Podiatry and how it can help you

Meet your Podiatrists

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:27:49 GMT

Work at Plymouth Podiatry!

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:10:07 GMT

Are you a skilled and passionate Podiatrist seeking a fulfilling career opportunity?

Plymouth Podiatry has an exciting opportunity for a fully qualified HCPC registered Podiatrist to join the practice.

Established in 2019 Plymouth Podiatry has steadily grown into a successful independent Podiatry practice and we are now ready to expand to a multi chair clinic.

We are looking to welcome a full or part time Podiatrist with 2-3 year’s experience who is able to perform the following tasks confidently:-

Review patient’s medical history, consider patient’s concerns and perform neurovascular assessments to inform diagnoses and create patient centred treatment plans.
Recognise common skin and nail pathologies such as tinea pedis, onychomycosis, onychocryptosis and verruca pedis, for example.
Be able to communicate to patients how to treat common foot pathologies.
Supply appropriate over the counter and prescription only medicines.
Carry out nail surgery with phenolisation.
Diagnose musculoskeletal foot, ankle and lower limb problems through physical examination and gait analysis.
Issue appropriate over the counter or bespoke orthotic therapy.
Issue appropriate exercise programmes for musculoskeletal problems.
Maintain accurate medical records.
Write referral letters to other physicians or specialists if their input is deemed necessary.
Carry out regular CPD to keep Podiatry knowledge up to date.

Why choose Plymouth Podiatry?

Established and Reputable Practice. We have built a strong reputation for providing exceptional podiatric care within the local community. Joining Plymouth Podiatry means becoming part of a trusted name in Podiatry.
Autonomy and Independence. You will have the opportunity to work independently and make a significant impact on the lives of our valued patients. You will have the freedom to manage your own caseload of patients and their treatment plans. Allowing you to showcase your skills and expertise.
Modern Advanced Technology. Our clinics are equipped with modern advanced technology with plans to build on what is already available. Ensuring that you can deliver the highest standard of care to our patients.
Diverse Patient Case. Plymouth Podiatry serves a diverse range of patients, exposing you to a wide range of foot and ankle pathologies from routine care to MSK to nail surgery you will have the opportunity to broaden your experience and skill set.

Qualifications and Expectations

You must be a fully qualified and insured Podiatrist – registered with the HCPC;
2-3 years post graduation experience ideally, although new graduates may be considered if they are the right fit.
Strong work ethic and ability to work independently;
Excellent communication skills and ability to build raport with patients and work colleagues;
Good organisational skills;
Excellent time keeping;
Commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advances in Podiatric practice;

Hours

Flexible working hours between:-

9am to 5:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

9am to 7pm on Thursdays

9am to 5pm on Saturdays

Salary – DOE

Benefits

Company Pension
Bonus scheme
Employee discount
Flexible working
On site parking

If this sounds like you, please enter via our Indeed vacancy here .

Note : This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or requirements associated with the job.

Are you switching up your footwear? What shoes to wear for pain-free feet!

jodytempleton@rocketmail.com (Jody Templeton) — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 12:56:24 GMT

When looking after your feet it is i mportant to vary your footwear to ensure you are suitably supported.

Whether you are working from home and live in your slippers or are enjoying the easing of lockdown with your favourite pair of heels, wearing unsupportive shoes for long periods of time can result in foot pain.

At Plymouth Podiatry, we suggest being proactive and switching up your footwear to ensure that your feet are supported, even when working from home!

We have some top tips to share with you below:

Keep high heels for special occasions, as regular use can damage your feet.
To reduce your chances of developing a fungal infection, try not to wear the same shoes two days in a row.
Wear supportive shoes, with good heel cushioning and arch support. For instance, trainers are a brilliant option.

If, however, you are experiencing foot pain that continues for longer than 3 weeks, get in touch with us so we can assess the cause and put a suitable treatment plan in place.

You can call us on 07815 849368 or 01752 778372 or alternatively, visit our contact page on our website with the link below:

https://www.plymouthpodiatry.co.uk/contact

Plymouth Podiatry has Reached 50+ Reviews!

jodytempleton@rocketmail.com (Jody Templeton) — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 07:05:02 GMT

A new milestone for Plymouth Podiatry!

