FOOT CARE
What is Routine Care?
Professional foot care for all ages. This includes nail cutting and the treatment of corns and callus. It is often difficult to see and reach your own feet in order to look after them. Poor nail cutting technique and a lack of correct skin care can lead to ingrown toenails, pain and infections.
Why should I visit MyFootMedic for foot care?
Our team of degree qualified and HCPC registered Podiatrists use aseptic techniques (carefully controlled conditions to avoid contamination).
Our equipment goes through a three tiered sterilisation process in the same way that dentistry equipment is cleansed. These techniques, coupled with our clean clinical environment, prevent the spread of infection. We use the most up-to-date clinical equipment to help you walk in comfort. We also undertake regular screening in order to detect and treat potential problems before they become an issue.
What is Nail Cutting?
Professional maintenance of toenails for all ages. Our nail cutting service is for both healthy and difficult to cut toenails. Poor nail cutting technique can often lead to painful conditions such as ingrown toenails, hang nail, or damaged toenails.
Why should I visit MyFootMedic for foot care?
Our team of degree qualified and HCPC registered Podiatrists use aseptic techniques (carefully controlled conditions to avoid contamination).
Our equipment goes through a three tiered sterilisation process in the same way that dentistry equipment is cleansed. These techniques, coupled with our clean clinical environment, prevent the spread of infection. We use the most up-to-date clinical equipment to help you walk in comfort. We also undertake regular screening in order to detect and treat potential problems before they become an issue.
What is a Nail Resection?
A nail resection is where a small section of the nail is removed, this is undertaken on the edges of the nail. Often this procedure is required to reduce pressure on the skin surrounding the nail or due to mild cases of ingrown toenails whereby the base of the nail is not problematic. A nail resection can be undertaken with or without local anaesthesia. This procedure is not to be confused with nail surgery, whereby the full length of the nail is removed either as partial or total nail removal.
Why should I visit MyFootMedic for foot care?
Our team of degree qualified and HCPC registered Podiatrists use aseptic techniques (carefully controlled conditions to avoid contamination).
Our equipment goes through a three tiered sterilisation process in the same way that dentistry equipment is cleansed. These techniques, coupled with our clean clinical environment, prevent the spread of infection. We use the most up-to-date clinical equipment to help you walk in comfort. We also undertake regular screening in order to detect and treat potential problems before they become an issue.
What is Callus Reduction?
Callus can be uncomfortable or painful and require reduction. This is achieved by removing hard skin from your feet, with the careful use of sharp medical instruments and electric files.
Please visit our callus treatment page for more information on our services.
Corns can be particularly painful and often need to be removed.
Please visit our corn removal treatment page for more information on our services.
SPORTS & INJURY
What is a Biomechanical Assessment?
A Biomechanical assessment aims to diagnose and uncover the cause of your pain/symptoms. This may include the analysis of your bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, posture and walking pattern (gait). Problems with any of these structures can cause pain and predispose you to an injury.
Please visit our Biomechanical Assessment page for more information.
Rehabilitation
Using the most up-to-date research, our Podiatrists will first undertake a biomechanical assessment. Any findings will help in the design of your customised treatment plan to aid in your rehabilitation. A few common conditions we treat are: Achilles tendinopathy, Morton’s Neuroma, Plantar Fasciitis, Stress fracture, leg length discrepancy and many more.
Each problem and patient will have their own specific needs, however typical rehabilitation techniques include:
Stretching regimes
Certain activities or occupations may lead to shortening of tendons, muscles and ligaments. This can predispose you to soft tissue damage such as tendinopathy and ligament sprains. Stretching of these structures is often an essential step on the road to recovery. Our Podiatrists will demonstrate specific exercises and observe you undertaking them in order to assess your technique. In the majority of cases videos or written information will be issued to help you undertake your regime at home.
Strengthening regimes
Weak structures (muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones) may predispose you to injury or follow an injury. Strengthening of these structures is often essential to limit the chances of recurrence and to aid in recovery. Your technique will be assessed and in the majority of cases videos of your exercises or written information will be issued.
