Category Archives: ingrown nail

Ten reasons why your nails might change colour

Feet, Foot Care, Fungal nail, ingrowing nail, ingrown nail, Podiatry, , , , , , ,

My toenail is changing colour. What can be causing it?

The function of a toenail is protection of the tip of the toe. If we are lucky, we will progress through life with few changes to their appearance, but that isn’t always the case.

We all have a good idea of what we consider a ‘normal’ nail, but sometimes all or part of the nail can start to change colour. In this blog we look at how and why this can happen.

brown-black discolouration (occasionally red)

Although uncommon, the first condition to eliminate is (subungual – under the nail) melanoma. Speak to your podiatrist or GP if you are concerned. In reality, there are numerous benign causes.

Longitudinal melanonychia

This is a term used to describe a  strong and noticeable pigmented band – normally brown – that runs down the nail from the bed to the tip. This condition normally affects more than one nail at a time.

This is quite common in Black-skinned, Asian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern individuals who frequently have benign/harmless longitudinal pigmented bands. This is due to the naturally occurring pigment cells or melanocytes that make their skin darker.

The number and width of the bands tend to increase with age.

However, the presence of a new, single – only occurring on one of ten nails –  dark coloured band in an adult could represent a melanoma and should be checked immediately.

There are additional uncommon causes including systemic disease and medication to numerous to list here.

Subungual haematoma (bruise)

Following trauma – kicking something, dropping something on the toe – blood can accumulate in the space between the nail bed and nail plate. It can  also happen following vigorous exercise/dancing when you don’t remember ‘bashing it’.

The discolouration is often accompanied by considerable pain due to the pressure created under the nail. If you visit a Podiatrist as soon as possible after the injury occurs, it is possible to painlessly drain the fluid and bring immediate relief.

Yellow/white discolouration (occasionally orange)

Onychomycosis (fungal nail)

Nail fungus usually cause a yellow-white discolouration, but occasionally it can be black or orange.

Nail fungus usually starts at the tip or sides of the nail and work their way upwards towards the nail bed frequently following trauma.It is very common for patients to report that fthe fungus appeared after damaging the nail.

If caught early, infected nail can sometimes be trimmed away to prevent spread.

If allowed to become established, treatment can be difficult and lengthy. For further information https://maidenheadpodiatry.co.uk/what-can-i-do-about-my-fungal-nail/

Some medications can also produce similar discolouration.

Cream, Dark yellow or white-yellow nails

Trauma

When nails have experienced trauma, the protective mechanism can be triggered, and they increase in thickness. That increase in thickness causes the colour of the nail to darken and take on a changed appearance. The nail will also grow more slowly.

Psoriasis

This condition can occur just on nails with no history or occurrence on the skin. The changes can be similar to, and are often mistaken for, a fungal nail infection and it is important to establish which you have, to allow appropriate treatment

Paronychia

Or infection of the nail bed. This can lead to a change in appearance as pus builds up under the nail. This condition can require release of the pus and prescription of anti-biotics, depending on severity.

Some medications can also produce similar discolouration.

Yellow Nail syndrome

This is a very rare condition characterised by very curved, transversely thickened, smooth, yellowed nails and is associated with lymphoedema, pleural effusion, and (usually) ascites.

White nail discolouration

Minor trauma

A common cause, and tends to produce small localized areas of whiteness, like white spots on the nail.

There are a number of other systemic conditions that can also lead to white nails but they are too uncommon and numerous to be listed here.

Green/blue nails

Pseudomonal nail infection

Pseudomonas infection is often found on the underside of a nail (it can also be found on the skin) which has already lifted, often due to trauma or previous infection. It is characterised by green-blue, or occasionally black, discolouration. This infection is relatively harmless in healthy adults. If you are immune compromised you should seek advice.

Some medications can also produce similar discolouration.

If you would like more information or to make an appointment with one of our Podiatrists, call 01628 773588 and speak to one of our friendly reception team.