We are proud to have reached a new milestone here at Plymouth Podiatry - we have reached over 50 reviews on Google! Customer satisfaction is at the heart of all we do so we LOVE hearing your feedback and appreciate our customers taking their time to leave a review. Not only does it make us do a little 'happy dance' when we receive an online review, it also helps us to keep striving to be the number one podiatry clinic in Plymouth.

You can check out our reviews here: https://g.page/plymouthpodiatry?share

A big THANK YOU to all of our customers for your continued support.

Neurovascular Assessment

jodytempleton@rocketmail.com (Jody Templeton) — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 09:28:07 GMT

You would be amazed at what can be p icked up via your feet...

There are a large amount of blood vessels and nerves located in the feet. It is for this reason that neurovascular foot assessments are an important part of keeping your feet healthy . This is especially the case for those with diabetes or those that have a history of peripheral vascular diseases.

The neurovascular assessment of the extremities is performed to evaluate sensory and motor function (“neuro”) and peripheral circulation (“vascular”). The components of the neurovascular assessment include pulses, capillary refill, skin color, temperature, sensation, and motor function.

When we perform a Neurovascular health check, we're not just checking the feet. We are also assessing the health of the circulation system. We can detect blockages, calcification, hardening of the arteries and arrhythmia. These issues can be asymptomatic for a long time, getting worse over time or leading to stroke/heart attack or loss of limbs.

We also check the nervous system and can detect nerve damage which could be caused by underlying health conditions which could be addressed if discovered. Causes for peripheral neuropathy could be toxicity caused by diabetes, alcohol, medication or it could be through trauma, inflammation, lack of vitamin B12 or some genetic disorders.

It Is a quick process and we carry out a Neurovascular Assessment for all patients, writing to the GP if anything needs investigating further.

How to Look After Your Feet

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 14:13:02 GMT

Infographic: Tips for Every Day Footcare

Your feet are important and looking after them should play a part in your weekly wellbeing routine. There is plenty you can do at home to stop painful foot issues occurring in the first place. Here, we run through some of our top tips for everyday foot care:

Case Study - Achilles Tendinopathy

jodytempleton@rocketmail.com (Jody Templeton) — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 11:46:05 GMT

Achilles Tendinopathy is a common condition which causes pain and sometimes inflammation along the back of the leg near the heel.

Achilles tendinopthy is caused by repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or push up on your toes.

The structure of the Achilles tendon weakens with age, which can make it more susceptible to injury — particularly in people who may participate in sports only on the weekends or who have suddenly increased the intensity of their running programs.

It is important to note that not all heel pain is achilles tendinopathy and not all achilles tendinopathies are treated the same.

Overview

A patient came into the Plymouth Podiatry clinic after being requested by her employer to seek the help of a Podiatrist at their cost. The patient's ability to work had been impacted by the pain she had been experiencing in her feet for the past 12 months.

The patient presented with significant pain and inflammation at the point of insertion of the achilles tendon into the heel. She had sought help from her GP in the past, who had prescribed some stretches but these had not helped and her condition was worsening.

Treatment

Following an in depth Musculoskeletal Assessment at Plymouth Podiatry, we were able to come up with an accurate diagnosis of her condition. We were also able to identify some functional abnormalities which were likely to be causing the tendinopathy.

Knowing the patients condition and identifying the cause enabled us to create a successful treatment plan which enabled the patient to return to work comfortably within 6 weeks. This patient's treatment plan involved some rest, and topical anti inflammatories alongside the correct exercise plan. We also prescribed a pair of bespoke orthotics which her employers were happy to pay for.

I immediately informed the patient to stop the exercises prescribed by her GP as these were likely to be making her condition worse.

Outcome

The patient carried out the treatment plan while waiting for her orthotics to arrive. Her condition improved steadily until she was finally able to return to work pain free wearing her orthotics.

Case Study - 10 Year Old Wart on Hand

jodytempleton@rocketmail.com (Jody Templeton) — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 10:47:12 GMT

After 10 years of suffering with a painful wart on her hand, we successfully treated it with Verrutop.

