proper foot hygiene, remember to cut your nails straight, wear shoes that fit you comfortably and check in with your podiatrist if something seems amiss.

The symptoms for infected ingrown toenails are quite straightforward and specific.

• Pressure-filled pain on your toe.
• Redness
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Skin next to nail being swollen, tender or hard
• Visible skin growth over your nail
• Blister (which you may not notice at first, but you will notice large amounts of drainage of pus)
• Thick, yellow nails that are cracked; a key symptom of fungal infection

If you notice any of these symptoms, please visit your nearest podiatrist or you can contact us!

Ingrown Toenails are easy to cure at home if you identify them soon. Never yank or pull on the ingrown nail; you shouldn’t force it and you must always make sure your hands are clean and dry before attempting to fix it at home.

Some home remedies include:

1. Soaking your foot in warm water and Epsom salt / coarse salt to soften the skin around your nail. This will also help drain the pus out and reduce pain.
2. Applying antibiotic or antifungal lotion onto the nail and skin under and around the nail.
3. Taking over-the-counter pain medication to help with the discomfort, pain, and swelling.
4. Wearing comfortable and breathable shoes.

If these don’t home remedies don’t work, and you find it hard to manage, your doctor may do some of the things listed below:

1. Pack an antibiotic soaked gauze under your nail to eliminate infection and encourage the nail to grow out normally
2. Trim or cut off the ingrown part of your nail
3. Surgery, only if the case is serious and / or recurring

If your ingrown nail persists and the infection isn’t getting better, it’s time to see a doctor near you.

Now that you know more about Ingrown Toenails Infection, you can identify them better. If you find yourself facing this problem frequently, and it’s getting hard to manage, don’t hesitate to visit us at Bucksfoot Clinic, Amersham. They also provide services for other foot-related pain and problems, and they even offer custom-made footwear to tackle severe foot problems.

Book an appointment today to get swift ingrown nail infection care in Beaconsfield at Bucksfoot Clinic.

You can call us on 0800 107 3290 / 077 99 122 099, or you can book an appointment with us through our website!

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

Fungal Nail Infection and When You Should See A Foot Specialist

There are a number of nail infections that can occur on your feet. This is probably why “foot specialist near me” is a very commonly searched thing on google. One of the most common nail infections is fungal nail infections. Though there are a plethora of nail infections that can affect you, this article’s main focus will be on Fungal Nail Infections and when you should visit a foot specialist. These infections are quite easy to avoid with proper foot care and hygiene, so let’s dive right in and understand everything we can about fungal nail infections so you can prevent them from occurring, or get the right care needed if you’ve been affected.

The first step in understanding how to deal with a fungal nail infection is by understanding how it happens. This way you can prevent it from recurring, or if you haven’t been affected yet, prevent it from happening altogether.

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

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

A fungal nail infection can affect either part of the nail, the entire nail, or even more than one nail. If you show these signs, you may have a fungal nail infection:

• Distorted nail that lifts off from the nail bed
• Odor coming from the nail
• Brittle or thickened nail

Like most infections and diseases, certain people are more at risk when it comes to contracting nail infections. You’re at higher risk of contracting fungal nail infections if you:

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

Nail infections have been known to occur more often in men than women, and are found in adults more than children. If you have family members that are prone to these nail infections, you also run a high risk of getting them yourself. Nail infections are more likely to increase with age as well, since older adults have poorer circulation so their nails grow slowly and thicken more.

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

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

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

• Terbinafine
• Itraconazole
• Fluconazole
• Griseofulvin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DO:

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

DON’T:

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

Refrain from scratching or picking at your verruca

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

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

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

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

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

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