Ingrown toenails are a painful and common issue that occurs when the edges of your toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The result? Inflammation, redness, discomfort, and sometimes even infection, particularly in the big toe.

If you’ve ever dealt with the tenderness and swelling of an ingrown toenail, you know how frustrating it can be. But don’t worry! Relief and recovery are possible with the right approach. In this guide, we’ll take you through our expert tips for treating ingrown toenails and preventing them from coming back.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Before talking about treatments, it’s important to understand what leads to the development of ingrown toenails. A variety of factors can contribute, including:

• Poor Nail Cutting Techniques: Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges too much can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
• Tight-Fitting Footwear: Shoes, socks, or tights that squeeze your toes can put pressure on your toenails, pushing them into the surrounding skin.
• Injury or Trauma: Stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it can change the shape of the nail and lead to ingrowth.
• Nail Conditions: Fungal infections and other conditions that affect the natural shape of your toenail can also play a role.

Recognising the Symptoms

The big toe is usually the culprit when it comes to ingrown toenails, and the condition can affect one or both sides of the nail. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Pain and Tenderness: Any pressure on the affected toe can trigger pain, making walking uncomfortable.
• Inflammation: The skin around the end of the toe becomes red and swollen as the nail pierces through.
• Fluid Build-Up: You may notice a collection of fluid around the toenail as your body responds to the irritation.
• Overgrowth of Skin: Hypergranulation tissue, or an excess growth of skin around the toenail, may form as the body tries to heal itself.
• Pus or Bleeding: White or yellow pus may drain from the area if the skin becomes infected, sometimes accompanied by bleeding.

Conservative Treatments for Ingrown Toenails

If your ingrown toenail is mild, there are several conservative treatments you can try at home to relieve the pain and promote healing:

• Soak Your Foot: Soaking the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salts can help reduce swelling and soften the skin, making it easier to treat.
• Trim the Nail Carefully: Cut your nails following the natural curve of the nail, don’t dig down the sides, as this can leave nail spikes which cause further problems.
• Wear Open-Toed or Loose Shoes: Give your toe some breathing room to reduce pressure on the nail and avoid aggravating the area.
• Use Antibiotic Cream: Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream to prevent infection and cover the toe with a clean bandage.
• Lift the Nail: For a slightly more advanced technique, you can try gently lifting the nail using a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge, keeping it away from the skin.

While these methods often work for early or mild cases, they may not be enough if the ingrown toenail is more severe.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If conservative treatments aren’t providing relief or if you notice signs of infection, such as increased swelling, warmth, and pus, it’s time to consult a podiatrist. In severe cases, ingrown toenails may need medical intervention, including:

• Partial Nail Removal: For persistent or painful ingrown toenails, we may recommend a minor surgical procedure. Under local anaesthetic, the edges of the toenail are removed to prevent the nail from continuing to grow into the skin.
• Total Nail Removal: If the problem is particularly severe, or if the shape of your toenail makes recurrence likely, your podiatrist may remove the entire toenail.
• Phenol Treatment: To ensure the ingrown toenail doesn’t come back, a chemical called phenol is applied to the affected area to prevent regrowth. This technique is highly effective for recurrent cases and provides long-term relief.

Preventing Future Ingrown Toenails

Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding the discomfort of ingrown toenails. Here are some expert tips to help keep your toenails healthy:

• Cut Nails Properly: Cut your nails following the natural curve of the nail, don’t dig down the sides, and try not to cut them too short.

• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and give your toes enough room to move, giving a thumb’s width at the front of the shoe. Avoid shoes that are too tight or pointy, as they increase pressure on your toenails.
• Avoid Picking at Your Nails: Picking at your nails or cuticles can lead to infection and increase your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
• Protect Your Toes from Injury: If you participate in activities where your toes might be injured, such as running or football, wear appropriate protective footwear.

Ingrown toenails are an uncomfortable and often painful condition, but with the right treatment, we can cure them!  

Don’t hesitate to contact us. Our expert team of podiatrists can help you find the right solution and get you back on your feet pain-free.

As the summer season reaches its peak, sports enthusiasts have enjoyed a thrilling array of events from the excitement of the Euros and Wimbledon, to the highly anticipated Olympics in Paris later this month. These events not only showcase incredible athletic talent but also inspire many of us to engage in more physical activities. However, with increased activity comes the need for extra attention to our feet, the unsung heroes of our mobility. This is where podiatry plays a crucial role.

The Impact of Sports on Feet

Whether you’re a professional athlete or a casual sports enthusiast, your feet are constantly under pressure. The repetitive movements and high-impact actions in sports like running, tennis, football and basketball can lead to various foot-related issues. Common problems include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures and ankle sprains.

Maintaining foot health is essential not just for comfort, but for overall athletic performance. Neglecting foot care can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility and even long-term damage.

Preventive Measures

• Proper Footwear: Investing in the right footwear is the first step towards healthy feet. Shoes should provide adequate support, cushioning and fit well. Different sports require different types of shoes – running shoes are designed for forward motion and cushioning, while tennis shoes offer lateral support and stability.
• Warm-Up and Stretching: Proper warm-up exercises and stretching routines prepare your feet for the physical demands of sports. Stretching the Achilles tendon, calf muscles and plantar fascia can prevent injuries and improve flexibility.
• Hygiene and Moisturisation: Keeping your feet clean and moisturised helps prevent fungal infections and dry cracked skin. This is particularly important in summer months when feet tend to sweat more.
• Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to a podiatrist can help detect early signs of foot problems. We emphasize the importance of routine check-ups, especially for those who engage in sports frequently.

