Visiting A Foot Clinic? 3 Skills To Look For In A Podiatrist

foot clinic

Though there are numerous foot clinics, it is always advisable to choose one where there is an experienced podiatrist to deal with the issues in your feet.  A podiatrist has the experience and expertise required to assess the condition of your feet before suggesting the most suitable treatment. They specialise in healing foot injuries or diseases which are affecting your foot or can do so in the future.

Few Skills Every Podiatrist Should Possess

  • Analytical Skills

Some of the foot problems are indeed very complicated. There are even a few situations when minor issues become complex when ignored. A good podiatrist is someone who possesses a high level of analytic skills.  They often use scientific principles while analysing the problem in your foot. Having good analytical skills is a must if you are looking for long-lasting solutions. Gauging this skill in your podiatrist will become easier if you consider the types of questions they are asking you during the first visit.

  • Pay Attention To Details

Your podiatrist electing the most suitable treatment plan for your foot will become easier if your podiatrist goes through your previous medical history first. It is necessary to determine the actual cause of the problem and how to treat it. There are high chances for a new foot problem to emerge while they are treating an existing problem. The more detail-oriented services your podiatrist can provide, finding the most suitable solution will be easier for them. He should also pay close attention to what his patient is saying.

Since you are now aware of all the vital skills a podiatrist should possess, it’s time you visit a reputed foot clinic.

Podiatrist in Aldershot

Podiatrist in Aldershot
Doctor who diagnoses and treats foot problems or foot-related ailments is called a podiatrist. These professionals are also known as the doctor of podiatric medicine or DPM. They basically treat your foot, ankle, as well as the other connecting parts of the leg. A chiropodist is another name that we commonly use for these professionals.

When to Meet a Podiatrist

Since they are the foot doctors, you need to see them whenever you have issues in your foot, ankle or the foot joints. A podiatrist in Aldershot will check your foot, diagnose and offer you the right treatment.  When visting a reliable and experienced chiropodist for a  diagnosis, they may suggest some clinical tests to find out what causes the pain or the discomfort in your foot or ankle.

The Most Common Problems Related to Foot conditions:

  • Warts
  • Corns
  • Nail infections
  • Smelly feet
  • Blisters
  • Heel pain
  • Heel spurs
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Dry skin
  • Cracked heel
  • Calluses
  • Flat Feet
  • Arthritis
  • Sprains
  • Neuromas
  • Hammer’s toes
  • Foot injuries
  • Muscle or foot ligament pain
When you are experiencing any of these problems in your foot, you should consider this as a sign that you need to meet a certified podiatrist. Apart from these common issues, there are other severe and specific feet ailments that a certified podiatrist can treat and heal.
  • Walking patterns
  • Wound care
  • Ulcers
  • Tumours
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Bunion removal
  • Flexible casts
  • Amputations
  • Foot prosthetics
Apart from all these issues, you can visit a podiatrist to understand and know how to take good care of your feet. Especially if you are a dancer, an athlete or a person who needs to use his or her foot frequently for their profession, then it is necessary to take good care of them. A certified and experienced foot doctor can help you with this. Whenever you need to meet a professional foot doctor, come to John the Footman. We offer different types of treatments and care for your foot.

Take Proper Care Of Your Feet This Summer With 4 Easy Tips

foot care tips

One of the main reasons why our feet need extra care during summer is because we stuff them with socks and shoes throughout the winter. Unless you take proper foot care, the strappy sandals might give you a few blisters. If you are planning to indulge in various outdoor activities during summer, this is the right time to visit a foot clinic. They have experienced podiatrists and chiropodists who can share a few tips to take better care of your foot during summer.

Few Tips To Take Care Of Your Feet This Summer

  • Keep Them Moisturised

There is a higher tendency for the skin on our feet to lose their moisture and natural oils during winter, which makes them dry and cracked. Not everyone is aware of the fact that sandaled feet can pick up debris easily. There is a higher risk of infection as the debris can get lodged in the cracks. If you want to get back their lost appeal, moisturise them and they will keep looking fresh. You can also prevent cracks by keeping them moisturised.

