SMS Footcare

SMS Footcare Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from SMS Footcare, Medical and health, Birmingham.

26/04/2026

Hello everyone 😊

I’m hoping to be back to work this week and returning to my normal appointments soon. Thank you so much to all my lovely patients for your patience, kindness, and understanding while I’ve been off, it really does mean a lot.

I will be working through messages and confirming appointments as I return, so please bear with me while I get everyone booked back in.

If you would like an appointment or need to rearrange, feel free to message me and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Looking forward to seeing you all again soon 💙
Emily-Grace
SMS Footcare

Thickened toenails - Not always fungal!Many people assume that thickened toenails automatically mean a fungal nail infec...
24/04/2026

Thickened toenails - Not always fungal!

Many people assume that thickened toenails automatically mean a fungal nail infection, however this is not always the case. Several different conditions can cause nails to become thickened, discoloured, or difficult to manage.

Toenails can change in appearance due to trauma, health conditions, circulation changes, or natural ageing, which is why professional assessment is important before assuming the cause.

Possible causes of thickened toenails include:

✔️ Fungal nail infection
✔️ Repeated pressure from footwear
✔️ Previous nail injury or long-term trauma
✔️ Natural ageing changes to the nail
✔️ Reduced circulation to the feet
✔️ Nail psoriasis
✔️ Eczema affecting the nail unit
✔️ Long-term nail deformity following damage to the nail matrix
✔️ Thickening secondary to corns or pressure around the nail

Sometimes nails thicken simply because they have been subjected to years of minor trauma, especially in people who walk a lot, wear tight footwear, or have structural foot changes.

How professional footcare helps
• Safe reduction of thickened nails
• Improved comfort in footwear
• Monitoring nail health over time
• Advice tailored to the underlying cause

If your toenails have become thickened, painful, or difficult to cut, professional assessment can help identify the cause and manage them safely.

You can book an appointment here on Facebook or text me on 07802 760909

Many thanks
Emily
SMS FOOT CARE

23/04/2026

Hi everyone 👋

I just wanted to post a sincere apology after having to take the last couple of weeks off work due to being unwell.

I’m really sorry for any inconvenience caused to my lovely clients who have had appointments rearranged or delayed, your patience and understanding truly means so much to me.

I’m still not feeling 100% yet, but I’m hoping to be back at work as soon as possible and will keep everyone updated.

Thank you so much for your continued support and kindness.

Emily
SMS FOOT CARE

Why do heels become cracked?Cracked heels are a very common foot condition. Often it is viewed as cosmetic, however they...
22/04/2026

Why do heels become cracked?

Cracked heels are a very common foot condition. Often it is viewed as cosmetic, however they can develop into painful clinical problems if not managed properly.

The skin around your heel is designed to withstand pressure from walking and standing. When the skin becomes dry or thickened, it looses its elasticity. As pressure is applied, the skin can split, leading to fissures that may become uncomfortable or in some cases infected.

Common contributing factors include:
- Dry, dehydrated skin
- Increased pressure
- Hard skin build up
- Open- back footwear
- Age related skin changes
- Certain medical conditions that effect the skin or circulation

It is important to avoid attempting to remove hard skin with aggressive devices at home as this can increase the risk of injury. Daily application of a urea based heel cream can help. As well as safe reduction of the hard skin by a professional.

If you are experiencing painful or persistent heel cracking, please get in touch to arrange an appointment.

What is a Cuneiform bump?Have you ever noticed a hard bump on the top of your foot that rubs against your shoes or becom...
20/04/2026

What is a Cuneiform bump?

Have you ever noticed a hard bump on the top of your foot that rubs against your shoes or becomes sore when walking? You might have something called a Cuneifrom bump.

This is a bony prominence that forms on the dorsal side of the foot where the mid-foot joints meet. It often develops due to joint changes, arthritis, foot structure or repeated pressure from footwear.

Common symptoms include:
- A visible hard lump on the top of the foot
- Tenderness or aching when wearing shoes
- Redness or irritation from rubbing
- Discomfort when walking or standing for long periods.

What can help:
- Padding to reduce shoe pressure
- Orthotics or insoles to improve foot mechanics
- Rest to reduce irritation

Most Cuneifrom bumps are benign. Sometimes what appears to be a simple bump can actually be arthritis, tendon irritation or another foot condition.

Early advice often prevents long-term discomfort and helps keep you mobile and comfortable.

Message me to book in for an appointment or for advice!

05/04/2026

🐣🌷 Happy Easter from SMS Footcare! 🌷🐣

Wishing all my wonderful clients a lovely Easter filled with rest, family time, and plenty of chocolate treats!

Thank you as always for your continued support, it truly means so much.

I’ll be returning to work on Tuesday 7th April, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

If you’d like to book an appointment, feel free to message me and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Enjoy the Easter weekend! 💛
Emily-Grace, SMS Footcare

What are bunions?A bunion, also known as 'hallux valgus' is a deformity of the big toe in which the big toe angles exces...
25/03/2026

What are bunions?

A bunion, also known as 'hallux valgus' is a deformity of the big toe in which the big toe angles excessively towards the second toe and leads to a bony lump on the side of the foot. A large sack of fluid, known as a 'bursa' may also appear. This can lead to the area becoming inflamed and sore.

