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Ingrown Toenails – What are they and how to treat them
Ingrown Toenails – What Are They And What To Do About Them
During the course of our lives, our feet put up with a lot. They are our most important mode of transport and it is very important that we take good care of them, whether this means buying the right type and size of shoes or getting any issues sorted out as soon as they occur. One common issue that you might find yourself facing is an ingrown toenail.
What is an ingrown toenail?
A common foot issue, an ingrown toenail occurs when the corners or edges of the toenail press into the skin next to the nail. This most commonly occurs on the big toe. However, it can happen to any of your toes. It can be incredibly painful and can sometimes become infected. An ingrowing toenail can be caused by wearing shoes that squeeze your toenails together such as those with a narrow pointy front. It can also be a result of cutting your toenail incorrectly (either too short or not straight across), and via an injury to your toenail (for example by dropping something on it or kicking something).
How can an ingrown toenail be treated?
If it is not dealt with properly, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious issues with your foot, so when you notice a problem you should take steps to resolve it as soon as possible. If you have an ingrown toenail there are a few things you can try at home to treat it, and these include:
- Soaking your foot in warm water several times a day for a couple of days – this can help to soften the skin
- Ensuring your foot is dry
- Wearing comfortable, wide shoes that do not make it worse
You should not cut the nail or wear pointed shoes while you have an ingrown toenail.
Seeking help
Sometimes it is necessary to seek additional help from a Podiatrist if you have an ingrown toenail. We have recently seen an increase of patients suffering from ingrown toenails, and due to the lack of care available during COVID-19 lockdown, this has resulted in an increase of nail surgeries (partial or full removal of the nail). With early intervention and ongoing management of the infected toenail, a Podiatrist can provide routine maintenance and help to avoid surgical procedures, where possible.
ByAdmin
Get Swift Verruca Treatment at Podiatry Station
We Now Offer Swift Verruca Treatment at Podiatry Station
At Podiatry Station, we are always introducing the latest treatments for our patients. We now offer Swift Microwave Therapy for Verrucas and Warts. Podiatry Station is one of a few clinics offering this breakthrough treatment for skin lesions in North West London.
ByAdmin
The difference between a Podiatrist and a Chiropodist?
If you have ever had a problem with your feet, be it a concern or a painful nail, then chances are that you have looked for a local Podiatrist or Chiropodist. But what is the difference?
Before 1993, if you had an issue with your feet or lower leg, then you will have been referred or recommended to see a Chiropodist.
However, post 1993, what were once known as Chiropodists are now referred to as Podiatrists. These two job titles are much the same, except that Podiatrists have been trained to deal with a larger range of issues and conditions that may affect the lower limb and foot. Diabetic ulcers, Paediatrics (Kids Feet), Biomechanics (study of how the lower limb and foot works during the walking cycle) and certain dermatological problems are just some of the issues that a Podiatrist is now capable of dealing with.
Here is just a glimpse of some of the reasons why you might need to seek the help of a Podiatrist.
Diabetes
When your body does not make enough insulin or does not use the insulin it creates in the right way, you are known to have diabetes. If you have diabetes then you are at a much higher risk of damaging the nerves in your feet or legs, as well as reducing blood flow to your feet.
These conditions can cause serious complications and can even result in serious infections or amputations. With regular appointments, treatment and advice, this can often be prevented as a Podiatrist will see the early warning signs and intervene.
Read more about diabetic foot ulcers and our diabetic footcare advice.
Nail Disorders
There are numerous conditions that can affect your toenails. From discoloured thickened fungal toenails to infected ingrown toenails, the Podiatrist can treat and advising on them all.
Bunions and Hammertoes
Bunions is the term given to when the big toe deviates towards the lesser toes. This condition is usually painless however it can cause the patient a great deal of embarrassment and stress when purchasing footwear. Hammer toes is the name given to the lesser toes when they become fixed in a bent position and can no longer straighten up.
A Podiatrist can help with the above by assessing your feet in greater detail and advising you on which type of footwear would be most suitable.
Heel Pain
Without realising it, our feet really do take a lot of stress and strain every day. From time to time they may become painful. Heel pain is a common area of pain, which many patients visit a Podiatrist for. This can be caused by playing sports or can be a result of poor footwear. After completing a biomechanical gait analysis assessment, a Podiatrist will be able to diagnose the condition and provide a suitable treatment plan.
Summary
No matter what reason you may have to visit a Podiatrist or a Chiropodist, you can rest assured that your feet are in safe hands. At Podiatry Station we will treat you with the utmost care and profession, keeping you on your feet.
