Wessex Foot Clinic

02/08/2024

Thankyou Mr A- you definitely get Best Patient award. Perfect end to a hot day.

17/07/2024

FOOTBALANCE BESPOKE INSOLES
We are really excited to announce that we are able to provide a Foot Analysis and 100% custom orthotics at the clinic, using our new Footbalance machine.

For those of you who already have Footbalance Insoles, you will know how quick and easy the process is. You stand on our Footbalance machine and we are able to analyse your foot positioning and alignment. We then send you a copy of the analysis, which includes your photos, the results and any potential problems to be aware of in the future.

Some people may only want to have a personalised foot analysis, but if you feel that bespoke insoles would help you with aching, tired feet, to feel more supported and stable when you are walking, or to reduce or prevent lower limb pain, then we can mould your Footbalance Insoles while you wait.

The 100% custom orthotics take about 5 minutes to mould and, unlike a lot of bespoke insoles, are not bulky and difficult to fit into shoes.

Whether you are an athlete, a keen walker or just looking for more support in your footwear, contact the clinic for more information.

25/10/2023

Following on from our previous post about fungal nails, we have been asked to provide some information about treatments for fungal nail infections. The Clearanail treatment is one that works well for mild, moderate and severe fungal nail infections and so we have provided some more information below. As ever, please contact the clinic if you have any further questions, or would like to book an appointment.

Clearanail is a completely safe and painless procedure which makes tiny holes (0.4mm) into the nail plate. These holes allow the anti-fungal medication to reach the fungus, easily killing the infection and allowing the nail to recover.

What is a Fungal Nail?
Fungal nail (known as Onychomycosis) is the same fungal infection as Athlete’s Foot. The infection starts on the skin and then works its way under the nail towards the cuticle, breaking down the attachment between the skin and the nail.

Why is Fungal Nail infection to treat?
The fact that the infection is under the nail, makes it difficult to successfully treat through conventional methods (i.e. applying anti-fungal nail solutions directly to the surface of the nail). Anti-fungal solutions need to pe*****te the nail, in order to reach the infection underneath. Conventional nail paints often fail because they can't break through the tough barrier of the nail and kill the nail fungus growing underneath.

What is special about Clearanail Treatment?
The Clearanail treatment safely drills barely visible micro holes through the nail, to allow anti-fungal medication to reach the infection.

How big are the holes?
Very small, they are 0.4 mm in diameter (about the same width as four human hairs).

Does it hurt?
No, you usually won’t feel anything at all because the device uses leading edge technology to ensure that it does not touch the sensitive nail bed under the nail. It does this by detecting changes in nail density and stopping immediately when required.

How long does the treatment take?
Approximately half an hour to make the holes and apply the anti-fungal solution.

How is the anti-fungal solution applied?
The anti-fungal solution is simply sprayed onto the nail once the holes are drilled. The micro holes then act as funnels to direct the medication to the infected area under the nail.

How quickly will it work?
A visible improvement will usually be seen at the cuticle end of the nail by about 6-8 weeks and continue to get better from there. The nail fungus will need to grow out of your nail to be completely gone, (which is the same for any successful treatment e.g. laser therapy, oral tablets) so it depends on how much of your nail is infected.

To book an appointment, please click on the link:-
https://wessex-foot-clinic.uk1.cliniko.com/bookings

11/10/2023

Autumn is here and winter is on the way, meaning most of us will be wearing closed in shoes or boots for the next few months. That makes it the ideal time to treat fungal nail infections, ready to bare our feet next spring and summer.

What causes fungal nails?
Fungi called Dermatophytes that live harmlessly on the skin but can often multiply and lead to infection in dark, warm and moist environments such as the feet. Frequently, the dermatophytes spread under the nail from the free end, towards the cuticle.
A fungal nail infection causes visual changes to the nail. It causes the nail to change colour, thicken and become brittle. As the infection progresses the nails will start to produce a distinct odour. Around half of all nail problems are due to fungal nail infections.

What will happen if I leave it untreated?
The infection will progress if left untreated and once it reaches the cuticle end, it becomes more difficult for most medications to treat. The nail can become discoloured with the nail turning white, yellow, green or even black. The nail can become thickened and the texture can change making it difficult to trim. The shape of the nail can also change which can cause discomfort when placing pressure on the toes that are affected.

What can help?
Keeping feet clean and dry can help to reduce the risk of developing a fungal nail infection. Wearing shoes made from natural materials and cotton socks will allow the feet to breathe.
Fungal residue can build up in towels and socks, therefore, it is very important that they are washed regularly and not shared with others.

What are the treatment options?
Oral anti-fungal treatments can be prescribed by your GP if you are suitable. These require you to have blood tests, to ensure the medication is not causing you any problems.
Topical treatments are available over the counter from your podiatrist, or chemist. Fungal nail infections can take a long time to resolve (twelve months+), particularly if the infection has been present for a while. This is because most fungal nail infections are ‘under’ the nail. Making it difficult for a lot of treatments to get at the infection. Proper preparation of the nail surface by a podiatrist before applying suitable medication, can increase your success.
Alternatively, you could have a treatment such as Clearanail or fenestration. This involves making small holes in the nail, to allow a liquid medication direct access to the infected area.

For more information about fungal nails and treatments, or any foot related problem, contact the clinic and make an appointment to see us. Or you can just click below and book an appointment directly.

Save time and book your appointments online with Wessex Foot Clinic 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

11/10/2023

We have had a number of patients asking about fungal nails and how to treat them. So we are going to do a short series on fungal nails and some of the treatment options.

As ever, the most important thing before you start any treatment, is making sure that you have the diagnois right. Not all thickened or discoloured nails are caused by fungal nails. If you are in any doubt, fed up with wasting money on treatments that aren't working or would like a personalised treatment plan, then book an appointment and come in and see us.

10/10/2023

Here's an interesting factoid for you! There is only one podiatrist for every 5,500 residents in England!!!! A quote from an article that I read today said “When you look at the number of podiatrists, it is truly shocking. Podiatrists are essential and are not replaceable, even by the most highly skilled nurses.” Unfortunately, the article also explained that just 126 graduates qualified as podiatrists in England in 2021, and there is now one podiatrist per 5,500 residents in England. All this has led to calls for urgent action and investment in podiatry. If you'd like to read the full article:
https://edfn.org/2022/05/10/shortage-of-podiatrists-prompts-fears-of-tsunami-in-diabetic-footcare-and-amputation-rates/ #:~:text=Despite%20the%20challenges%2C%20just%20126,per%205%2C500%20residents%20in%20England.

27/09/2023

As we head in to autumn and winter, we are more likely to wear closed in shoes. This makes it the perfect time to treat fungal nail infections. For more information about fungal nails and treatment options, visit our website or contact the clinic to book an appointment.

27/04/2023

Thankyou to everyone who took part in our Free Prize Draw on Saturday. The winners have now been notified by email.

26/04/2023

26/04/2023

Had a great time at the Warminster Area Health and Wellbeing Fair on Saturday. Thankyou to all the lovely people who spared time to come and chat to us. We were able to give general advice on a range of topics including fungal nails and cracked heels, to chronic heel pain and Ingrowing nails.

05/04/2023

When you are next in town, or visiting your dentist or GP surgery, or even when you have a cup of tea in one of the lovely local cafés or having your tattoo set, you might well see our poster advertising the Fair.

If it wasn't for all those retailers, businesses, organisations and great people who are helping us advertise this event, we wouldn't be able reach as many people.
So we just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you!

This Fair is for EVERYONE and FREE to attend; we are looking forward to seeing you all there!