What causes bunions?

Bunions are often caused by a defective mechanical structure of the foot, which is genetic. These foot types make a person more prone to a bunion. Poorly fitted shoes tend to aggravate the problem.

Bunions can cause the big toe to be pushed over to the second, causing cross over toes. The tendon is no longer straight, which leads to corns and calluses developing.

Treatments?
- Exercises
- Shoe alterations or night splints

These are conservative measures and although they can help, they do not correct the deformation. Referral by your GP for surgery can significantly help and 'cure' a bunion. This includes, removing, realigning and pinning the bone.

Ways to help manage them to reduce discomfort:
- Wear wide-fitting supportive shoes
- Avoid tight and narrow shoes
- Use padding to reduce pressure and rubbing
- Keep hard skin under control
- Consider insoles for better support

If you’re struggling with a bunion or finding shoes uncomfortable, I’m always happy to offer advice and help keep your feet as comfortable as possible 👣💙

What is osteoarthritis and how can it effect your feet?Osteoarthritis is often called the 'wear and tear' arthritis. It ...
23/03/2026

What is osteoarthritis and how can it effect your feet?

Osteoarthritis is often called the 'wear and tear' arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage of a joint becomes damaged. When the cartilage deteriorates, the bone underneath can thicken, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.

In severe cases, the cartilage can deteriorate so much that the bones rub together, making it difficult to move the effected joint.

Osteoarthritis can effect all 33 joints in the feet, but mostly effects those at the base of the big toes. These joints are more prone to wear and tear from the pressures of walking.

Its uncommon for individuals to get OA before the ages of 40 and it is more common in women than men.

How to manage symptoms of osteoarthritis:
- Wear supportive footwear
- Avoid tight shoes
- Use insoles or padding to reduce pressure on the joints
- Keep nails and hard skin maintained
- Gentle movements to keep joints mobile

As your foot health practitioner i can help by keeping your feet comfortable, reducing pressure points and offering advice on footwear.

Lets learn about Sever's disease: Sever disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children, espec...
22/03/2026

Lets learn about Sever's disease:

Sever disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children, especially in children who are very active. It is an inflammation of the growth plate in the calcaneus (heel).
Sever's disease is caused by repetitive stress to the heel and most often occurs during growth spurts.
Foot bones in a child have a special area where the bone is growing called a growth plate, these are cartilages located near the ends of the bones. When a child is fully grown, the plates are replaced by solid bone. Until this process happens, the growth plates are weak and are vulnerable to trauma.

TREATMENT

Treatment for this disease focuses on reducing pain and swelling. This can require limiting the child's exercise. Sometimes this can take several months, followed by a strength conditioning program. Other methods that can help are, heel cushions, wearing shoes that are slightly elevated to relieve some pressure, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and exercises which stretch and strengthen the calf muscle.

It is not unusual for severs disease to return. This typically happens when the child returns to sporting activities. Wearing shoes that give good support to the foot and heel may help prevent recurrence. Severs disease will not return once a child is fully grown and the growth plate in the heel has matured to solid bone.

If your child has heel pain, I'm here to help and answer any questions you might have.

Hello all, today I wanted to talk about gout. This is a condition i see effecting feet and one that can be extremely pai...
21/03/2026

Hello all, today I wanted to talk about gout. This is a condition i see effecting feet and one that can be extremely painful if not managed correctly.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build up of uric acid in the body. This causes sharp crystals in the joint and most commonly effects the big toe.

There are many signs of gout, some of those include:
- Sudden, severe pain
- Redness and swelling around the joint
- Area is hot to touch
- Tenderness, even bed sheets touching the area can be painful
- Some may develop a fever

Gout can come and go, but with proper management it may become less frequent overtime.

Common triggers include:
- Certain foods like red meat or seafood
- Alcohol
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Menopause
- Chronic kidney problems
- Heart disease or angina
- Physical stress to the body can trigger a flare

During a flare up it is important to rest, keep the foot elevated, stay well hydrated and avoid tight footwear.

You should see your GP if you have symptoms of gout for the first time or your usual treatments are no longer helping.

Treatments for gout are usually non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. However if the pain continues you may be given steroid tablets or a steroid injection.

I can help manage the impact gout can have on your feet, including advice with footwear, pressure relief and general foot care during and after flare ups.

If your experiencing sudden foot pain and think it may be gout it is always best to get it checked.

20/03/2026

Hi guys, hope you’ve all enjoyed Friday! Weekend tomorrow, back to work for me👣💪🏼

Quick question, are there any conditions you’d like me to make a post about?

Rare or common foot conditions or disease?

Let me know!
Emily👣❤️

12/03/2026

Hello all,

Just a reminder that I am currently out of the country and won’t be returning to work until Saturday the 21st of march.

I can see I have had a lot of messages and enquiries. I promise to respond as soon as I’m back to work.

For any emergency enquiries please state in your message and I shall do my very best to respond.

I hope your all doing well❤️

Take care
Emily👣

Address

Birmingham

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+447802760909

Website

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