Are your feet ‘summer ready’?

Beauty Therapy, Diabetic, Feet, Foot Care, ingrowing nail, ingrown nail, Pedicures, Podiatry, Verruca, , , , , , ,

Summer is here and your feet need to be ready for action.

Now restrictions are lifting we are enjoying more freedom and holidays, even if they are in this country! The weather has generally been warm and sunny, and a walk on the beach in Britain is as good as a walk on a beach abroad.

If you are unsure how your feet can benefit, a great start is to visit to one of our Podiatrists for an assessment, trim and tidy. Get your feet ‘beach ready’!

Whether you need specialist care and advice, or simply removal of corns and callus, come and see us for a consultation. A general consultation can last up to half an hour and can include Doppler, sensation testing and general foot health checks.

We also offer gait analysis, musculo-skeletal assessment and bio-mechanical review as well as everything from verruca treatment to ingrowing toenails..

The blog below gives more information on who we are and what we do.

Have you ever thought about visiting a Podiatrist and wondered what they do?

Ever thought about visiting a Podiatrist and wondered what they do?

As the article suggests, a Podiatrist assesses and treats a wide variety of conditions below the knee. Anyone can benefit, from diabetics to someone who just wants their feet to look good on holiday.

It doesn’t matter if you aren’t going abroad this year, you still want to feel you can step out with confidence.Giveusacall.

Beauty is back

Once you have seen one of our experienced Podiatrists, we have some spectacular treatments to make sure you put your best foot forward for the upcoming season. Our beauty therapist, Carrieann, provides a range of treatments to compliment our Podiatry services.

For more information on the treatments provided by Carrieann, visit. https://skinsensations.co.uk/

Carrieann’s most popular foot treatments are  –

Luxury Pedicure

Treat your feet to some much-needed TLC with our luxury pedicure! Be whisked away from it all with a relaxing foot and leg massage and a deep exfoliation, plus a long soak in one of our massaging foot spas and finishing with a nail paint.

Medical Pedicure/Medi-ped

A medical pedicure – or medi-ped – is starts with a visit to a Podiatrist and ends with a visit to our beauty therapist.

Our medical pedicures are adapted to each client by our Podiatrist so they are tailor-made to suit your needs. You will receive a complete Podiatry treatment followed by all the wonders of our luxury pedicure (above)

Why do it?

Your feet feel good and you feel good. Sore feet can ruin your day, so why wait.

It doesn’t matter if you are walking miles on a costal path or sitting in the sun, relaxing with a good book,you want your feet to be at their best.

We cater for diabetics and a range of foot conditions. We are a Royal College of Podiatry accredited practice and we also offer home visits for those that require it.

Make an appointment

If you would like more information, to speak to one of our Podiatrists, or to make an appointment, call us on 01628 773588 or email info@maidenheadpodiatry.co.uk.

To make an appointment directly with Carrieann, call 01628 779909 and speak to a member of our friendly reception team.

Need help with your feet or back – use our search bar.

Bio-mechanics, Chiropractic, Chiropractic for Children, Diabetic, Feet, Foot Care, Fungal nail, Gout, ingrowing nail, ingrown nail, plantar faciitis, Podiatry, Shockwave, Swift verruca treatment, Verruca, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Use our search bar the find what you are looking for

Many people visit our website for help or information on Podiatry or Chiropractic.

Both Podiatrists and Chiropractors offer a range of treatments and skills to benefit their patients but sometimes all you need is to be informed.

Below we describe what Podiatry and Chiropractic are and explain many of the treatments and services we offer but if you know what you are looking for then use the search bar in the top right hand corner of the screen.

A large part of what we provide for patients is help, advice and education and this website contains information on definition, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions and all can be accessed through the search bar.

It doesn’t matter if you are looking for something specific or just curious. Give it a go. Find what you are looking for in our education pages and previous blogs. Click on the search bar.

