This page contains answers to common questions about some foot problems. It is by no means exhaustive, but hopefully you will find it helpful.

Callus

A callus, or callosity, is an extended area of thickened skin on the soles of the feet, and occurs on areas of pressure. It is the body's reaction to pressure or friction, and can appear anywhere the skin rubs against a bone, a shoe, or the ground.

Most calluses are symptoms of an underlying problem like a bony deformity, a particular style of walking, or inappropriate footwear. Some people have a natural tendency to form callus because of their skin type. Elderly people have less fatty tissue in their skin and this can lead to callus forming on the ball of the foot.

Whatever the cause we will diagnose treat and advise on your condition to restore a pain free quality of life.  

Corns

When we walk or stand, our body weight is carried first on the heel and then on the ball of the foot, where the skin is thicker, to withstand the pressure. When this pressure becomes intense, growths, in the form of corns and callus may appear.

Corns always occur over a bony prominence, such as a joint.

We treat and advise on these sometimes extremely painful lesions and return you to comfortable and pain free lifestyle.

There are five different types of corns.

HARD CORNS  * SOFT CORNS * SEED CORNS * VASCULAR CORNS * FIBROUS CORNS

Cryosurgery

The selective exposure of tissues to extreme cold to bring about the destruction of abnormal cells. This technique may used, for example, to remove certain types of verrucae and in the treatments of severe nail conditions.

Electrotherapy

Medical therapy using electric currents. Also called electrotherapeutics. This technique is leading-edge technology and assists in the removal of abnormal tissue. For example, some types of verrucae may be treated using electrotherapy along with many other skin and nail conditions. Here at the surgery we have the most up to date high technology equipment to ensure your safe and effective treatment procedure.

Foot Pain

This has many causes and can manifest symptoms of rearfoot pain such as plantar faciitis or bursitis or as forefoot pain such as Metatarsalgia or Mortons Neuroma.The associated skin and tissue damage sometimes causes severe pain and discomfort. Whatever your foot condition we have the latest in technology to alleviate your Symptoms and allow you to return to a pain free lifestyle.

Fungal Infection

Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis) is a very common form of fungal infection. Fungal infections may be caused by a number of different organisms, and can appear on both the skin and the nails.

Although the condition is harmless, left unchecked the fungus can infect toenails, making them discoloured and brittle - a problem that's more difficult and lengthy to treat.

Footwear creates the necessary conditions of moisture and warmth between the toes and communal activity permits the spread of infection. Swimming baths and changing rooms are the most frequent source of infection.

We have the very latest in technology for all fungal skin and nail conditions (see electrotherapy).

SYMPTOMS
Itching between the toes, especially the fourth and fifth toes * Red, raw looking skin, which is often itchy * Skin that flakes, peels or cracks * Sore, pus-filled, weeping rash.

In Grown Nail and Nail Surgery

The nail (often the big toe nail) grows into the skin, down the sides of the nail, becoming embedded as the nail grows, which can cause it to weep or bleed. If it has a sharp edge (usually at the side) this digs into the flesh causing pain, irritation and possibly infection. The nail is tender to any pressure.

Here at the surgery we are able to perform all types of nail surgery carried out in relaxed comfortable surroundings with full follow up treatments provided to ensure your complete safety and satisfaction.

* All nail surgery is carried out by a fully qualified medical practioner. *

Occupational Health Company Schemes

We provide a visiting service to local companies for on site occupational foot care. Many large companies already use the services of chiropodists/podiatrists recognising the benefits of increased staff morale and reduced sickness levels.  

We have group rates available so why not find out by contacting us for details and ensure your staff know you are a forward thinking, caring organisation. We can also network to provide practitioners for your company anywhere in the UK.

Orthotics

The mechanics of locomotion of the patient is assessed to identify structural problems. Corrections to the gait can be made via orthotics in the patients shoes. These can often help alleviate foot related knee, hip and lower back problems.

Many Sports injuries can be effectively prevented/treated by biomechanical assessment and orthotic therapy. We, in our continual assessment of the available current trends in this area, will provide your needs in a cost conscious manner.

Tyloma

A large callus. An area of hard skin caused by long, continued frictional, pressure from ill-fitting shoes or by weak arches. Its painful and feels like standing on a hard object all the time.

Verrucae (Warts)

Verrucae are warts, usually found on the soles of the foot, although they can grow around the toes.

Verrucae are caused by a papilomavirus, which is also responsible for warts on other parts of the body. The virus is contagious and seems to thrive in damp conditions - such as swimming pools, showers and bathrooms. It can only be caught by direct contact with one of the types of virus responsible (there 78 known types), by walking on, for example, wet surfaces or by using infected towels. Cuts and foot injuries can increase the risk of picking up a verruca. Here at the surgery we will assess you condition and provide an honest opinion on the prognosis and ensure that all treatment plans are made with not only the latest effective treatments but at minimal costs to the patient in this sometimes-recalcitrant painful condition.