Joint manipulation
It is common for joints to become tight and restricted, especially following and injury or operation. Joint manipulation is a form of manual therapy that aims at improving the range and quality of motion at specific joints. These techniques are commonly undertaken by Podiatrists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Physiotherapists. They work not just on the joints and soft tissues, but also on the nerves innovating these structures. This method includes isolating specific bones or joints and applying varying levels of pressure through them in order to improve function. Joint manipulations are typically uncomfortable whilst being undertaken but can dramatically reduce symptoms and improve function within a short period of time.
Insoles & Orthotics
Insoles and Orthotics are commonly used to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation process following an injury.
Soft tissue mobilisation
Soft tissue mobilisation, similar to massage, consists of hands on therapy to reduce tightness and to increase the range and quality of motion of muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Strapping & Taping
Taping techniques have been a common treatment modality for many years. Taping can help reduce strain and tension within damaged structures such as muscles, tendons and ligaments, allowing them to recover. Our Podiatrists will not only apply tape but also demonstrate the techniques required to do so, so that you are able to apply these methods when necessary. Taping can significantly reduce acute symptoms. It may also be used as an indicator as to whether insoles & orthotics are likely to be beneficial in reducing your symptoms.
INFECTION
What is fungal nail micro-penetration?
Fungal nail infections have notoriously been difficult to treat, due to the infection primarily being located underneath the nail plate. Topical (on top of the nail) treatments alone are often unsuccessful due to them being unable to penetrate the nail plate into the nail bed where the infection lies. Fungal nail micro-penetration treatment consists of small holes being safely and specifically placed within the nail plate. Topical treatments are then applied at home on a daily basis. These topical treatments track down the small holes whereby they can combat the infection within the nail bed.
How long does it typically take to resolve?
There is not a 100% success rate in the treatment of fungal nails, however, fungal nail micro-penetration yields high success rates. Treatment lengths depend on the level of infection present and how much of the nail is impacted. As the treatment progresses the fungal portion of the nail grows towards the end of the toe until eventually it can be cut off. An average nail takes approximately one year to fully grow out. The earlier treatment is commenced the faster the results are likely to be and the higher the chances of success.
Important information
There are many conditions that may appear similar to fungal nail infections. It may be necessary for one of our team or your GP to test the nails initially to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment of fungal nails will also need to consist of treatment of your socks and shoes to prevent re-infection. We advise that you use separate nail cutters for healthy and unhealthy nails to prevent the spread of infection.
An initial assessment is required prior to treatment. This is to ensure that an accurate diagnosis can be made and that the treatment is appropriate and safe to be undertaken. During the assessment your full medical history is reviewed, your vascular and neurological status is determined and the risks associated and treatment options are explained.
What is Salicylic Acid (prescription grade) treatment?
This treatment uses prescription acid to attack the outer layer of the verruca, to provoke an inflammatory and immune response, resulting in the outer layer of the virus peeling away.
First the verruca is parred down to ensure the acid is reaching the deeper layers of the virus, following which a protective barrier is applied to the healthy skin surrounding the virus. The acid is then placed on the verruca and covered with a dressing. This dressing stays on and dry for up to three consecutive days.
The treatment is undertaken every second week and may consist of multiple appointments.
What is verruca needling?
Verrucae are allowed to survive and spread by avoiding and staying hidden from your immune system. Verruca needling works in a similar way to a vaccination. It is a method known as auto-implantation, which is the process of pushing infected particles deeper into an area of higher immune detection and response.
Please visit our Verruca Needling page for more information on our treatment.
MEDICAL
“What is an ‘At Risk’ Foot?
‘At Risk’ is a status that suggests the patients foot is at risk of an ulceration or amputation. These patients tend to have complicated medical conditions that usually involve one or more of the below:
Peripheral Neuropathy
The loss of sensation to the feet may mean that cuts and problems go undetected.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Reduced blood flow to the feet means that wounds will be slower to heal. Reduced vein function may lead to pooling of blood and reduced tissue viability, causing ulceration.
Immunocompromised
Reduced ability to fight off infections. Early detection and treatment is essential to prevent spread of infection and sepsis.
Foot deformity
Deformity (e.g. bunions or hammer toe, mallet toe & claw toe) can cause areas of high pressure on the foot leading to tissue breakdown and pressure ulceration.