Podiatry

Podiatry is defined as the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders; however, we assess, diagnose and treat from the knee down. We also treat warts on hands.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is the management consists of a wide range of manipulative techniques designed to improve the function of joints, relieve pain and ease muscle spasm.

Chiropractors don’t only treat backs and can help with any soft-tissue or structural issues.

What is Podiatry?

Podiatry like many health care professions has general practitioners and specialists.

A general practitioner will treat anything from corns to verrucas and from plantar fasciitis or heel pain to ingrown toenails. We are all licenced to use local anaesthetic, perform minor surgeries such as ingrown nail removal and dispense antibiotics, if and where appropriate.

We provide vascular assessment and diabetic screening as a matter of course when requested or required. We have Podiatrists with special interests in areas such as diabetic care and biomechanical assessment and gait analysis. Gait analysis includes being filmed on a treadmill followed where appropriate by prescription of custom moulded orthotics together with an integrated exercise and rehabilitation program.

Seven Podiatrists and two Chiropractors trained in using the latest treatment and cutting-edge technology for a range of common conditions.

Cutting edge technology

Shockwave, which is a percussive mechanical treatment for chronic, or long-term, soft tissue pain such as heel pain, Achilles pain, hip pain and of course plantar fasciitis although it can be used anywhere in the body. It is used by both Podiatrists and Chiropractors

We were one of the first clinics in the country to use Swift, a microwave generator for the treatment of verrucas. We also offer salicylic acid, freezing and needling.

We offer all general foot care too including fungal nails, athlete’s foot, splits, fissures and infections. We also provide foot care in nursing and care homes as well as a domiciliary/home visiting service.

Contact us

Hopefully you have found what you are looking for but just in case you haven’t, give us a call on 01628 773588 and let us educate you. To find us follow the map and directions or put SL6 5FH into your sat nav.

We have our own free car park directly outside the clinic. Our premises are disabled friendly with no door thresholds and easy access throughout the ground floor. Let us know if you have any special requirements.

If you would like more information or to make an appointment give us a call on 01628 773588, and speak to one of our friendly receptionists or arrange a call back from one of our Podiatrists or Chiropractors.

And, we will of course cut your toenails too.

What is a Podiatrist?

Bio-mechanics, Diabetic, Feet, Foot Care, Fungal nail, ingrowing nail, ingrown nail, plantar faciitis, Podiatry, Shockwave, Swift verruca treatment, Verruca, , , , , , , , , , ,

What is a Podiatrist and what can they do for me?

This article will guide you through the many and varied aspects of Podiatry and help you find the foot care that suits you best. To assist in stopping the development of preventable foot problems and advise you in self care.

To offer a better understanding of the foot care options available to an individual we have split this blog into sections starting with the simplest or self care and escalating to the most complex or podiatric surgery as an end point.

  • Self care and footwear

 

Not everyone needs to become a patient. Many foot conditions can be safely and appropriately managed with the right equipment, skills and confidence.

Many foot health advice leaflets are available through the NHS and the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and your Podiatrist will be happy to give you advice and guidance.

Poor choices in footwear can cause significant foot problems and seeking and following advice to make good choices of appropriate footwear can prevent development of new conditions, aggravation of existing ones and prevention of falls. Again, your Podiatrist will be happy to give you advice and guidance.

  • Footcare

Simple footcare is defined as nail cutting and skin care including the tasks that healthy adults would normally carry out as part of their daily personal hygiene routine.

Of course this doesn’t apply to everyone but it is an important aspect of footcare that ensures many individuals check their feet regularly while still mobile and pain free.

For those who do attend clinic regularly for simple footcare, examination of the feet during a routine appointment acts as an early detection system ensuring prompt intervention and prevention of developing more serious foot health problems.

PODIATRY

  • Core Podiatry
  • Nail surgery
  • Warts and verrucas
  • Fungal nails
  • Long term and neurological conditions

 

Core Podiatry is defined as ‘the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of common and more complex lower limb pathologies associated with toe nails, soft tissues and the musculo-skeletal system with the purpose of sustaining and improving foot health. (Farndon 2006).

