When Should I See a Podiatrist?
Many people don’t know when to visit a podiatrist, and we find that many of our patients wait longer than they need to before they come in to see us. Foot pain is not normal and putting up with painful feet is very uncomfortable.
The following examples are instances where a visit to the podiatrist would be recommended.
1. Corns and Callus.
Hard skin for on your feet can be very painful and needs chiropody care to gently remove the hard skin and give advice and treatment to prevent recurrence or manage the problem conservatively.
Book a General Foot Treatment at Supplefeet for £35 and for a real foot transformation combine with a pedicure; our renowned PodPed treatment.
2. Discomfort with Toenails
If you have problems reaching your own toenails, or have trouble trimming them properly to ensure that you don't get ingrown nails or other nail problems, our clinical assistant in podiatry will be happy to trim them for you.
A toe nail trim (TNT) at Supplefeet costs just £20
3. Discoloured or Yellow Toenails
Discoloured or yellow toe nails are usually caused by a type of fungus of the nail, this can be very easily treated with topical ointments or in the more severe cases by oral medications from your GP.
Thickened toenails can be painlessly sanded down and infected nail removed. Our treatment of choice is Nailstat and whilst the nail is being treated it can be painted with nail varnish, or for optimal cosmetic results add our Biogel nail treatment for complete nail coverage and glamorous looking nails. (Available for hands and feet.)
Toe Nail Treatment (TNT) is £20 at Supplefeet; your feet will thank you for it!.
4. Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the nail, either by curvature or skin growth, actually grows into the skin, creating a very painful border to the toenail. It can occur on any toenail of the foot, and can get very infected very fast so its very important to see a doctor if you feel like the ingrown toenail is getting worse. The podiatrist can numb up your toe to remove it. There are many different solutions that are less invasive, but it is extremely important to see a foot specialist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail.
5. Heel Pain
Any kind of pain in the heel needs to be seen by a podiatrist. With heel pain it is important to take note of what kind of pain is occurring and when.
Classically heel pain is called plantar fasciitus and treatment includes assessment, diagnosis, insoles, physiotherapy advice, injections if needed. Also an x ray may be required to rule out the possibility of bone spurs, gout crystals, and other injuries or pathologies.
6. Numbness or Swelling
If you have pain and swelling (oedema) in one foot and not the other you should see a podiatrist. There are many problems that need to be investigated which could be causing the pain and swelling for example a broken bone, infection, tendonitis or tendon rupture. Swelling in both feet and ankles could be due to lymphedema. Whatever the cause it is always a good idea to come in to see the podiatrist to diagnose and treat a problem before it gets worse. At Supplefeet we liase with your family doctor and other specialists for best care.
7. Soreness in Toes
Soreness in the toes can be due to any number of injuries or conditions that our podiatrists would need to evaluate at Supplefeet clinic. Pads, arch supports, and insoles can be fitted to your shoes to alleviate your foot pain.
8. Pain in the Pad of the Foot
With any type of pain in the foot, a podiatrist should be seen to evaluate what is causing the pain, and to review treatment options. Night splints, shoe pads, arch supports, and padded insoles can all alleviate types of pad pain, but it is necessary to have the podiatrist evaluate and fit you for them.
9. A Wound or Sore That Does Not Heal
You need to come and see our podiatrists if you have an open sore on your foot or ankle. This is particularly important if you have diabetes as it usually takes you longer to heal. A podiatrist can swab the sore to find out the type of bacteria, and also supply and administer some antibiotics. Seeing a podiatrist quickly and starting treatment greatly improves your chances of healing. If you have had an open sore for a long time, your chance of getting a skin (or even a bone infection (osteomyelitis)) increases.
10. A Pain While Walking
This could be due to either a number of tendon problems in the foot perhaps conditions in your muscular or skeletal structure. A podiatrist can help alleviate the pain with shoe advice, foot padding, and other treatments.
11. Bunions
Bunions are a structural deformity of the bones in the foot and the joint that is between the foot and big toe. They can become swollen and irritated at the base of the big toe. They can be painful and may require surgical correction. Bunions should always be assessed as they are inherited and early advice can be very helpful in managing this condition over your lifetime.
12. Flattened Arches
If you notice that your feet flatten out when standing this could be a sign of hyper pronation and/or tendon dysfunction or even rupture. A tendon that does not work properly can lead to the bones not being lined up which in time can cause arthritis in the joints.
Seeing a podiatrist for analysis of your gait and treating the problem early may prevent damage to your joints.