Disability
Impaired eye sight, gait alteration or decreased dexterity can put your feet at risk and make self foot assessment/self-care a difficult task.
It is common for an ‘At Risk’ patient to suffer with serious complications following incorrectly cutting their own toe nails or poor management of cracked heels/skin that allows infection to pass into the blood stream. Poorly fitting footwear is also a large causative factor in the formation of foot ulcerations.
The most commonly associated medical condition with being ‘At Risk’ is diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of ulceration and amputation.
How can MyFootMedic help?
Podiatrists are specialists in the management of ‘At Risk’ feet, and are trained on the early detection, prevention and management of complications arising from patients at risk of ulceration or amputation. We offer a friendly, professional routine care service whereby your feet are in safe hands. Our equipment is sterilised and our aseptic techniques (carefully controlled conditions to prevent contamination) considerably reduce your chances of suffering from infection or other associated complications. We can advise on footwear, and where necessary, make custom foot insoles & orthotics to redistribute pressure away from problematic sites. In the event of an infection, MyFootMedic Podiatrists are able to prescribe antibiotics. In extreme cases, we may need to refer you on to the Accident and Emergency department or the Multi-Disciplinary Foot Team (consisting of Podiatrists, Vascular Surgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons) at a local hospital.
What is diabetic foot care?
At MyFootMedic we take diabetes seriously, because diabetes is the leading cause of ulceration and amputation. Diabetic foot care is the treatment and prevention of complications arising from diabetic feet.
Please visit our diabetic foot care page for more information on our services.
What is a Foot Health Check?
Similar to a dental or eye check-up, a Foot Health Check aims to highlight any problems that maybe present or developing. During this appointment your Podiatrist will assess your nails, skin, nerves, blood supply and joints. We assess for signs of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease, as well as for nail complications such as ingrown toenails and infections such as verrucae. A Foot Health Check can detect early signs of complications from both your heart and your nerves. It is advised that you undertake an annual assessment in order to achieve an early diagnosis and treatment for any complications that may be uncovered. If a substantial complication is uncovered, we may ask your permission to contact and update your GP on our findings.
Advice
It is common to be given advice during your foot health check. This may regard:
• Footwear
• Nail care
• Moisturising
• Infection treatment
• Stretching or strengthening
• Advice about further treatment options
Local Anaesthesia
MyFootMedic offers procedures to be carried out under local anaesthesia in order to make your treatment more comfortable. Local anaesthesia temporarily prevents the sensations of pain by blocking pain signals to the brain. Numbing injections are commonly undertaken for the treatment of painful toenails, deep corns, verrucae or for the removal of objects implanted within the foot.
Important Information
• Treatment under local anaesthesia is not always possible during your initial assessment and may require a further appointment for treatment
• Following the use of local anaesthesia your car insurance will be void for a 24hour period and you will need to arrange alternative transport
• Dependant on the procedure, a period of rest maybe recommended following the appointment whereby the leg(s) treated may need to stay elevated
• No other anaesthesia can be received within a 48hour period of the procedure being undertaken (e.g. dental injections)
Medications
Prescription medications are drugs that the public can only access through a trained healthcare/medical professional if deemed appropriate, such as antibiotics for infected ingrown toenails or skin infections. MFM Podiatrists are able to issue prescription medication within their scope of practice, this is commonly undertaken for: infections, skin conditions or pain relief. We also have a range of over-the-counter medications that we can supply when prescription medications are not necessary.
What Prescription Medications Can a Podiatrist Prescribe?
Podiatrists with the annotation POM (prescription only medication) can issue any of the below listed prescription medications:
• Antibiotics:
– Amoxicillin
– Flucloxacillin
– Erythromycin
– Silver sulfadiazine
• Antifungal:
– Amorolfine hydrochloride
– Tioconazole
– Topical Terbinafine
• Pain Relief
– Co-Codamol
– Co-dydramol
– Codeine Phosphate
• Steroids
– Topical hydrocortisone
What is nail surgery?
Nail surgery is a commonly undertaken procedure to help in the treatment of damaged or infected nails.
Please visit our toenail surgery page for more information on our services.
What is a Neurological Assessment?
