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What are fungal nails?
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is where the nail becomes yellow/white, thickens, and may even separate from the nail bed. This can cause the area surrounding the nail to become swollen, inflamed, and painful. The condition commonly affects the toenails and is most prevalent in older adults. This is because as you age your toenails become weaker and more brittle, meaning fungi can infect the nail more easily.
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Diabetes is one of the conditions that if neglected or ignored can have a catastrophic effect of the feet. Amputations, gangrene, and painful neuropathy are all too common in the diabetic foot. Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing ulcers because they can have problems with their blood supply and their nerves may not be functioning correctly. This means that if a diabetic patient were to stand on a piece of glass, they may be unaware of the damage this has done to the soles of their feet. If this damage remains undetected then this can develop into a serious infection, which can go down as deep as the bone.
A lot of people ask us “is toenail surgery painful?” along with a bunch of other really interesting questions. So to save time and hassle, we thought it would be a good idea to get some of these frequently asked questions answered for you in our latest blog post. So here they are…
Ingrown toenails can be a painful experience, and due to the recent Coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown, the number of children developing ingrown toenails increased dramatically. This was due to the lack of care available. We have seen a rapid increase of cases since reopening in May. When a child suffers from an ingrown toenail, many parents might not understand the signs or symptoms, and may not know what to do. In most cases, specialist assistance is required to solve the issue. Below we summarise what you need to know about ingrown toenails.
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 are ingrown toenails.
A common foot issue, ingrown toenails, 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).
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:
You should not cut the nail or wear pointed shoes while you have an ingrown toenail.
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 toenail 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.
If you suffer from ingrown toenails and need to see a podiatrist, call us on 020 3327 0194 or book an appointment here.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
If you need to see a Podiatrist, call us 020 3327 0194 on or book an appointment online here.