One of our patients had spent 10 years trying numerous diffe rent tr eatments including Bazooka and 5 Cryotherapy sessions with the GP to remove the wart on her finger. N one were successful and the wart became more painful.

When the patient was attending her usual foot care appointments, we noticed the wart on her finger. We explained that Podiatrists are insured to treat hands as well as feet so we might be able to help her.

The patient was keen to try dry needling but because the wart was situated over a joint, this was not a n a ppropriate treatment option for her. We began routinely debriding the wart at her foot care appointments w hich made her more comfortable. We then heard about Verrutop's great success rate and so invested in some for the benefit of our patients.

We treated the wart with s everal applications of Verrutop each spaced two weeks apart. The patient felt the benefit of the treatment right away with the wart being much less painful. The wart got progressively smaller at each treatment until, finally, healthy uninfected tissue was revealed.

Very happy patient!

Orthotics - Everything You Need to Know

jodytempleton@rocketmail.com (Jody Templeton) — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 10:25:12 GMT

Orthotics are special shoe or heel inserts that are custom-made specifically for you to treat foot, leg or back pain .

What are Orthotics ?

Orthotics are specially designed bespoke shoe inserts, which can either support the foot or alter the foots function. The type of orthotic we need depends on our foot type, pathology, activity levels and footwear. Through thorough assessment, careful selection and bespoke design the correct orthotic is able to encourage better foot function to resolve pain, prevent injury and slow the progression of deformity. Orthotics can be used to prevent damage in joints, muscles and ligaments, with the important aim of reducing pain and maintaining mobility.

Is an Orthotic just another insole?

No, because insoles are designed to provide cushioning and shock absorption for the "average" foot. They may feel comfortable at first but they do not address the root cause of your pain or alignment issues. Orthotics are designed specifically for each person following an in depth musculoskeletal assessment. Orthotics alter foot function optimising the way we move .

Do I need Orthotics?

Many problems can be treated with orthotics from heel or ankle pain to back ache to bunions. To find out if orthotics are suitable for your or even necessary for you it is important to have a thorough musculoskeletal assessment. This assessment will highlight any structural or functional abnormalities.

What kind of Orthotics are available?

Orthotics need to be supplied and fitted by a suitably trained medical professional. The cheaper option is over the counter orthotics which are designed for the average foot but can be altered by your Podiatrist to suit your needs. A more expensive but more personal and long lasting option are bespoke orthotics. Bespoke orthotics require a cast of your foot to be taken so that the orthotic can be made to fit your foot exactly. Specialist labs make these orthotics from your foot cast and your Podiatrists prescription.

There are a vast array of materials which can be used to make bespoke orthotics from EVA to polypropylene to carbon fibre and an even larger selection of top and bottom covers available. Your Podiatrist will be able to make the appropriate choice for your foot.

Will Orthotics help my foot problems?

Orthotics are helpful for many ailments including, heel pain, achilles tendonitis, forefoot pain, arch pain, knee pain and back ache. They can reduce the severity of your symptoms and in some cases symptoms can be completely eliminated. Sometimes orthotics are only required temporarily while in other cases they are a life long necessity.

Do I need to wear Orthotics all day?

Orthotics, like glasses, work only when you use them. Orthotics do not change the structure of your foot, but help realign joints to improve posture and function. All day use of your orthotic insoles is generally recommended to control or reduce pain or fatigue.

How are Orthotic insoles made?

It is essential that you have a full musculoskeletal assessment carried out by your Podiatrist in the first instance. This will highlight any abnormalities in your foots structure or function. If it is decided that orthotics are required you then have the choice of whether to go for over the counter insoles or bespoke orthotics. Your Podiatrist will discuss these options with you. Should you opt for the bespoke orthotics then a 3D scan is taken of your foot in clinic. This is then sent to the orthotics lab with your Podiatrists prescription. The lab will use these to make your orthotic.

Gift Vouchers - Give the Gift of Lovely Feet

jodytempleton@rocketmail.com (Jody Templeton) — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 14:55:46 GMT

Valentines Day is just one month away!

With Valentines Day just around the corner, you may be looking for the perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for person in your life.