Podiatrists are trained to detect signs and symptoms of neurological disease, including central and peripheral nerve damage. Problems with these structures can lead to pain, ulceration or even amputation.
At MyFootMedic we carry out a detailed neurological assessment which may include:
Sensation Assessment
Sensation assessment is the analysis of your ability to detect certain sensations, such as light touch, hot/cold or sharp/blunt. A series of tools will be gently applied to your foot in order to determine your sensation status. This assessment is undertaken to determine whether you are able to detect damage to your feet (e.g. cuts or poorly fitting shoes).
Reflex Assessment
Reflex abnormalities can help to determine the type or possible location of nerve damage. The examination includes three tests whereby gentle contact will be made to specific tendons at your knee cap, Achilles and on the underside of your foot.
Proprioception
This assessment determines self awareness of the position of your own body parts (e.g. toes). Proprioception sensors relay information about joint angles and joint position to the brain. Testing includes simple dexterity examinations, often undertaken with your eyes shut.
Muscle Tone
Nerve damage can cause the muscles to tighten (hypertonic) or to loosen (hypotonic), and also to become spastic or spasm. A visual and physical assessment of your muscle tone may be undertaken.
Gait Analysis
Nerve damage can cause considerable changes to the way in which we walk. Analysis of your walking pattern (gait) can shed light on potential causes or location of nerve damage.
How can MyFootMedic help?
Early detection and prevention is key when it comes to neurological conditions. Our team of degree qualified HCPC registered Podiatrists are trained to detect the signs of neurological disease and where appropriate, refer on for further analysis and treatment.
Treatment may include:
• Rehabilitation – stretching & strengthening regimes
• Activity advice
• Routine foot care
• ‘At risk’ foot care
• Insoles and orthotics
• Footwear advice
• Referral for further assessment and treatment: GP, Neurologist, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Paediatrician
Vascular Assessment
Podiatrists are trained to detect signs and symptoms of vascular disease, including for arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels. Problems with these structures can lead to ulceration or amputation. Assessments vary dependant on the level of clinical suspicion associated with the presence of vascular disease.
Your assessment may include:
Doppler Assessment
This is an ultrasound device used to check your pulses. This assessment can detect the quality of your arteries and signs of irregularities associated with your heart beat (e.g. atrial fibrillation).
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common cause of peripheral vascular disease. We use an electronic blood pressure cuff to measure your blood pressure and to help detect high or low blood pressure.
Ankle Brachial Pressure Index
This determines any pressure differences between the arteries in your upper body to the arteries in your lower body. The aim is to determine whether there are any blockages in the arteries of your legs of feet.
Visual Assessment
Our Podiatrists will visually assess your legs and feet for any signs of arterial, venous or lymphatic disorder such as varicose veins or swelling at your ankles.
Temperature
A recording of the temperatures between your legs and feet may be taken.
Capillary Refill
The time taken for the blood to return to the toes following being squeezed.
In addition to the above, other signs that we may be concerned about include:
• Intermittent Claudication – pain in the calf muscle whilst walking that eases upon rest, typically described as cramp
• Night pain – pain located to the calf muscles whilst trying to sleep, this can be particularly painful
• Paraesthesia – pins and needles or burning sensations to the legs and feet
• Slow wound healing from cuts to your feet or legs
• Pale colour to the legs and feet (although rare, the feet and legs may present red)
• Sensation of being cold
• Lack of hair to the feet and legs
• Reduced skin quality
How can MyFootMedic help?
Early detection and prevention is key in the fight against vascular disease. Our team of degree qualified HCPC registered Podiatrists are trained to detect the signs of vascular disease and where appropriate, refer on for further analysis and treatment.
• Preventative advice
• Activity advice
• ‘At risk’ foot care
• Insoles & orthotics to redistribute pressure away from problematic sites or ulceration
• Footwear advice
• Referral for further assessment and treatment (e.g. GP, Cardiologist, Vascular specialists, Dietitian)
INSOLES & ORTHOTICS
What is an Orthotic?
Foot orthoses (also known as orthotics, insoles and footbeds) are inserts that sit within your shoes. These devices are designed to alter stress and force through specific joints and soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments and skin) in order to relieve pain and improve joint function.
Please visit our orthotics and insoles page for more information.
