Feet Are Our Forte

Thickened Nails

• Why do I have thick nails: If you have ever lost a nail, injured a toe, wore tight fitting or steel-toe capped shoes/boots.  If you have a fungal infection, psoriasis, or arthritis. Also, getting older could be the reason why you have thickened nails.
• What can be done: Assessment of why you have thick nails would be part of the treatment, but making them thinner could help, but may not cure. Additional treatments may be necessary depending on the severity. Call us and book your appointment.

Ingrown Nails

• Why do I have an ingrowing toe nail: This could be down to footwear, the nail shape, trauma or even poor cutting technique. 
• What can be done: Hard skin can build up on the edges of the nails, this would be removed.  However it is very difficult if the nail has been cut down the side or if there is an infection. The Podiatrist may recommend seeing the GP for oral antibiotics. However if this keep reoccurring then surgically removing the side of the nail or in some cases the full nail. Call us and book your appointment.

Fungal Nails

• How do I know I have fungal nails: Normally a yellow discolouration under the nail or down the side of the nail. 
• Why do I have fungal nails: We all have bacteria on our skin. When fungi and bacteria increase, this is when it can become problematic. Sometimes fungal starts in one nail then spreads to others over time, therefore as soon as you think you have a fungal nail seek advice. 
• What can be done: Prevention is better than a cure. Call us and book your appointment..

Cracked Heels

• What is too much hard skin: Hard skin or callus can be protective to a particular bone on your foot and would develop over time, trauma or activity.
• Located: Normally around the heels, forefoot, on the top or sides of the toes.
• How do I know if I have excessive hard skin: The hard skin develops on areas of pressure, and acts as your natural cushioning, serving to protect the joints and bottom of the foot. However excessive hard skin looks thicker, less sensitive and sometimes yellowish in colour, therefore if left can start to develop cracks in the skin.  Painful cracks can also develop around the heels. If left on the edges of the toes can sometime be a cause for ingrowing toe nails.
• What can be done: There are a number of reasons why someone has hard skin, but this is incorporated in to the assessment. The treatment is not painful. Call us and book your appointment.

Athlete’s Foot

• How do I know I have athletes foot: Can be sensitive, red and itchy. However it could be that if you have dry feet, this can also cause itching. If you have psoriasis, dermatitis or any circulation concerns then after your consultation we may referred you to your GP. 
• Located: Anywhere on the foot, but mainly in between the toes.
• What can be done: Depending on what has been tried previously, the Podiatrist may recommend a number of treatments. Call us and book your appointment.

Corns

• What are they: A round area of slightly darker skin. This is seen better when the skin is wet. It is an inverted cone shaped mass of very hard skin, which can be extremely tiny.
• Located: On the bottom of the foot, in-between or on top of the toes, end of the toes or even down the side of the nail.
• How do I know I have a Corn: If you press on the area, they cause a sharp pain as they normally develop on an area where there is pressure? Corns can also feel like you are walking on a pebble.
• What can be done: Removal, the procedure normally does not hurt. Call us and book your appointment.

Verruca Treatment

• What are they: Black dots, which are blocked blood vessels.
• Located: Mainly on the bottom of the foot, in-between the toes or even behind the nail.
• How do I know I have a verruca: If you squeeze/pinch around the area, they sometimes give you a small sharp pain?
• What can be done: Sometimes a verruca can go on their own. However, depending on your history and how long you have had a verruca, we can offer a range of treatments and advise. Call us and book your appointment.