A gift vou cher from Plymouth Podiatry is a thoughtful and unique gift.

What bett er way to treat them than a little love for their feet?

An appointment with us is beneficial and relaxing.

You can choose from a routine Podiatry appointment to a Medi-pedi with your choice of gel polish, foot scrub and urea mask or warm wax therapy. Or you could let them choose! We offer a large range of services suitable for people of all ages and genders.

Y ou can get a Plymouth Podiatry voucher by calling us on 07815 849368 or directly from our clinic.

View our services here: www.plymouthpodiatry.co.uk/services

What Are COVID Toes?

jodytempleton@rocketmail.com (Jody Templeton) — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 11:39:38 GMT

‘Covid Toes’ a re a side effect of Coronavirus.

Caused By Coronavi rus Infecting The Lining Of Blood Vessels

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic , health officials have stated that the main symptoms to look out for include a high fever, a new, persistent cough and a loss or changed sense of smell and taste .

But now scientists believe that a new side effect could be linked to the virus , called “ C OVID toes ”.

Research by the International League of Dermatological Societies and the American Academy of Dermatology found that some coronavirus patients have suffered from chilblain-like inflammation on their feet. The lesions tend to appear once other symptoms of the virus have passed and sometimes last for months at a time.

Symptoms are said to be mild in the majority of cases and the feet return to normal within weeks. COVID Toes can cause inflammation in the toes, which turns them red and swollen, and then they eventually turn purple; sometimes in the absence of other COVID-19 symptoms; sometimes before the appearance of other symptoms.

COVID Toe usually heals without many long-term health complications.

If you suspect you may have C ovid -19 call your doctor regarding next steps for diagnosis and treatment.

If you no longer have Covid-19 but have developed what you think might be Covid Toe then contact the clinic for assessment and we can log the presence of Covid Toe aid ing in the research on this subject.

Alternatively, please give us a call to discuss any foot worries you may have: 07815 849368 .

What Does Your Knee Pain Mean?

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 11:07:34 GMT

Are you suffering with knee pain? See a Podiatrist.

Your knee is the largest and most complex joint i n your body . It i s also one of the joints most vulnerable to injury.

Knee pain can heavily impact your daily life and prevent you from taking part in sports, working or moving around freely. At Plymouth Podiatry, we focus on providing you with an accurate diagnosis, and a treatment plan focused on reducing pain and getting you back to normal activity as soon as possible .

There are a few reasons to see your podiatrist when you experience knee pain. In the human body, it is important to remember that everything is connected, and a problem in your knees may well be caused by a foot condition.

Causes of Knee Pain

There are many causes of knee pain, including a sports injury, overuse and Osteoar thritis . Some other common causes of knee pain include:

1. Poor footwear

When you walk, all muscles, bones, joints and ligaments should be positioned correctly and, therefore, don't experience excessive strain. When you wear inappropriate footwear, certain areas of your foot may not receive the right support. When you walk, the shock absorbed by your knees can be too much and this is what can cause a typical overuse injury.

2. Flat Feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches, can put unnecessary pressure on your entire leg, also causing knee pain. With flat feet, your lower leg rotates in one direction, and your upper leg rotates in the opposite direction. This causes twisting forces in your knee and triggers knee pain.

Knee pain and Biomechanics

At Plymouth Podiatry, we use a c a r r y o u t a t h o r o u g h Musculoskeletal Assessment , to determine the way your feet may be influenc ing your knees. If your feet roll in or roll out too much, they can cause increased stress on your knees and that may be linked to the knee pain you experience.

This comprehensive examination will allow us to gain an understanding of any underlying problems and provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan. We will assess the range of movement of your foot and ankle joints, alignment, strengths and weaknesses of your lower limbs.

A personal treatment plan will then be drawn up which, depending on your problem, could comprise: footwear advice, an exercise rehabilitation programme, orthotics or all of the above.

How We Can Help

If you’re experiencing pain in your knee, consider mak ing an appointment with P lymouth Podiatry so that we can assess your foot structure, evaluate your gait, and recommend the right solutions to help you to avoid surgery in the future.

Get in touch with us here .

Book your appointment online here .