Managing Common Foot Problems

Despite taking preventive measures, foot problems can still occur. Here’s how to manage some common issues:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Characterised by pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, this condition can be managed by stretching exercises, using orthotics and applying ice to reduce inflammation.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon can be alleviated by rest, applying ice and performing specific stretching exercises. We may also recommend orthotics to reduce strain on the tendon.
• Stress Fractures: These tiny cracks in the bone often result from overuse. Treatment involves rest, avoiding weight-bearing activities and using supportive footwear. In severe cases, a podiatrist may suggest a walking boot or cast.

The Role of Podiatrists in Sports

Podiatrists like us specialise in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle issues. We can create custom orthotics to provide additional support, recommend exercises to strengthen foot muscles and offer treatments for acute and chronic conditions. We provide comprehensive care from injury prevention strategies to rehabilitation programmes.

For those of you inspired to take up a new sport or increase their activity levels, it’s essential to remember that healthy feet are the foundation of peak performance.

By following proper foot care practices and seeking professional advice when needed, you can enjoy the benefits of summer sports while keeping your feet happy and healthy. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just looking to stay active, don’t forget to give your feet the attention they deserve.

Book your next appointment with us here 

As a podiatrists passionate about the integration of technology into patient care, we’re thrilled to announce the arrival of Phits 3D Printed Orthotics at Surrey Foot Service. This cutting-edge solution, grounded in dynamic gait analysis, allows us to craft truly personalised orthotics like never before.

The Journey to Perfect Fit

Our journey begins with a precise Footscan, capturing the nuances of how you walk. This data feeds into the Phits system to design orthotics that are tailored not only to the shape of your foot but how your foot moves in action. It’s about enhancing your gait efficiency and comfort with every step you take.

Bespoke Solutions for Every Need

What excites us most about Phits is the customisation it affords. Whether you’re an athlete seeking performance gains, or managing specific foot-related ailments, these orthotics can be adjusted to meet various needs, from the level of support to the activity intended. Each element is designed to bring you closer to walking comfort and efficiency.

Eco-Conscious Innovation

Our commitment to sustainability is mirrored in these orthotics, made with 100% recycled materials through an eco-friendly 3D printing process. Not only are they tailored to you, but they’re also kind to the planet.

Speed and Efficiency in Care

This technology stream, from analysis to delivery, is incredibly swift, allowing us to reduce wait times and improve your experience. It’s about getting you back on your feet, with the best support, as quickly as possible.

Why Choose Phits?

For anyone stepping through our doors, Phits offers a revolutionary approach to foot health, combining personalised care with the latest in technological innovation.

Experience the future of foot care with us and take your first step towards a pain-free life with Phits 3D Printed Orthotics. Book your appointment here

Find out more about Phits here

Here at Surrey Foot Service we are committed to helping parents understand the crucial role of foot health in a child’s overall development. The journey from infant steps to active childhood involves significant changes in the feet, and understanding these can ensure your child enjoys a healthy, active lifestyle.

Growth and Development

Children’s feet grow incredibly fast. Did you know that by the time a child reaches their first birthday, their feet account for nearly half their adult foot size! This rapid growth continues until around age 4, and by age 12, most children have developed the complex structure of bones, joints, muscles, and tendons that make up the adult foot.

During these formative years, it’s vital to allow for natural growth. Shoes that are too tight can hinder proper development, leading to deformities and discomfort. Conversely, shoes that are too loose can cause stumbling and prevent proper walking form. The key is to choose well-fitting, flexible shoes that support the foot without constricting it.

Milestones in Foot Development

Understanding the milestones can help parents ensure that their children’s feet are developing correctly. Initially, babies should spend a lot of time barefoot to allow the toes a better grip on the ground, which promotes balance, muscle growth, and sensory development. As toddlers walk more, their foot arch begins to develop, and by school age, most children should display a well-formed arch.

Common Paediatric Foot Concerns

Several common issues can affect children’s feet:

Flat Feet: While most babies are born with flat feet, the arch develops during childhood. Don’t worry though, flat feet are a perfectly normal foot shape for many adults! If your little one is experiencing pain, finding themself unable to enjoy activities, or struggling to keep up with their peers, come and see us.

Ingrown Toenails: Often due to tight shoes or improper nail trimming, ingrown toenails can be painful and may become infected.

Plantar Warts: Caused by a virus, these can be uncomfortable and require treatment to resolve.

Walking Patterns: Pay attention to how your child walks. In-toeing or out-toeing can sometimes resolve on their own, but persistent issues might need orthotic intervention.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Feet

• Choose the Right Shoes: Ensure shoes fit properly with a little room to grow. Avoid hand-me-downs as they might not fit well and could be worn out in specific areas, altering your child’s walking pattern.
• Regular Check-Ups: Children should have their feet measured every few months to accommodate their quickly growing feet.
• Good Hygiene: Teach your child the importance of keeping their feet clean and dry to prevent infections.

When to See a Podiatrist?

It’s important to consult a podiatrist if you notice anything unusual about your child’s foot development or walking patterns. Early intervention can prevent many foot problems from becoming severe as they grow. Conditions like severe in-toeing, limping, recurrent pain in the feet or legs, and skin or nail abnormalities are all reasons to see a specialist.

If you have any concerns about your child’s foot health or development, don’t hesitate to contact us. Remember, healthy feet are the foundation to an active and happy childhood!

Running, a popular form of exercise among millions worldwide, offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, mood enhancement, and weight management. However, the repetitive stress of running can also lead to various foot and ankle problems.