  • Avoid A Pedicure

Pedicure often leads to foot problems as the soaking tubs and equipment used at salons are not sanitised. Bacterial infections and toenail fungus can transmit from one customer to another. If you are too inclined to get a pedicure, schedule an early appointment as the tubs are clean. The best alternative is to approach a foot clinic in Farnham for professional foot care. They use hospital-grade disinfectant on tools and equipment.

  • Treat Dry Heels

The easiest way to treat dry heels is by cleaning them properly and moisturising them with petroleum jelly and lotion. Leave them for a while and wear cotton socks before going to bed. This will help in keeping the moisture locked. You can also use a pumice stone to get rid of the dead skin cells after taking a shower.

  • Cure Sweaty Foot

The sweaty foot is a very common foot problem. Visit a foot clinic in Aldershot if you notice that your socks are damp every time you take them off. They have experienced podiatrists and chiropodists who will assess your foot condition and customise a suitable solution to reduce the risk of fungal infection. There are a few medicated products available in the market which helps in reducing sweat production.

These being said, it’s time you follow the tips stated above and visit a reputed foot clinic if you want to take care of your feet this summer.

Are You A Diabetic? Visit A Foot Clinic Before It’s Too Late

foot clinic

The prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels are considered to be the primary reason why people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from foot problems. The number of people with diabetics visiting foot clinics has enhanced drastically in the last few years as foot problems like peripheral vascular diseases and diabetic neuropathy have become quite common. You will be surprised to know that several foot amputations take place every year because of poorly managed or unmanaged diabetes.

2 Types Of Foot Issues People With Diabetes Have To Suffer

  • Diabetic Neuropathy

People suffering from diabetic neuropathy do not feel much awareness in their feet if there is a wound or infection as the issue numbs the feet. Nerve damage caused due to diabetes can also make the feet numb and you can’t feel sensation even in their extremities. The risk of sores, cuts and blisters increases as the feet lacks sensation. If you don’t want the issue to become more complicated and gangrene, ulcers or infection to develop, get in touch with a podiatrist in Farnham treating foot conditions caused due to diabetic neuropathy.

  • Peripheral Vascular Disease

How blood flows in blood vessels and arteries will change if you have diabetes. Fat might deposit in the blood vessels beyond your heart and brain and lead to blockage if you have peripheral vascular disease. The issue can also become extreme and reduce the amount of blood flowing to the hands and feet. Not only will it take more time for wounds to heal if blood flow reduces but also lead to infection and pain. Instead of waiting for the doctor to recommend amputation, treat your foot condition.

Common Symptoms Of Foot Problems

  • Tingling sensation or numbness
  • Loss of feeling
  • Rapid temperature changes
  • Wounds or blisters without pain
  • Skin discolouration
  • Draining wounds
  • Staining on socks
  • Red streaks
  • Wounds without drainage
  • Painful tingling

 Tips For Diabetics To Prevent Foot Problems

  • Examine your foot minutely and visit a foot clinic in Farnhamif you suddenly notice an injury or other changes.
  • Wash your feet properly as it helps in preventing foot infections.
  • Wear properly fitted shoes and socks to keep your feet protected. You can also ask your podiatrist to suggest some type of special shoes which will prevent your feet from getting deformed. Make sure that the socks are not too tight as they can restrict the flow of blood.
  • Do some feet exercises, wiggle your toes at fixed intervals and put your feet up while sitting if you want to promote the flow of blood to the feet.
  • Avoid rounded toenails as they can lead to infection by growing inward. Trim them straight and short.
  • Visit a renowned podiatrist to treat the bunions and corns in your feet instead of shaving them as it can lead to infection.

Since you now know why people with diabetics have to take special care of their feet, visit a reputed foot clinic before it’s too late.