PediSafe | The Safer Alternative Advanced Nail Reconstruction

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 09:10:33 GMT

What is PediSafe and who is it for?

PediSafe is a nail enhancing, remodelling and correction system. Curable in a UV light, it contains antifungal and antimicrobial agents. It is used for enhancing nails damaged by Fungus or Injury and to correct ingrowing nails.

The procedure is carried out by our Podiatrists and it presents many benefits.

A gel is applied in layers to your nail bed to recreate the appearance of a nail. The gel has great flexibility which allows it to withstand stresses the feet have to go through daily. The flexibility also allows the gel to grow with the natural nail plate, causing less trauma than acrylic based products. In addition, there is no trauma caused to the nail plate or nail bed.

Many individuals can benefit from toenail reconstruction including individuals suffering from the following;

Fungal nails
Thick and/or discoloured nails
Cracked nails
Broken nails following trauma
Nails that have been surgically removed
Psoriatic nails

If you’d like to learn more about the procedure, please contact us.

The Five Minute Fungus Test

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 11:34:29 GMT

How can a fungus nail infection be treated ?

To provide the best standard of care to our patients, we are constantly looking for new ways and technology that enables us to keep improving our services. We now offer The Dermatophyte Test Strip (DTS) - or the ' Five Minute Fungal Nail Test' - which is a new technology, transforming the way we can diagnose dermatophyte nail infections. The kit rapidly and accurately allows us to identify a fungal nail infection.

Fungal foot infections are a recurrent lifelong condition affecting over a third of the adult population. A fungal nail infection is where 1 of your nails (usually a toenail) is infected with a fungus. A fungal nail infection can make the affected nail discoloured and brittle. If you don't treat the infection, there's a chance it can worsen and spread to other nails . Ultimately, with the Dermatophyte Test Strip we can diagnose a fungal infection and offer immediate treatment plans to patients.

Having undergone rigorous testing , the DTS is scientifically proven to give reliable and accurate results, this simple test can be undertaken at our Plymouth Podiatry clinic . The breakthrough test returns accurate and clear results in under just 5 minutes !

Are you struggling with a fungal nail infection and want a clear diagnosis and effective treatment plan? Get in touch to chat through your options.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)

jodytempleton@rocketmail.com (Jody Templeton) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 13:49:11 GMT

A degenerative condition which benefits from early diagnosis and treatment.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (also known as adult acquired flat foot {AAFF}) is a progressive and debilitating disorder which can cause significant pain and weakness leading to reduced mobility. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential in order to prevent permanent deformity of the foot and ankle.

Stages of PTTD:

PTTD is classified into four stages (see below). Tendon degeneration begins long before symptoms manifest. Early detection and treatment may prevent the need for surgery.

Stage 1

Symptoms would include mild pain and swelling at the inside ankle which is exacerbated by activities. Pain and tenderness is palpable along the course of the posterior tibial tendon but no deformity present. Mild weakness may be felt when performing a single heel rise on the affected side.

Treatment at this stage is conservative and would include anti-inflammatory medications (either oral or topical), orthotics (insoles) and a programme of strength training for the posterior tibial tendon. If these treatments fail tendon repair may be necessary.

Stage 2

Pain is moderate and more debilitating. Swelling and tenderness are more pronounced. The tendon elongates resulting in a flatter foot and toes which point outwards. A single heel rise would reveal significant weakness in the affected leg.

Treatment at this stage is conservative as above but may require the use of a hinged ankle brace. If these treatments fail surgery may be necessary.

Stage 3

Pain can be severe and can move to the outside ankle as well as remaining at the inside ankle. Swelling is likely to be reduced but deformity will be much more noticeable as the tendon elongates further. A single heel rise on the affected leg would elicit pain and weakness. Surgery or a fixed ankle brace are likely to be the only options at this stage.

Stage 4

As in stage 3 but with the possibility that the deformity is fixed with bony changes – surgery being the only treatment option other than accommodating the deformity.

If you would like to book an appointment to see a Podiatrist for this or any other foot/ankle related concern you can do so by calling 07815 849368 or by clicking the "Book Online" link at the top of the page.