Understanding these issues and how a podiatrist can help is crucial for maintaining foot health and ensuring the longevity of your running journey!

Common Foot and Ankle Problems in Runners

Runners often experience a range of foot-related issues, primarily due to overuse, improper footwear, or inadequate gait patterns. Some common problems include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, and metatarsalgia. Plantar fasciitis manifests as pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, typically felt most intensely in the morning. Achilles tendinitis is characterised by pain along the back of the leg near the heel, aggravated by activity. Stress fractures, small breaks in the bone, often result from overuse and present as deep, localised pain. Metatarsalgia, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, frequently affects runners due to the high impact on this area.

Podiatrists like us specialise in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions. We play a vital role in helping runners manage and prevent foot-related issues through various means, including prescribing orthotic devices, advising on appropriate footwear, and recommending specific exercises to strengthen foot muscles. One of the advanced tools at their disposal is 3D gait analysis.

3D Gait Analysis: A Game-Changer for Runners

3D gait analysis is a revolutionary technique that provides an in-depth examination of a runner’s gait, or how they walk and run. This analysis captures data on the three-dimensional movements of lower limb joints, offering insights into any abnormalities or inefficiencies in the gait cycle. Such detailed information allows us to make precise diagnoses and tailor rehabilitation or conditioning programmes to correct underlying issues, significantly reducing the risk of injury.

Addressing Foot and Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain should not be ignored, as it often signals underlying problems that could worsen if left untreated. At Surrey Foot Service we can identify the root cause of the pain and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan may include physical therapy, custom orthotics, and modifications to running technique or training regimens, aiming to alleviate pain and prevent future injuries.

If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, or if you want to prevent future issues, booking an appointment with a podiatrist is a crucial step. We can offer personalised care, from 3D gait analysis to custom treatment plans, ensuring your feet remain healthy and strong. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, don’t let foot problems slow you down!

Book an appointment today to protect your foot health and continue enjoying the many benefits of running.

Custom orthotics have emerged as a game-changer for individuals facing a number of lower limb related issues. These bespoke inserts, tailored precisely to the contours of your feet, offer unparalleled support and comfort compared to off-the-shelf options.

The advent of 3D scanning technology in clinics has further revolutionised the process of creating these custom orthotics, ensuring a fit that is as unique as your footprint. In this blog, we’ll delve into the benefits of custom orthotics, the cutting-edge 3D scanning technology used to create them, and why you should consider booking a gait analysis to embark on your journey toward optimal foot health.

The Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics provide a multitude of benefits that extend beyond mere foot comfort. Let’s take a look:

1. Targeted Support and Pain Relief: Custom orthotics are designed to address specific issues such as heel pain, Achilles problems, knee pain and more. They also enhance function of the foot and lower limb to improve mobility and alignment. They offer targeted support and relief from pain and ongoing chronic injury.
2. Enhanced Comfort: Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are moulded to the unique contours of your feet. This personalised fit ensures maximum comfort, making long periods of standing or walking noticeably more bearable.
3. Improved Athletic Performance: For athletes, custom orthotics can be a critical tool in enhancing performance. By optimising function, they can improve the efficiency of your gait, reducing fatigue and the risk of injury.
4. Long-term Savings: While custom orthotics might seem like a significant initial investment, they are durable and designed to last. This makes them a more cost-effective solution in the long run compared to repeatedly purchasing over-the-counter inserts.

The Role of 3D Scanning Technology

The precision of custom orthotics is largely attributable to the advanced 3D scanning technology available in clinic. This technology captures a detailed three-dimensional model of your feet, allowing for orthotics that are perfectly contoured to your individual foot shape and biomechanics. The process is quick, non-invasive, and vastly more accurate than traditional casting methods. By using this state-of-the-art technology, practitioners like us can pinpoint specific areas of your feet that require support, ensuring that the final product is truly bespoke.

Why Book a Gait Analysis?

A gait analysis is the first step towards identifying the need for custom orthotics. This comprehensive assessment allows us to observe your walking pattern, identifying any irregularities or misalignments that could be contributing to discomfort or injury. Armed with this information and the detailed data from the 3D scan, we can create orthotics that not only fit your feet perfectly but also address any biomechanical issues identified during the analysis. We offer video or 3D gait analysis options. To find out more about these take a look at our website here

If you’re experiencing foot discomfort, chronic pain, or if you’re an athlete looking to enhance your performance, it’s time to consider the benefits of custom orthotics. By booking a gait analysis at our clinic, you’re taking the first step towards achieving optimal foot health and comfort. Our state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology ensures that your custom orthotics will be perfectly tailored to your feet, providing unparalleled support and relief.

Don’t let foot pain hold you back any longer. Contact us today to book your gait analysis and embark on the path to a more comfortable, pain-free life.

Here at Surrey Foot Service, technology and wellness are increasingly intertwined meaning that prioritising your foot health has never been more crucial!

Our feet, often taken for granted, are the very foundation upon which we stand, walk, and run. They carry us through our daily lives, yet are frequently overlooked until pain or problems arise. This year, understanding and addressing foot health through advanced technologies and treatments, such as 3D Gait Analysis, and tackling common issues like foot and ankle pain, ingrown toenails, verrucae, and more, are key to maintaining overall wellness and mobility.

