Fungal Nail Infection:

Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) can affect part or the whole of the nail, causing discolouration, odour, lifting and sometimes pain. The fungal infection can often originate from athlete’s foot, which is also fungal. Treatment includes cutting and burring the nail and applying anti-fungal topical medication.

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Thickened Toenails:

Thickened toenails (onychauxis) are usually the result of trauma or damage to the nail bed and are often crumbly, uneven and discoloured.  Thickened nails must be kept short and treatment includes burring to reduce and level the nail.

LCN Nail Reconstruction is an option for fungal, thickened, discoloured or unsightly nails – a light cured resin creates an artificial covering to disguise and/or reshape the nail, which lasts 6-8 weeks.   

 

Black Toenail:

Black toenail is caused either by direct trauma to the toe or can also be caused by repetitive rubbing against the inside of a shoe, for example in the case of long distance runners and is known as Jogger's Toe.  Treatment would include nail reduction and protection.

 

Ingrown Toenail:

An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) is a painful condition where the nail presses on or in some cases grows in to the skin.   This is often caused by improper footwear not allowing the nail to grow properly, or due to poor nail cutting.  Treatment depends on how severe the problem is and it may be necessary to remove part or all of the nail.

 

Corns & Calluses:

Corns and calluses occur when there is thickening of the skin, usually on the soles of the feet and on the top of prominent toes or the edge of the little toe. When a callus develops a mass of dead cells in its centre (keratinocytes), it becomes a corn (heloma). Soft corns (heloma molle) tend to occur between the toes and look white as they are softened by moisture.  Corns can be caused by ill-fitting shoes or foot deformities such as hammertoes and/or lots of walking. Treatment includes enucleation, which is removal by a scalpel, and cushioning to protect the area.

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Verruca:

A verruca is also known as a plantar wart and appears on the sole of the foot. They are the same as warts on any other body part and are caused by a virus, known as human papilloma virus (HPV).

Unless a verruca is painful or troublesome, it can be best to leave it for the immune system to recognise and resolve by itself. However, treatments are to stimulate an immune response and include removing the outer layer and applying topical anti-virals or acids and may require several applications.

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Athlete's Foot:

Athlete’s Foot, also known as Tinea Pedis is a fungal skin infection causing itchy, often peeling or flaking skin. A mild case of athlete’s foot may appear as just dry skin.  Fungal spores survive in moist, dark conditions. Treatment involves the application of topical medication and advice on the steps to break the cycle of infection. 

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Orthotics: 

Pedicare can also supply orthotics, which are insoles, toe props, padding and supports to relieve pressure and discomfort.  Should you require a bio-mechanical assessment for tailor-made orthotics, a referral to an associate Podiatrist can be arranged. 

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Diabetic & High Risk Foot Care: 

Every precaution is taken with the high risk foot, so if you are diabetic, regular foot care, attention to foot hygiene and monitoring the condition of your feet is a must. Also if you have a long-term condition such as rheumatoid arthritis for example, I'm here to take good care of your feet. 

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Surgical Procedures & Referrals:

I work in association with podiatrists so if you need intervention or surgery, I will use referral pathways and/or arrange for a podiatrist to meet your needs. 

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