PODIATRY, CHIROPODY AND FOOT CARE

Once we have diagnosed any biomechanical problems, we can get to work on treating them. This will often involve orthotics, exercise programmes, changing your footwear or targeted injections.

This starts with a routine podiatry treatment as above. Then the foot is cleansed using hot water and a special footbath using a flannel. It’s like having a facial on your feet. A scrub is then used over both feet, then cleansed away with the hot flannel too. A massage then takes place on the lower legs and feet. It is very soothing a relaxing. Lots of oils are applied and then a hot paraffin wax is applied on both feet and the feet are wrapped in booties. The oils hydrate the skin and have many benefits such as nourishing, increasing circulation, improving resilience and the appearance of dry, hard skin and cracks. When the wax is removed the treatment ends by applying a polish of the patient’s choice (gentlemen may choose a longer massage as an alternative).

This treatment is for patients with damaged, unsightly nails who are conscious of the appearance of their nails. It is a cosmetic treatment more popular in the summer when feet are on show or for a special occasion. The LCN Wilde Pedique gel is used to give a natural nail appearance and will grow out as the nail grows in. It has anti-fungal properties so if a patient has an existing fungal infection then this can continue to be treated too due to the way this is applied. It is nonporous, so has the added benefit of patients treating it like they would their own natural nail as they can apply and remove nail polish as they would normally.

In a normal routine treatment every diabetic patient unknowingly has their circulation/pulse measured, the integrity of their skin checked, and their feet examined for any signs of danger. Diabetes patients also have the added choice of booking themselves in for an annual neuro-vascular assessment. This test checks their circulation in depth by using Doppler ultrasound. As part of our services we also check sensation by using a special monofilament and neurotip which can detect neuropathy. The sense of vibration is also checked as this too can diminish in diabetic patients without them realising it. Finally, we issue lots of advice and information sheets which is important as diabetes can lead to loss of feeling in feet and ultimately to potential ulcers, wounds, gangrene and loss of limbs.

Arthritis can deform the bones in our feet and ankles, and can cause joint pain and problems as well as lowering of the arch adding extra pressure on feet, ankles, knees, legs and hips. Usually, routine treatment to help address corns and hard skin due to this deformity is required. Insoles or orthotics of special density may also be required to accommodate deformity or help with cushioning or controlling foot movement.

Children suffer from lots of foot problems, and verrucae often occur in children as they have a lower immune system. Sometimes advice to help diagnose and manage at home can be enough. Children also get ingrowing toenails, so advice on shoes and nail cutting can be given and they can have routine appointments or nail surgery with no waiting lists. Lots of children benefit from our podo-paediatric biomechanics, gait analysis and musculoskeletal assessments (MSK). This is the same as for adults but specifically designed for children and their growing feet.

Medical, western, podiatric acupuncture can be useful for foot, ankle, leg and knee pain. The podiatrist would advise the patient of this as part of their routine treatment or biomechanical assessment, and the patient can opt to have this at the same time.

The essential oils in hot paraffin wax can help many conditions such as eczema, dry skin, cracked heels, chilblains, tendonitis, cold feet, poor circulation, hard skin, corns and a lot more. It can be used as a treatment on its own, or as an add-on treatment after a routine podiatry treatment. It is also incorporated in the medi-pedi. The treatment involves a special oil being applied followed by a hot paraffin wax on both feet. The feet are then wrapped in booties, allowing the oils to hydrate the skin and provide benefits such as nourishing, increasing circulation, improving resilience, appearance, and reducing dry hard skin and cracks.

A special marigold flower preparation is made specifically for certain conditions – verrucae, fungal infections, eczema, or hard skin and corns. It involves having this preparation put onto the foot in a padding and covered with tape. The patient is then advised to get it wet for so many minutes a day and usually return for between 1 and 6 weeks, depending on progress. This can be a lengthy treatment but great for patients who seek the natural approach as opposed to harsh chemicals.

Soft tissue and joint mobilisation of the foot and ankle involves manipulation and mobilisation to help strengthen or increase range of motion, movement, and mobility in certain soft tissue, joints and structures to enable progress and help treat the patient’s complaints and conditions. We can use certain techniques that incorporate activating the neuro-specific receptors which enhance treatment and progress. This incorporates the use of the rafinni corpuscles.

Certain homeopathy remedies can help with conditions such as verrucae and fungal infections. We can advise you on what might be suitable and help you arrive at the best decision for you.