5 Typical Foot Problems and Their Treatments

foot care clinic

A foot constitutes one of the essential parts of your body. That’s the reason when the feet get affected by some ailment or injury then it becomes seemingly challenging to cope up with it. Feet are meant for walking, and so it comes in direct contact with dust, dirt, and germs to a great extent. There are many more elements that can create trouble for your feet. Some of the popular reasons being infection, bone disorders, stress in the muscle, and so on. They cause excessive difficulty to carry on with the primary function of the feet. When such a condition arises, visit a podiatrist or a chiropodist, a healthcare professional dealing with the stream of podiatric medicine or treatment of ailments and injuries associated with the foot.  You can use the service in any of the reputed foot clinics in and around the UK. Here is a short overview of a few typical foot problems.

Five common foot conditions that people suffer from and their treatments

Diabetic Foot: 

This is a severe condition occurring to people with a long history of Diabetes Mellitus. The person suffering from this ailment is unable to feel the sensation in their feet. It takes longer to treat wounds, and that’s the reason they get prone to infection more. Even if the surgery takes place in the feet, then also the situation might turn severe and so it is essential to visit a podiatrist at the earliest whenever a symptom related to sensation has occurred.

Flat Foot: 

This is another common problem caused due to the wrong shape of the feet. When the feet do not have a defined arch in the middle part, then the entire sole of the feet keep on touching the ground as one walks. This lead to a painful and irritable condition. The pain might extend to other parts of the body, such as knees, calf muscles, and even to hips and lower back. Visit a foot clinic, and a chiropodist will guide you with the exercises and solutions like wearing ankle braces or proper insole shoes to control the pain and inflammation if any.

Bunion: 

This is the bumpy joint caused due to the big toe pushing against the second toe. The bump tends to get sored and red causing pain. If someone continuously wears tight shoes with a narrow tip, then this problem is more likely to occur. It can be a hereditary consequence as well, but in both cases, it is excessively painful. Wearing shoes fitting well, padding the shoes or putting in shoe inserts can relieve the pain. The advice of a podiatrist should be taken at the earliest and choosing the right medicine can eliminate the problem.

Foot Corn: 

It is the commonest of all foot problems. Everyone must have foot corns once in his/her life.  The corns occur on the sole of the feet or between toes. They mainly occur due to long walks or misfit shoes.  You can get rid of them with little care and medication.

Athlete’s Foot: 

This is a problem caused by a fungal infection. This is a contagious disease, and so it is not right to use the shoes and socks of a person suffering from this disease. This is a disease that commonly affects athletes and active people.

John the Footman is one of the renowned foot clinics offering long term respite from the common foot problems. Their experienced team of podiatrists will not only provide the perfect treatment but will also guide you with a schedule of aftercare so that the diseases don’t come back in future.

Know More About Bunions Before Approaching A Podiatrist

Foot Clinic

If a bump has developed on the side of your big toe, get in touch with experienced podiatrists and they will let you know whether it is a bunion. Bunions generally occur due to abnormality of the foot bone, which prevents the big toe from being straight. It starts leaning towards the second toe. This creates an angle which looks like a bump on your toe. Don’t ignore the foot condition just because it is painless. The toes might start crowding over time. Not only will this cause pain but might also lead to permanent deformity.

Causes

A majority of the podiatrists believe that bunions are a genetic condition. They generally occur if the foot structure is faulty and is considered to be inherited. Few other conditions for which a bunion can develop are excessively flexible ligaments, flat feet and abnormal bone structure. It might also occur if your shoes don’t fit properly. Since there are various reasons why a bunion might develop in your feet, get in touch with an experienced podiatrist and let them assess the condition. 

Few Things Which Aggrevate Bunions

  • Symptoms of arthritis in your feet.
  • Standing for a prolonged period of time.
  • Wearing shoes with pointy toes or high heels. 
  • Wearing too small or tight shoes which put more pressure on the big toe.