The Revolution of 3D Gait Analysis

This cutting-edge technology provides a detailed, three-dimensional view of an individual’s walking or running pattern, enabling podiatrists like us to identify abnormalities and biomechanical inefficiencies with unprecedented accuracy. By analysing the intricate movements of the feet, ankles, legs, and hips, 3D Gait Analysis aids in tailoring treatment plans that can prevent injuries, improve performance, and enhance comfort. Incorporating this technology into routine foot care is essential for anyone seeking to optimise their health and prevent future problems.

Tackling Foot and Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain is a widespread issue that can significantly impair your quality of life. Causes range from overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, to arthritis and fractures. Prioritising foot health means not just treating the symptoms but identifying and addressing the underlying causes of pain. With advancements in diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques, patients now have more options than ever for effective treatment and relief.

The Necessity of Managing Ingrown Toenails and Nail Surgery

Ingrown toenails, if left untreated, can lead to severe pain, infection, and mobility issues. Nail surgery is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic, providing a permanent solution to recurrent ingrown toenails. Early intervention and routine foot care can prevent the need for surgery, highlighting the importance of prioritising foot health in preventive care.

Combatting Verrucae with Advanced Treatments

Verrucae, or plantar warts, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be both painful and persistent. Traditional treatments have varied in effectiveness, but with advancements in cryotherapy and Swift® Microwave Therapy, patients suffering from verrucae have access to more effective and less invasive options. These advancements underscore the importance of seeking professional foot care for what may seem like minor issues but can significantly impact daily life.

The Importance of Routine Foot Care

Routine foot care, encompassing regular check-ups, proper hygiene, and the management of common conditions like corns, calluses, and fungal infections, remains the cornerstone of foot health. The emphasis on preventive care is greater than ever, with a focus on education and early intervention to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. This is even more important for those with underlying chronic health conditions, i.e. Diabetes and vascular disease.

Innovations in Toenail Reconstruction

For those suffering from damaged or fungal toenails, toenail reconstruction offers a cosmetic and therapeutic solution. Utilising advanced materials that mimic the appearance and function of natural nails, this procedure can restore the aesthetics of the toenails and contribute to the overall health of the foot.

Prioritising your feet in 2024 is about embracing the advancements in technology and treatments to ensure your foundation is as strong and healthy as possible. From the precision of 3D Gait Analysis to the effectiveness of modern treatments for common foot conditions, taking care of your feet is a step towards optimal health and well-being.

Book your next appointment at Surrey Foot Service here.

Podiatrist Vacancy 

£35-60k on target earnings per annum. 

We are looking for a full or part time employed Podiatrist to join our amazing team at Surrey Foot Service. 

At Surrey Foot Service we solve foot pain to keep our patients active. We want you to share in our ethos and goals, fit seamlessly into our team, be excited about joining us on the next part of our journey, and of course have fun! 

We offer a fantastic range of treatments in our newly refurbished practice including nail surgery, musculoskeletal assessment (including video gait analysis on treadmill and ultrasound), bespoke orthoses, Swift verruca therapy, verruca cryotherapy and needling, toenail reconstruction, diabetic foot assessments, plus all the other regular podiatry day to day stuff.  We are always looking to improve and like to keep up to date with new evidence-based treatments. 

We have exceptional administrative support from our reception team, leaving you more time to focus on treating patients and being mentored by our team of experienced podiatrists. This will include basic training, as well as rotations within all specialities. We welcome applications from those graduating this year as well as those of you with a bit more experience as a podiatrist, looking for a new and exciting change. 

If you think this role is for you please send a CV with a covering letter (no more than 500 words) to [email protected]. You can also contact Fiona for a chat on 07896 556545. 

We look forward to getting to know you soon! 

Fiona & the team at Surrey Foot Service

P.S. You will need to be HCPC registered (or about to be if you are graduating this year) and have insurance to practice as a podiatrist privately. 

If you’re like me and have a love for boots in the Autumn and Winter, then read on…

As with everything fashion and especially footwear, it’s sometimes hard to know where to start, or what to look for in a shoe, boot or trainer depending on what you want it for. This brings me nicely onto my first point of making sure the boot is fit for purpose. For example, don’t buy a walking boot to wear with jeans to go out for dinner, and conversely don’t buy a heeled fashion boot for walking up a hill! There is also the complication of those that wear insoles for support and pain relief, and being able to fit them into a suitable boot. So here are a few tips about the boots I wear for different occasions and why they suit that particular job… 

Walking the dog – North Face (Back to Berkeley). These are walking boots which I can wear for great support, protection and they are waterproof. This is essential if you are out walking the dog through the woods in the mud, leaves, puddles, fields etc, and the ground is wet, muddy and uneven. They are extremely light and have a removable insole so I can put my own bespoke insoles in them. They would also work well for hiking and hill walking. 

Brown suede boots – Hotter. These are my go to boots for heading out to the shops, picking up the kids, when I am both in and outside and going to be on my feet quite a bit. They look good, have good support, are wide fit to accommodate my wide forefoot and have removable insoles so I can pop my own insoles in there. A great find! 

Snow boots – Sorel. These do exactly what they say on the tin. They are fab if you are off skiing or abroad when the weather is extremely cold. They are also great if we happen to get snow here in England and want to head out for a wintery walk! No room for insoles so definitely not for those who want to walk miles. 

Knee high waterproof boots – Dubarry. 100% waterproof and perfect for watching those rugby matches in the freezing cold and rainy weather. I love them for this but I wouldn’t walk miles in them as I can’t fit my insoles in them and need a bit more support for going the distance. They are also on the pricey side but do last many years. 