What is a Podiatrist? & Why might you need one in your life?

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 14:28:13 GMT

I thought would put together a bit of information to explain what a Podiatrist is, what we do, and what kind of problems we can help you with.

Is a Podiatrist the same as a Chiropodist? I have been asked this question so many times – essentially yes, they are the same! Podiatry is an internationally recognised term which was brought into use in the UK in 1993.

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who have been trained to diagnose and treat pathology of the foot and ankle. Podiatrists are concerned with the maintenance of skin integrity and a person’s mobility - these are incredibly important for a person’s overall health and wellbeing.

If you have certain health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or peripheral arterial disease your feet are at high risk of developing problems which means you may be eligible for Podiatry care from the NHS. Unfortunately the majority of people who need help don’t fall into this category. There are a huge number of people who might use a private sector Podiatrist ranging from those who simply want perfect feet for summer sandals to those suffering with problem nails, skin infection, wounds, sports injuries, or pain due to pathological foot function or gait (the way they walk).

What conditions could a Podiatrist help you with?

Toenail problems:
- Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis);
- Ingrowing toenails
- Painful/difficult to manage toenails

Skin problems:
- Athletes foot (tinea pedis)
- Dry cracked heels
- Corns and callus
- Verruca
- Blisters
- Non healing wounds

Musculoskeletal problems:
- Sports injuries
- Sprains/strains of the feet and ankles
- Forefoot/midfoot pain
- Heel pain (which is sometimes caused by plantar fasciitis)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Bunions
- Toe deformity - hammer/claw/mallet toes
- Collapsed arches
- Arthritic pain in feet/ankles
- Limb length discrepancies
- Back ache
- In-toeing/out-toeing

Systemic illness:
- Diabetes
- Rhematoid arthritis
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Psoriasis

What kind of treatment can you expect from a Podiatrist?

Sharp (painless) debridement of corns/callus
Surgical removal of ingrowing/problem nails, foreign objects or painful corns
Biomechanical assessment of your foot function and gait (the way you walk)
Strength and conditioning of the feet and lower limb
Orthotics (specialist insoles)
Use and supply of certain prescription only medicine

Be aware and don't be afraid to check !

Podiatrists and Chiropodists are governed by a professional body known as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It is advisable to check that your Podiatrist is registered with the HCPC as this means they are fully trained and adhere to the standards set by the governing body.

You can follow this link to check the HCPC register: https://www.hcpc-uk.org

Sepsis

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 16:53:23 GMT

Sepsis is the body's overwhelming and life threatening response to systemic infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.

Why is this relevant to Podiatry?

Localised infection of a wound or cut can quickly escalate into sepsis. Some common conditions seen within the Podiatry clinic have the potential to develop into sepsis, it is therefore important to seek timely treatment from your Podiatrist for these.

Foot pathology which could develop into Sepsis:-

Ingrowing toenails;
Foreign bodies embedded in the skin;
Ulcers/non healing wounds;
Athletes foot
Insect bites;
Blisters;
Diabetic foot wounds.

Symptoms of Sepsis

It is important to know that not everyone with sepsis has a high temperature, sometimes you simply feel unwell. Symptoms can include:

Feeling generally unwell
Fever/Chills
Very low body temperature
Urinating less than usual
Rapid pulse
Rapid breathing
Nausea/vomiting
Diarrhoea

Risk factors for developing sepsis?

Anybody can get sepsis but some people are more at risk of developing it than others. Seek urgent medical attention if you feel unwell and have any of the risk factors mentioned below:-

Patients with a reduced immune system due to medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, kidney disease or cancer for example.
Patients with a reduced immune system due to medication such as steroids, chemotherapy and certain rheumatoid arthritis medications.
Babies younger than one year old.
The elderly (over 75 or frail).
People with diabetes.

Treatment options?

If you are concerned that you have any kind of infection it is important to seek urgent professional advice from an appropriate healthcare professional. This could be your Podiatrist, GP, pharmacist or NHS 111. Your Podiatrist can supply oral antibiotics for localised infections of the lower limb and manage the site of infection for you. If you have a more serious infection which has spread more systemically i.e. sepsis then urgent hospital attention is required. You will have blood tests taken, be closely monitored and receive intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

More information on Sepsis can be found on the NICE (National Institute for Healthcare Excellence) website: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng51/chapter/Recommendations

Sever's Disease

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 16:33:05 GMT

Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever's disease is a painful condition which can affect the heels of growing children.