7 Common Signs And Symptoms Of A Bunion

  • Skin on the side of the big toe is becoming inflamed or red.
  • The skin below your big toe is becoming thick.
  • You can’t move your big toe with ease.
  • The second toe has calluses.
  • Big toe leaning towards other toes.
  • Persistent or repetitive foot pain
  • Difficulty in walking

4 Signs You Need To Consult A Podiatrist

  • Constant pain in your foot
  • The big toe is losing flexibility
  • Can’t find shoes which fits you comfortably
  • A large lump has developed near the big toe joint

Diagnosis

Get in touch with a renowned podiatrist in Farnham if you ever notice any of the signs and symptoms stated above. They will conduct a visual inspection and diagnose the issue. They might ask you to move the toe back and forth during the physical exam to check whether your movement has become limited. They generally suggest an X-ray if they feel that there is some underlying injury or deformity. The X-ray helps in assessing the severity of the issue and its cause. They might also suggest you to get a blood test done to check whether it has occurred due to arthritis.

2 Methods Of Treatment

  • Non-Surgical Treatment

If the issue is a minor one, the podiatrist might suggest you to wear shoes with padded sole and sufficient room for your toes. You can even minimise the pressure on the bunion by tapping your foot into a normal position. Some podiatrists suggest their patients to take over-the-counter pain relievers.

  • Surgeries

Surgery might be required if the non-surgical treatment options are not effective. Bunions can be treated through various surgical procedures. Let your podiatrist assess the condition and suggest the most suitable procedure.

Since your knowledge about bunions has enhanced, it’s time you approach a reputed podiatrist and treat the issue without any delay.

4 Tips By Chiropodists To Take Care Of Your Feet During Winter

farnham chiropodist

Winter is all about snow and ice. The temperature drops drastically and this can turn out to be quite dangerous for your feet unless you maintain proper foot care. Every precaution should be undertaken so that they can stay dry and warm. People in higher-risk groups like those with poor blood circulation, diabetics or other medical conditions should get in touch with a renowned chiropodist. Their feet are more susceptible to damage during the chilled winter season. If you want your feet to feel and look healthy throughout the season, there are a few tips you can definitely follow.

Take Care Of Your Feet During Winter With These 4 Tips

  • Wear Comfy Boots
    Chiropodists suggest their clients to wear comfortable boots as tight footwear can reduce the flow of blood. This can lead to frostbite or worsen conditions like Raynaud or Chilblains. Look for boots which will let you twist your toes but keep the ball of your foot sturdy. Your feet will remain stable on slippery and wet surfaces if your boot has a supportive heel, solid base, straps or laces. The boot’s thread should be inspected minutely to ensure good traction. Don’t buy winter gear of a larger size if you want to avoid foot injuries or blisters.
  • Keep It Dry And Clean
    One of the main reasons why our feet sweat a lot during winter is because of those wool socks and winter boots. Though they keep our feet toasty and warm, they become prone to viral and bacterial infections. Chiropodists suggest their clients to use foot powder as it helps in keeping your foot dry and clean. If you are opting for Epsom salt footbaths, make sure you dry your feet properly after the footbath. Buy some socks made using moisture-wicking material as they can absorb the excess moisture from your skin. Socks with infused copper or silver prevent heat from escaping and keeps moisture away.
  • Dry Your Boots
    Every chiropodist in Farnham will agree with the fact that wearing damp boots during winter can harm your foot drastically. They are generally made using non-breathable materials which traps moisture inside them and keep them wet. Dry your shoes or boots thoroughly before wearing them. Not only will this prevent your feet from becoming cold quickly but also keep away bacteria and fungi. The best you can do is to keep 2 pairs of shoes so that you don’t have to wear the same shoes every day.
  • Wash Your Feet And Take Care Of Your Skin
    Preventing toenail fungus and other feet issues become easier if you wash them daily and keep them clean. Socks should be changed every day and dry your feet completely before wearing them. You can reduce discomfort and avoid infections by mixing Epsom salt in warm water and soaking your feet in the solution for around 10 minutes. Since there is less humidity in the air during winter, your skin will also have less moisture. Using a good moisturiser is highly advisable if you want to treat dry skin and painful fissures.

Time to follow the tips stated above and get in touch with a renowned chiropodist if you want to take proper care of your feet during winter.