Fashion boots with a small heel – I have a couple of pairs of these with a low block heel and they are perfect for wearing with jeans or dresses for a night out or somewhere for dinner. They are not particularly supportive, and they definitely can’t fit and insole in them so they are more for wearing when you know you won’t be on your feet a lot. They do look great though! 

Killer heel boots – these are just a no no from me!!!!

In summary, remember these top tips when shopping for boots: 

• Are they fit for purpose? 
• Will they be supportive enough?
• Do they have a removable insole if you need to put your own in? 
• Are they waterproof? 
• Do they look good?! 
• Will they last? 

That’s it from me. Happy shopping and enjoy the outdoors even in the Autumn and Winter! 

Fiona 

Nadisha now offers Reflexology here at Surrey Foot Service. She is qualified in both podiatry and reflexology making her a highly experienced practitioner who is able to treat a range of foot problems. 

Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the belief that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which are believed to correspond to all organs and parts of the body. Focused pressure techniques are used to massage the reflex areas helping you deeply relax and restore your mind and body. It is a holistic therapy recognised by doctors and health professionals that is based on an individual basis and has many health benefits including improved sleep quality, relaxed muscles and increased circulation as well as improved symptoms of everyday stress and tension. 

The main principle of Reflexology is through the nervous system, which links other areas of the body together. By massaging and applying pressure to certain parts of your feet, we can access all different areas of the body to improve circulation, detoxify your body and release stress from your muscles.

Depending on the reasons for you wanting reflexology, a single treatment can be great for your wellbeing and for people of all ages but, the best results are achieved with regular treatments. Having a treatment each week for a couple of weeks or so, will help to kick-start the benefits and after that, a treatment once every four weeks works for most clients and is proven to be the best treatment plan. 

Types of Reflexology we offer:

New patient (Foot & Hand – 60 mins) 

Follow-up (Foot & Hand – 30 mins)

Follow-up (Foot & Hand – 60 mins)

Lymphatic Drainage (60 mins) 

Book online 

Good morning, everybody. Fungal infections and fungal nails. I know that most of you watching this probably have had, or currently have one, or will at some point in your life have a fungal infection in your feet. You might be horrified to hear this, but it is so normal. We see it every single day in the clinic.

So what’s a fungal infection? Basically, fungus are everywhere. They’re all over your house, they’re probably in your shoes, and living in your carpet, outside, everywhere. So some people tend to pick up fungus on their feet, some more than others. So there is a  slight genetic element, but also it’s the environment that is key with this. So fungus love a warm, sweaty environment. So if you live in socks and shoes, socks and trainers, sweat quite a bit or at the gym, or out running or out walking and get quite hot, sweaty feet quite a lot, then you may well be prone to getting a fungal infection in your feet. That’s not the only thing you know, gyms, changing rooms, swimming pools, public places, you know, there are lots of things flying around there. It’s very common to pick up a fungal infection.

So what are the signs? On the skin of the feet we usually see, so this skin might be slightly redder in colour, or it might be a bit more sensitive. Sometimes you feel a bit itchy and the skin can look like it’s peeling or a little bit flaky in some areas. Sometimes the only thing that you can see is sort of like a powdery effect in the lines, the striations of the skin on the bottom of your feet. It looks like a white powder almost. Even if you put a normal emollient on your feet, it won’t go away. That’s how you know if it’s a fungal infection or not. In the toenails, it’s different. It always jumps from skin to nail. So if you have it in the skin, you should really get on top of it and treat it. Otherwise it may jump into the toenails. In the toenails, they can be yellow, discoloured, sort of browney green, sometimes thickened, they might be crumbly, they might you know, get sort of deformed in shape they might start getting a little bit curlier eight edges and things like that because the fungus eats away at the nail and causes all these problems. Once it’s in the nail, it’s slightly more difficult to get rid of.

So what do you do? So in general, wash and dry your feet every day. Make sure you dry in between your toes. Change your socks daily, air your shoes out. Don’t be in your shoes all day every day sweating away. Okay. Use antifungal creams. So the usual Lamisil, Daktarin, Canesten – these are all antifungal foot creams that you can use if you see any signs of a fungal infection in your feet. When it comes to the toenails. If you’ve got what you think is a fungal nail infection, you can use something off the shelf called Curanail, or Loceryl – it’s the same thing. This requires you to paint it on one to two times a week. It’s like a clear lacquer, but you need to do it for a minimum of six months. There’s no point doing it if you don’t do that minimum time, okay. If you’re not getting anywhere with these treatments, you know what to do give us a ring 01372 464659 or email us at [email protected]. All right, good luck.

Today we’re talking about callus and corns, a very common treatment in podiatry, we see it day in day out. Multiple people have these problems. The reason being so what’s callus? For starters, callus is a diffuse area of hard skin, which we often find on the foot. And it’s caused by pressure. And it’s usually shearing forces, so like movement forces, you may twist when you walk or you have slight movement in your shoe, that sort of thing.

You might get a diffuse area of hard skin, which can as time goes on, that builds up and it gets thicker, it can become quite painful. And so common areas to get it are under these joints in the toe called the metatarsophalangeal joints. And you find possibly under the big toe is more common than the littler ones. And it builds up under there. It’s common under here as well around the heel, where we get a lot of pressure. Sometimes if it gets thick enough, it will crack and that can become quite painful.

So what we do to deal with that in clinic is we take it off with a blade, it’s called debridement. So we take away all that hard skin, which immediately gives you relief from that pain you’re experiencing. But we also look at why you’re getting it. So is it the footwear you’re wearing? Is it the mechanics of your feet? Do you need a little bit of cushioning, because you might have lost a little bit of fatty padding under the joints? What can we do basically to help prevent this build up over the long term.