So what is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease or calcaneal apophysitis, is the most common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents and although the name can sound quite frightening or serious there have not been any long term complications associated with Sever’s disease.

It is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the growth plate of the heel. Growth plates are plates of cartilage found at the end of bones in growing children and it is from here that bones grow. Once a child has finished growing the growth plate turns to bone - before this time Sever’s disease can reoccur.

Symptoms?

Sever’s disease causes pain in one or both heels underneath the heel bone. This pain is experienced when weight bearing. It can affect a child’s ability to participate in sporting activities and cause your child to walk with a limp. There is sometimes some mild swelling present.

How is Sever’s Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Sever's disease requires your Podiatrist to take a thorough and accurate medical history. Discussing in particular your child’s symptoms, physical activity and assessing your child’s footwear. Your Podiatrist will then carry out a thorough physical examination of the affected lower limb/s. This will include muscle strength and range of movement assessment. Pressure will be applied to your child’s heel at the sides and plantar aspect and this would be tender in a child with Sever’s disease.

Treatment?

Treatment for Sever’s Disease focuses on reducing pain and swelling through medication and other therapies. It may be necessary for your child to limit or cease physical activity until the pain resolves. This can typically take 3-8 weeks and it would be advisable to start a strength and conditioning programme before returning to sport to avoid injury.

Your Podiatrist may recommend/supply:-

Heel pads for your child to wear in their shoes;
Orthotics (insoles);
Sports taping;
A change of footwear;
Pain medication;
Ice therapy;
Stretching programme;

Although the most common form of heel pain in children Sever’s is not the only possible cause so it is important to seek the assistance of a Podiatrist to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment plan can be achieved.

Athletes foot?

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 15:59:55 GMT

Untreated athletes foot can lead to more serious infections so contact a Podiatrist today if you are concerned about the health of your feet.

Tinea pedis which you will know as athletes foot is a common fungal infection of the feet. If left, athletes foot can go on to infect the nails causing onychomycosis (fungal nails) so it is important to recognise and treat the condition early.

Risk factors for developing athletes foot are:-

Occlusive footwear (work boots for example);

Excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis);

Underlying health conditions such as diabetes or immunodeficiency;

Medication: systemic steroids or immune supressing medication

Peripheral arterial disease or lymphoedema

Diagnosis

Your Podiatrist will be able to diagnose athletes foot from its clinical presentation and start an appropriate treatment plan without the need for a skin sample. If there is doubt, or if treatment is unsuccessful it may be necessary for a skin sample to be sent for microscopy.

Other skin conditions can look similar to athletes foot such as eczema, psoriasis, plantar keratoderma and plantar pustulosis. It is important therefore to seek professional assistance from your Podiatrist so that you can receive an accurate diagnosis and start an appropriate course of treatment.

How is athletes foot treated?

Athletes foot is usually easily treated, if treated thoroughly and with the appropriate medication. When treating athletes foot it is important to treat both the feet and their environment to prevent a re-occurance of the problem. Fungal spores found within socks and shoes will re-infect the skin. Your Podiatrist will advise you of, and can supply you with, the appropriate topical antifungal creams or sprays for your infection. If topical therapies are ineffective, which can happen in severe cases, oral antifungal treatment may be required.

Prevention is always better than cure !

Athletes foot can lead to fungal nails, bacterial infection of the skin which can escalate into a more serious systemic infection (Sepsis) or ulceration. It is therefore important to take steps to prevent athletes foot and while some people are naturally more inclined to suffer from athletes foot recurrence can be minimised by following these self care tips:

Drying the feet thoroughly after washing, particularly between toes;

Using a foot powder;

Wearing natural fibre socks/hosiery such as cotton or bamboo;

Avoiding wearing occlusive footwear;

Alternating footwear to allow them time to dry out;

Treating shoes with an antifungal spray/powder;