Bournemouth Chiropody and Podiatry

05/12/2021

Did you know that podiatrists can treat anything on the hands that we treat on the feet, including nail cutting, callus debridement, warts, ingrowing nails!

03/10/2021

I recently had a well needed holiday in Wales with the family. Here are some snaps from a fun, action packed week! White water rafting, walking up Snowdon, zip wire over the Penrhyn quarry, quarry karts and paddle boarding at Black Rock Sands (that's mum on the paddle board). The children took a more adventurous route up Snowdon, scrambling along Crib Goch.

16/04/2021

In this 5th post of Foot Health Week we will look at verrucae. Verrucae are viral infections of the skin caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Anyone can get them but they are more common in children and teenagers.

What can you do to help prevent or manage them?
These viral infections will often resolve themselves within 6 months to 2 years and are usually painless. If they start to hurt or spread then seek advice. There is no guaranteed cure and several treatments may be required. A podiatrist can discuss treatment options with you.

15/04/2021

Heel pain can be debilitating. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, although there are other causes of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone at any age but is most common in those in their 40s or in athletes. Changes to activity levels can cause it to develop.

What can you do to help prevent or manage it?
Wear well-fitting shoes with good heel cushioning and arch support. Trainers are ideal. Avoid very flat shoes and shoes with memory foam liners.
Wear a raised heel (no more than 6 - 10 mm higher than normal).
Do regular calf stretches.
If your heel pain continues for longer than 3 weeks, consult a podiatrist to have the cause assessed and a treatment plan put in place.

14/04/2021

Fungal nail infections are very common and typically start after having a fungal skin infection. Fungal infection from the skin can easily spread to the toenails. Over time this can cause nails to thicken and become flaky and discoloured.

What can you do to help prevent or manage it?
Fungal toenails can be difficult to treat. Over the counter treatments are available. If you nail is very thick or the infection has spread to the cuticle then they will have little effect.

I can advise on a range of treatments and discuss what options are right for you, including the Clearanail System. Prevention is also an important consideration.

13/04/2021

Ingrowing toenails happen when the side of a toenail pierces the skin of your toe making it inflamed and painful. It most commonly affects the big toe. Anyone can get it, but particularly people who cut their nails incorrectly leaving a small spike of nail behind. Some people have nails that are naturally curved and press into the sides of the toes. Sporty people and teenagers are more prone because they are likely to get sweaty feet which can make the skin around the nails softer and easier for a nail to pierce.

What can you do to help prevent or manage it?
Do not trim nails too short or too low at the edge and leave the corner of the nail so it's visible above the skin.
Avoid moist feet by alternating shoes and choosing socks made from natural material.
If an ingrowing toenail develops, apply a clean dry dressing.
A podiatrist can treat the ingrown toenail. It is best to seek treatment sooner rather than later as delaying treatment can result in more discomfort and longer term issues.

12/04/2021

Splits and fissures around the heel can sometimes be painful. They are common in people with very dry skin, those who wear backless shoes and where callus builds up on the heels. Deeper cracks can become infected.

What can you do to help prevent or manage it?
Apply a urea based foot cream every day. Different formulations are available including some specifically for cracked heels.

Avoid applying the cream between your toes as you don't want to encourage moisture and fungal infections between the toes. It may take a week or two to see results.

A podiatrist can safely remove any callus and advise on prevention.

11/04/2021

12 - 18 April is Foot Health Week. Each day we will be looking at a condition and some tips on how to manage it. Watch this space!

22/03/2021

22/03/2021

Welcome to Bournemouth Chiropody and Podiatry! Don't forget to like or follow me so that you can keep up to date with foot related news, tips and updates. I hope to see you soon!