The other thing I want to talk about today was corns, so that’s slightly different from callus. It is hard skin, but it is where you get an area of direct pressure. So for example, under this little toe, you might get a direct pressure if this joint sort of dropped slightly.

So if you look in this line, and it just slightly drops down like that, you might be getting an extra bit of pressure under it when you walk. And what you’ll find is it’s like a circular bit of hard skin, it looks a little bit like glassy, that’s the way to describe it. It’s a little glassy bit of hard skin. But what it does is it goes into the skin like this in a point, okay. And so when you walking on it from that circular shape, it goes up into the foot like a point so when you walk it is very painful. Okay, corns are a lot more painful than callus in general, because it feels like you’re walking on a pebble or a stone almost all the time, once they build up. And common places to get them are under these joints here.

You might get one under the little toe joint, the big toe joint, the tops of the toes. And these are always caused because of footwear. Because you get direct pressure from footwear. If you don’t wear shoes at all you can get on the top, because there would be no pressure on the top. Okay, and we deal with those in a pretty similar way. We take them out and it’s called enucleation. We take out the corn and again, you get immediate relief and then we look at the reasons why you’re getting it. Is it footwear? Is it abnormal pressures in your foot? Is it the way that you’re walking? That sort of thing and try to address it that way as well as giving you the immediate relief of taking away the problem.

So they are fairly simple things but they can cause a lot of discomfort in our patients. And if you’ve got a problem like that, you can give us a call or 01372464659 or you can email us at [email protected]

Today’s topic is Achilles tendinopathy. What is that I hear you cry? Well, it’s basically a pain in your heel, let me show you. So just here your Achilles runs from your heel bone up into the calf, okay. It’s a big thick tendon. Okay. And we’ve seen quite a lot of people who are getting quite a lot of irritation on it at the moment, the main reason being is a sudden increase in exercise. So all that lockdown walking, running, extra sport you’ve been doing, it’s beginning to have an effect on your Achilles. Basically it doesn’t like a sudden increase either, if you’re running, for example, a sudden increase in speed, or distance. So you need to do everything gradually, if you’re increasing exercise. If you suddenly go from here to here, it’s likely to cause a little bit of an issue with your Achilles.

So symptoms include pain, a little bit of inflammation, it might be hot, and it might not be painful when you’re actually doing the activity but maybe afterwards, it gets a bit sore. And then as time goes on, if it gets a bit worse, it might be painful all the time. It tends to hurt when you own your feet. Sometimes it can get a little bit bumpy, just along along the tendon, sometimes just down here, you can feel a little nodules. If you do a little squeeze test like this, that will be quite painful. If your Achilles has got a bit of tendinopathy on it. And you can also experience symptoms up further up here, where it inserts into the muscle as well as down here.

So what can you do about it? Well, number one thing to do is reduce that exercise that you’ve just increased. So just bring everything back down to a much lower level and take it easy, okay. Other things to be doing are footwear, look at that footwear that you’re wearing? Okay. So here we go. This is the sort of thing I want you to be wearing. If you’re running, training, I don’t know, in the gym, whatever, even walking, if it’s not muddy and disgusting. Don’t worry about the brand, but this is a good supportive running trainer. Okay, it’s nice and cushioned on the bottom, it’s supportive here on the inside of the foot, and it’s got nice firm heel cup. Okay, the other thing as the insole comes out, so if you need an insole, you can put your own in.

So that brings me to insoles. So here we go. Here’s an example. So the thing that the Achilles quite like is when you take the pressure off it, okay, so often on insole with a slight heel lift, like this one’s got here is a good treatment for Achilles tendinopathy. It just takes the strain out of it to allow it to settle down and heal. So insoles might be a good idea if you’re really struggling with a bit of tendinopathy there. Okay, other things include ice, anti-inflammatories, you know, you can either take them orally or use a gel, that sort of thing. And rest it, do that as well. But if all that fails, and you’re still having problems, you know what to do – get in contact with us. Okay, you can ring us on 01372464659 or you can email us at [email protected]

Today’s topic is toenail reconstruction, and I have been in quite a lot of these lately and it’s quite an interesting aspect of our work here in the podiatry clinic as it’s a little bit different, it’s more cosmetic, rather than clinical if you like.

So what is toenail reconstruction? It is, it’s almost like a gel, which we cure under a UV light. So we build it up in multiple layers on people who have got deformed toenails or lost part of their toenails and they want to have a toenail in place to paint or for protection on the nail bed, and it’s specifically for toenails so it’s a little bit flexible. It’s not like acrylics that you use on fingernails at all.

So who is it suitable for? Well, anybody really who has got a problem toenail. So you might have had nail surgery in the past, so you don’t have much toenail left, and you want to build it up slightly. You might have had a fungal infection and so you might have crumbled away slightly. It might be deformed or thickened through trauma. Basically, if your nails not looking as you want it to look for the summer or for any time really, we can build it back up to make it look like a normal nail. The one key thing that you do need is something for it to adhere to. So it won’t work very well on people who’ve only got just skin on the nail bed. If you’ve got any nail at all or any rough callused skin, something for it to adhere to, then it will work.

Okay, you can paint it, you can cut it, you can file it like any normal nail. But as your nail grows, it will grow up and out with it and it will come slightly loose. We say generally that it will last for six to eight weeks. We don’t advise soaking it in baths for a long time because it tends to, the water gets kind of trapped underneath and it tends to loosen it off slightly. Showers are better, and not too much trauma from sports or bad footwear. If you adhere to all that it should last a good six to eight weeks, maybe more, and then we just take off and replace it if you want another one. It also protects the nail underneath if it’s damaged while that grows out as well so it’s quite good for just keeping that in check and giving it a protective layer just on top of the damage nail like that.

