FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR PATIENTS, WE CONTINUE TO ADHERE TO OUR COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY Click Here for More Info
February is the month of love and this year, why not make this month all about yourself. Don’t forget to show your own feet some care and attention. We can often take our feet for granted, forgetting that they work tirelessly to keep us active and stop us falling, looking after your feet can prevent problems in the future. As the weather starts to warm up, we see a big increase in chilblains, fungal infections, and blisters.
Chilblains occur when the circulation cannot adapt to the rapid change in temperature. For example, stepping out of a warm house and into a freezing car. The blood vessels do not expand and recoil fast enough and as a result very significant colour changes can be seen in the toes.
Ultimately, the toes will turn a deep red colour before changing to a bruised black / purple appearance. The skin often returns to normal after this stage. However, the patient can experience intense itching and pain during this transition. It is important that chilblains are monitored closely as the skin can break down and ulcerate which can lead to infection.
A Podiatrist will ensure that your skin does not break down and recommend topical medicines to treat this condition if they are appropriate.
When the temperature drops, the winter shoes come out. These can vary from hiking shoes to knee high boots. Wearing footwear that is new or hardly worn can result in blisters forming on the heel or side of the toes.
Blisters are protective fluid filled bumps that develop in response to the skin rubbing against something that could result in a breakdown. Most blisters will disappear themselves and require no treatment. However, if the blister has blood in it, then you need to see a Podiatrist as soon as possible.
It is very tempting to keep your warm socks and slippers on during the Winter. However, if your feet are constantly in a warm, dark, and moist environment then it is a perfect breeding ground for fungus to develop. This can result in fungal infected toenails and athletes foot forming on the soles of the feet as well as in-between the toes. A Podiatrist can recognise the early signs of a fungal infection and with early intervention can use all preventative options to stop it from progressing further. To find out more or to speak to a specialist call us on 020 3327 0194 or email us at info@podiatrystation.com
It’s that time of the year again! What’s your new year’s resolution?
So many of us set goals to improve our health and fitness. This must be the most popular of new year’s resolutions, which often involves starting a new diet as well as an exercise plan. However, if you have never done any form of exercise before and suddenly start something such as running every morning, then you are certainly going to experience other problems. Follow our health and fitness advice below as a guide to prevent any unnecessary injuries from occurring.
Before you start any form of exercise it is crucial that you warm up your muscles. Not only does this prepare you physically but it also helps you mentally to concentrate on the activity that you are about to do. Your warm up should consist of gentle stretches, but it should raise your heart rate and body temperature. By doing this your heart will pump more blood to the muscles and it will also reduce your chances of straining the muscles or causing any long-term damage to the joints.
If you are new to running, then it is a good idea to start by walking first to understand your health and fitness at this moment. You should build up your pace so that you are able to still speak while walking briskly. Once you are comfortable with the brisk walking then you should progress to jogging for 30 seconds before going back to a brisk walk. By building up your running pace gradually not only will your stamina increase, but you will also find that you are able to jog for longer periods of time without stopping.
One of the biggest mistakes we see regularly in the clinic is patients not changing their footwear when they start to exercise. Your everyday trainers that you wear may not be best for you health and fitness whilst running. Running trainers have additional shock absorption built into the soles, so that your joints are protected. Some running shoes also come with an air bubble feature which is extremely beneficial to runners who might suffer from ankle pain. Similarly, if you are deciding to walk long distances then instead of trainers you will require walking boots.
After you have finished your workout there is always the temptation to sit down or just stop. However, it is very important that you spend at least 5 minutes on cooling down. The cooling down phase is very important as it is responsible for slowing down the heart rate and minimising lactic acid build up in the muscles. It also plays an important part in preventing muscle tears and strains.
By following the above advice, you will reduce your chances of causing muscle damage and strains. However, if this still occurs then the affected muscle should be raised, and some cold compression should be given. If you do suffer from any pain and inflammation in the lower limbs then you should book to see a Podiatrist who will be able to offer you treatments such as Laser Therapy, which helps to kick start the repair process.
July 2011 was a very special month for us here at Podiatry Station, as this is when we first opened our doors to the public. July 2021 is equally as special, as we announce that Podiatry Station has now been established for 10 years! Time really does fly, and we are glad to have made it so far, but we are already planning the future!
We are extremely proud that the first ever patient who was treated at Podiatry Station, 10 years ago, is still a regular visiting patient at the clinic. Our longstanding patients have become a part of the Podiatry Station family, and we would like to extend a special thank you to all our lovely patients for their continued custom.
To celebrate, we are giving away a goody bag to all our regular patients. Stock is limited, so please be sure to collect a bag at your next appointment.
The Government has announced that all restrictions will be lifted in England from Monday 19th July. However, the advice is that everyone should be cautious. The country has recently reported an increase in cases and deaths, proving that this pandemic is far from over.
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Toenail fungus is an infection that works its way through any cuts in the skin or cracks in the toenail. It can be identified by the toenail changing colour and becoming thicker and, in some instances, can be painful. However, several toenail fungus treatment options are available.
Our clinic will remain open as usual during the lockdown!
Podiatry Station are healthcare professionals, and therefore we are exempt from closure during national or local lockdowns (all tiers). We are operating as usual, with strict health & safety measures in place, and will closely monitor advice issued by the Government and The College of Podiatry.
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 verruca treatment for skin lesions in North West London.
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
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+.
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.
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.local or by telephone on 02033270194.
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