ByAdmin
4 Ways to Avoid Back Pain
At the moment we are in the middle of Covid-19 lockdown situation, this means that many of us are sitting at home, usually slouched on the sofa, or we are working at short-term home desks, which are not actually fit for purpose.
When you think of this, it is easy to see why back pain is something that is many people are going to be suffering with at the moment. The thing about back pain is that it is not only incredibly uncomfortable and causes you a range of issues, but it is also something that can be prevented.
To help you to make sure that you avoid back pain as best you can; we have put together our guide on the 4 easy ways to avoid back pain.
ByAdmin
Phone and Video Consultations
As we are all restricted to work remotely for now, Podiatry Station are now offering phone and video consultations. We realise that majority of our patients require hands-on treatment, and remote consultations are not always going to be an ideal solution for everyone. This way we are still available to provide advice and guidance, until business resumes as usual. By booking a remote session, our Podiatrist will consult with you over the phone or by video connection. This will allow for an assessment to be carried out, and help you start the treatment plan immediately. This will avoid a delay in your treatment, and prevent any existing problems from getting worse.
To get a phone or video consultation started please call us on: 020 3327 0194 or email: info@podiatrystation.com
ByAdmin
Clinical Health Technologies Official Statement on Coronavirus
For those of our customers who have been asking, we are still able to supply Clinisept+. Find out more about how this product kills viruses by reading the official statement below. This was released by the distributors of the product:
In response to the many enquiries we have received regarding the effectiveness of Clinisept+ against Coronavirus, Clinisept+ has been rigorously and independently tested and proven to be highly effective in killing all enveloped viruses, including Coronavirus, in under 15 seconds.
Clinisept+ is a new chemistry and therefore not yet registered as a skin disinfectant. However, Clinical Health Technologies is working towards attaining this accreditation which would enable us to legally state that Clinisept+ is rapidly bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and sporidical – as per the independent test evidence.
Given the exceptional situation with Coronavirus and Clinisept+’s ability to protect against infection, we are currently in discussion with authorities regarding the wider use of Clinisept+.
If you would like to place an order, then please call us on 0203 327 0194 or email us.
Your order will be ready immediately, so there is no need to wait.
ByAdmin
Introducing PodoSmart – Gait Analysis using Artificial Intelligence
Gait Analysis
Gait Analysis has long been used for runners and athletes, but it is now commonly used for everyone needing a Biomechanical Assessment. People’s gait, that is, the pattern of movement achieved as you walk or run, varies – and there’s lots of different types and patterns. Each has an impact on your posture, muscle and bone health, effecting your joints wear-and-tear over time and overall, your physique.
Historically, Gait Analysis has been judged and measured primarily by the eye. Experienced and traditional Podiatrists have, in the past, filmed patients walking or running, then watched back the footage in slow motion to document their movement patterns. This relies on the specialist carrying out the Gait Analysis, to be adequately trained and knowledgeable in the area, and to have sufficiently understood the patterns presented to them.
Fully trained Podiatrists are able to analyse the gait of patients in several different ways that are more scientific and accurate – but now a technologically advanced product has come to the market offering an unrivalled level of analysis, with no pain for the individual and little to no effort required.
Introducing Podosmart: the technology delivering Biomechanical Gait Analysis Assessments in a matter of minutes.
The Podosmart system works through digitally connected insoles analysing gait of an individual in real-time and providing immediate results. The patient places the electronically charged Digitsole insoles into their shoes and walks or runs whilst wearing them. The Podosmart insoles calibrate and analyse the shoe and foot shape, before analysing up to fifteen minutes of walking activity; monitoring the weight on different areas of the insole, speed, flight time (the time the foot is in the air), pronation or supination (the inward or outward roll of the foot), symmetry and propulsion. When analysed and considered in balance, this gives a ‘Gait Analysis’ – a study of the individual’s balance and physical walking pattern.
As the Podosmart insoles collect this information, they transmit it in real-time through Bluetooth connectivity to a connected device. Results are displayed in the Podosmart web interface, so the Podiatrist can analyse the information and prepare a treatment plan. Once the Podosmart insoles are removed from the shoes, the data that was transmitted to the connected device is stored on the patient’s records.
The unrivalled level of Gait Analysis that Podosmart can deliver ensures that Podiatrists are able to offer a service level higher than ever before. As such they’re able to then recommend suitable footwear, footwear inserts, orthotics or physiotherapy exercises to complement the individual’s walking profile.
This is technology like no other in Podiatry and we are glad to be the only private practice in North West London to introduce this truly innovative system. Appointments can be booked online through the Podiatry Station website at www.podiatrystation.com or by telephone on 02033270194.