So that’s it really it’s a harmless treatment, it doesn’t take long. It’s a half an hour appointment for one toenail or an hour for two. If you want to book in just ring us on 01372 464659 or you can email us at [email protected] and we will get you booked in. You can also look at the website www.surreyfootservice.co.uk and the blog that will go with this post for before and after pics so you can see examples.

Okay, so they present as little thickened areas on the bottom of your feet. And they’re usually flat on the bottom of your feet, because we walk on them. So it’s sort of pushed up into the bottom of the foot in there, because you’re walking on it all day. They can be painful, they can get quite big and they can spread. So there’s lots of things you can do about this. One thing to note is they’re not harmful. So if they’re not bothering you, you can just leave them and the theory is that your body will pick up on the virus and fight it at some point. It may take weeks, months, maybe even years, but it should pick it up at some point, and they will go. If however you want to get rid of them sooner or they’re painful, then there are things you can do.

So you can try lots of over the counter treatments from the chemist. These tend to work better on younger kids because their immune systems are better at fighting the virus anyway. However, if you’ve tried it and it’s not worked, then you can come into clinic and we can offer you different options. So we mostly would offer two things. One is cryotherapy, two is needling. So when we see you, we would assess your verruca and discuss the options with you, and if you’re happy to have a treatment with us here, we could either go with cryotherapy, which is effectively freezing the verruca. And we usually do that minimum of three times at three sessions. It can be quite nippy, but it’s very fast, so it doesn’t take long and your foot might be a little bit tender for a day or two after but you don’t need any dressings, anything like that. So that’s one option. The second option is needling, and that is more of a one off treatment. We put some anaesthetic in the foot and we basically cut out as much of the verruca as possible and then we puncture it hundreds of times with a needle. It’s more aggressive than cryotherapy and the theory is that you’re physically getting it as much as you can and by puncturing it, you’re getting the virus into the bloodstream, so your body will pick it up and fight it. Both have got good evidence that they’re about 70% effective. You will not find a treatment for verrucas that’s any more effective than 70-75% because it relies on your body fighting the virus.

If you’re interested in coming in and to have a chat about treatments or you want to book in with us, it’s the usual number or 01372 464659 or email us at info at [email protected]. All right bye for now.

So today we’re talking about ingrown toenails. We see an awful lot of these in our clinic. So what is an ingrown toenail? Basically, it’s when the edge of your nail starts digging into the skin slightly, and it starts causing you a little bit of pain, inflammation, and if it’s not treated, it can lead to infection. So these can be incredibly painful if they’re not treated and dealt with correctly. So what causes an ingrown toenail? There are many reasons but one of the main reasons we see is the way that you’re made up, so your genetics. Some people just have a curlier toenail than others basically and therefore the edges of the nail just dig in slightly more. This may or may not cause you a problem, but other things that can exacerbate this or cause an ingrown toenail are what you do in your daily life. So for example, if you’re very sporty, football, rugby, dance, all these things cause an awful lot of trauma and pressure to the toenails, so these can cause an ingrown toenail to flare up. The shoes you wear are also very important. So if you were very tight fitting shoes. Heels, things that will cause a lot of pressure on the forefoot, then these can lead to an ingrown toenail as well. Other things, one off things like if you drop something on your foot, or if you’ve got a fungal infection in your nail, and it causes it to change shape and got thicker, all these things can lead to extra pressure and therefore an ingrown toenail.

So what can you do about it? I’ve already mentioned that footwear is very important. So wearing looser shoes, for example, a trainer or a shoe with a strap or a lace, which is wider and deeper at the front will definitely take the pressure off the nails. Cutting the nails, try not to dig down the sides. A lot of people will try and do this, but they may leave a little spike of nail, which may cause further problems. So just follow the natural curve of the nail when you’re cutting them and keep them short and neat. The other thing is try and avoid pressure basically on the nails. So I mean, I know if you’re into sports and things like that, you can’t really but just think about what you’re doing in your daily life and any pressure avoidance on the toenails will help. If you have got that inflammation and pain present, what you can do is pop them in a basin of warm salty water. So that just helps settle down any inflammation and pain.

If you’re still struggling, and it’s not working and you think I’ve still got pain, inflammation, this is getting worse then you need to see a podiatrist. So come in, and we will assess you, and we will either recommend a conservative treatment, or there’s a small minor operation where we remove a sliver of the nail which is causing the problem permanently. And that is a permanent solution to the ingrown toenail, basically. So once you’ve had that procedure done, it’s gone. You don’t have to worry about it again. We’ve had plenty people in with problems like this, one example, a lovely patient called Robert came in with toes double the size of normal, highly infected and had multiple courses of antibiotics trying to sort it out with no results basically. And the reason being it was the nail that was digging it and so no matter how many courses of antibiotics he had, it wasn’t going to resolve that problem. So, we did the minor procedure on him, took out the sides of the nails which were causing the problem. Healed up within a few weeks, back at work, no pain, no infection, no problems. So if you’ve got an ingrown toenail, do not leave it please. Get in touch with us or your local podiatrist if it’s not working what you’re doing at home. All right.

Heel pain is our topic today and we see this every single day in clinic. So what exactly is heel pain?

Heel pain is any pain which you get under or around your heel, and it’s comes and goes, or it’s constant. It’s not just a one off thing.