The main foot conditions affecting older people (as opposed to children) requiring core podiatry are -nail problems, corns, callus, toe deformities, and falls prevention.

These conditions can be managed successfully by Podiatrists in the NHS and Private practice using a range of treatments including sharp debridement (scalpel), pharmacology (creams, tablets, steroid injection) and therapies (often in conjunction with footwear advice and and prescription of orthoses where appropriate0.

Although the call for Nail surgery is small – approximately 8 per 1000 GP patients – there is certainly a need for an effective, non-recurring treatment.

Since the 1970s partial or total nail avulsion has become a standard Podiatry procedure where part (the sides) or all of the nail are removed painlessly to the nail bed under local anaesthetic to resolve recurring problems with ingrown nails.

The likelihood of regrowth is reduced to almost zero (0.5%) with the application of  phenol to the nail bed.

Warts and verrucas are small skin growths caused by the human papilloma virus. Verrucas are warts on the feet, common in children and although harmless they can be painful.

Most verrucas will clear up without treatment within two years but there are numerous treatments available through your Podiatrist including

Fungal nails are very difficult to treat successfully. There are numerous topical applications available as well as GP only prescribed oral medication. Your Podiatrist will discuss your best options and agree a treatment plan.

Long term and neurological conditions include conditions such as Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke and Parkinson’s and a Podiatrist’s management often involves management and prevention of potential escalation of foot problems.

Core podiatry is essential in maintaining the integrity of the feet of people whose medical condition places them at risk of developing complex problems.

Falls prevention. Foot problems in older people are often associated with impaired balance and mobility and where there is a history of multiple falls there are usually more foot issues.

The existence of a corn, bunion or poor footwear choices are often at play and podiatry intervention can moderate the risks.

ORTHOTICS

  • Orthotics, footwear and Musculo-skeletal provision
  • Podopaediatrics
  • Sports injuries
  • Footwear

Orthotics, footwear and Musculo-skeletal provision. Bio-mechanics and bio-mechanical assessment are an essential part of podiatry provision and the discussion of findings and correction of underlying issues with orthoses can have positive implications across the breath of podiatry services.

Many patients present with musculo-skeletal pain caused by bio-mechanical problems which can involve foot, knee, hip and lower back affecting gait (the way they walk).

Often the most cost effective and appropriate treatment is the provision of orthoses (specialist insoles) which modify and correct the bio-mechanical problem.

There are a number of different orthoses that can be prescribed by your Podiatrist depending on presenting condition and patient need. Orthoses range from a simple heel raise or cushioned insole to specific complex custom devices.

Podopaediatrics focuses on provision of Podiatry for children. This ranges from treatment of warts and verrucas to early identification of foot deformities. From gait assessment to prescription of orthoses.

Sports injuries often occur due to abnormal rotation and deformation of joints and/or muscles. Podiatrists target improvement and resolution through bio-mechanical assessment and prescription of orthoses combined with strengthening exercises and footwear.

Footwear choices can directly affect foot conditions. Podiatrists offer advice from correct choices when buying shoes to measuring for custom made footwear depending on requirement.

SPECIALIST PODIATRY

– relates mainly to long term conditions and may or may not be provided within a general podiatry clinic.

  • Diabetes
  • Systemic musculo-skeletal disorders
  • Dermatology
  • Advanced technology

Diabetes care is one of the basic provisions of any Podiatry practice and your podiatrist can offer regular foot health assessment as part of good diabetic control and patient education.

Early detection of foot problems can ensure correct management and reduce the likelihood of critical long term changes.

Systemic musculo-skeletal disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increase the need for a range of basic foot care services. Up to 90% of people with RA have some kind of foot involvement sometimes leading to the formation of callus corns and occasionally ulceration.

Early Podiatric intervention can improve long term outcomes.