So what causes heel pain?

There are lots of different things that can cause heel pain:

1. One of these is footwear. If your footwear is not supporting you, in the correct way, classic things like bally pumps, or just slip-on shoes, this can cause the plantar fascia under the foot to stretch slightly, and then it pulls at the heel. So this can cause a little bit of a heel pain.
2. What you are doing in your daily life. How much are you walking? How much exercise are you doing? Have you suddenly increased your exercise or have you changed your exercise regime? All these things can initiate a chain, which can lead to heel pain.  Have you recently put on weight? Then you’re carrying extra load through the lower limb and the feet, and this can trigger something in the foot as well.
3. The mechanics of your walking or running could be putting extra strain on your lower limb leading to heel pain. 

What can you do about it at home? 

1. Stretching. Often we find people have got tight muscles, ligaments, tendons, when they experience foot and ankle pain. So a basic calf stretch is always useful. You can always stretch under your foot using a tennis ball or a frozen bottle of water, if you roll that over the arch under the arch and under the heel of your foot, it often settles down pain and inflammation associated with it. 
2. Ice and/or anti-inflammatories to calm down any inflammation.
3. Modify your exercise regime – if you have suddenly increased it, just pull it back slightly to take the strain off the structures around the heel.
4. Footwear – make sure you’re wearing the correct footwear for the job. If you’re running, make sure you’ve got a running trainer with good support, or if it’s tennis, make sure it’s a tennis shoe. 

Then what?

If all of the above doesn’t work, go and see your podiatrist and we will assess you. We will video you walking, running and doing whatever sport it is that’s causing the problem and slow it down, have a look at what is going on and suggest a treatment programme. We will often suggest a stretching and strengthening program. We may suggest modifying your exercise, so change up your exercise regime, don’t just run if that’s what’s causing a problem and maybe do some swimming or cross training as well. Footwear, footwear footwear! Always look at your footwear as well. If it’s not doing the job, it’s going to be causing you problems. And we may suggest a referral, you might need a referral to someone else, like a physio or an osteopath to do some manipulation work on you as well. We may also suggest an insole or orthotic to support your foot if it needs it, and often we find this does help when you’ve got heel pain. Maybe temporary, maybe more permanent.

We will work with you to ensure the best treatment for you and your body to fit in with your lifestyle. Our podiatrists are experts in this field and we are here to help! 

Contact us on 01372 464659 or [email protected] to make an appointment. 

Loads of you have asked me about foot peel masks and whether they are any good, so I thought I would have some foot peel fun of my own! In short, I tried them out and reported back via a series of videos, so here they are….graphic content warning as they contain peeling skin and if you are not into this, don’t watch it! 

If these foot peel fun masks worked for you – that is great news…it means that your feet don’t have heavy callus and you don’t need any additional help with the skin on your feet. If however you still have callus, hard skin or corns you need to see a podiatrist. Contact us to book an appointment or find your local podiatrist to get booked in. 

See Frankie Bridge talking here about her ingrown toenails on Loose Women which she had treated by us last month. She is fantastic about sharing her foot troubles with the world and advocates that there is no need to be embarrassed by them.  Great work!

Frankie has had painful toenails for many years but due to her work commitments she was never able to do anything about them permanently. In lockdown she decided to finally get them treated and has taken to Instagram and Loose Women to tell all about her experience. She openly discusses the problems she has with her feet and why we shouldn’t be embarrassed by them. 

Find out more about Ingrown Toenails. 

Contact us to book an appointment. 

It’s early in the year, it’s lockdown, and it seems everyone is out walking and running as, let’s face it, what else is there to do?! But, be careful, you could start to get some niggles, or worse if your overdo it…

We are seeing so many new clients in lockdown with niggles which have turned into something more. This can be down to walking around the house barefoot due to home working, and therefore not wearing a supportive shoe or trainer like you usually would when out and about at work. It is also due to a generic increase in walking and running as a form of exercise outside as this is one of the main things we can do at the moment to keep fit.

However, due to the lack of variety in our exercise, wrong shoes, lack of support, tightening of muscles etc. we are seeing quite a few clients coming in with Achilles and heel pain injuries.

Here are a few top tips to keep you flexible and injury free: 

1. Stretch stretch stretch…we don’t do enough of this – calf stretches are a great way of keeping you moving and is a must after a long walk or run 
2.  
3. Use the correct footwear for the job – if you are running wear a good supportive running trainer, walking requires a good support walking shoe or boot 
4.  
5. Vary your exercise routine – don’t do the same thing every day! Although it is tempting to have a routine where you do the same walk or jog daily this will put undue stress on your muscles and joints with no time for them to recover. Try and mix it up with an online Pilates class or weights session – this will work different muscle groups and give your body a much better chance of recovery from the other types of exercise you are doing. 
6.  

If all else fails and you are still getting pain, then get in touch.  We are here to help with foot and ankle pain and can create a tailored treatment plan to meet your specific needs. 

Here is a quick update on our current prices for our most popular treatments. If you have any questions or wish to contact us please call us on 01372 417585 or email on [email protected]. 

The simple answer to this is YES! Podiatrists are grouped within medical and healthcare, and provide a wide variety of treatments to their patient groups. These include high risk wound care, musculoskeletal problems, painful ingrown toenails, and any other issue causing pain or discomfort in the foot and ankle.

We continue to see all patients currently under the COVID-19 guidelines and have strict social distancing and PPE protocols in place to protect everyone.

If you have any questions regarding our procedures, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss this further.