Dermatology can be considered part of core Podiatry as many of the common skin problems seen on the feet are amenable to Podiatric treatment. From tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) to melanoma.

From verrucas to cellulitis you can ask your Podiatrist for advice.

Advanced technology is becoming more a part of day to day Podiatry provision. At Maidenhead Podiatry we use Swift – a microwave treatment – for verrucas, Shockwave for chronic soft tissue pain and Cryopen for freezing warts and verrucas.

EXTENDED SCOPE PRACTICE

Podiatrists who work in extended scope practice usually work in the NHS although they can be available in larger private practices and have undertaken additional training in their clinical areas  and may actively engage in the following –

  • non-medical prescribing
  • requesting blood tests
  • requesting scans
  • interpretations of test results
  • injection therapy
  • advanced vascular investigations

PODIATRIC SURGERY

Podiatric surgery is surgical treatment of the foot and associated structures carried out by a Podiatric Surgeon often as a day case and under a local anaesthetic.

In Conclusion good foot health has a fundamental link to health and well being. Poor foot health can have a significant impact on mobility, independence, and quality of life.

If you would like more information or to make an appointment with one of our experienced Podiatrists then give us a call today and make an appointment on 01628 773588 or email info@maidenheadpodiatry.co.uk and help lay the foundations of a healthy lifestyle.

 

 

 

Referred pain, compensation pain and ingrowing nail pain.

Bio-mechanics, Chiropractic, Feet, Foot Care, ingrowing nail, ingrown nail, Podiatry, , , , , , , ,

What is causing your foot pain?

Our blogs this month have looked at some of the causes of foot pain.

Now, in the last of this series of blogs we look at some of the causes of foot pain not already covered.

Referred pain

This is where the cause of pain isn’t where the pain is experienced.

Sometimes, pain in the feet isn’t due to a local problem. For example, pain can be referred from the lower back. A bulging disc or degeneration of the spinal structures can lead to pressure on the nerve as it exits the spine. Although the compression is in the back, the pain is experienced in the foot. This is why your Podiatrist or Chiropractor will always take a comprehensive history into account during assessment.

There are many causes of referred pain which is why it is important to disclose full history during your consultation.

Compensation pain

This is where the pain is experienced because you are compensating for pain or mechanical malfunction somewhere else. For example, you have a painful corn on your foot. You have tried over the counter products but they haven’t worked. The pain is still there so you don’t put as much weight on the painful area. You are compensating for the pain this is called pain off-loading.

It is an autonomic response the body uses to protect itself. That is why we limp when our foot hurts. It is an autonomic response we can’t control. When we limp though we use the rest of the body in a way it isn’t used to. This can cause muscles elsewhere to fatigue and become painful. That is why when we limp we can find it can make our backs ache.

Your Podiatrist or Chiropractor will also take compensation pain into account during your consultation.

Ingrowing or ingrown nail pain

Ingrown or ingrowing nails come with different degrees of pain and tissue involvement. Some are quite mild with relatively little discomfort. When they are more serious they are often associated with pain and soft tissue structure changes. These changes can include infection, hyper granulation, redness, swelling, and heat.

If you are experiencing any of these changes then it is a good idea to seek professional advice.

It is important that you don’t try and treat this yourself. There are many reasons for ingrowing toenails. First among these is poor nail cutting. This can be compounded by trying to self treat and making things worse. Shoes are the only item of clothing we wear on a daily basis and never clean. The inside that is. When did you last clean the inside of your shoes? This can result in a microcosm of potential infection. Add a cut, scratch, or open skin to the warmth and moisture of the inside of a shoe and infection is often the result.

Remember – pain is a warning – don’t ignore it. If your toes start hurting and you suspect an ingrown toenail seek help from a professional.

Other causes of pain

This list is not at all comprehensive. There are too many other causes of foot pain to be covered here. These include but not exclusively:

  • fracture
  • stress fracture
  • dislocation
  • soft tissue injuries
  • infection
  • skin infection and neuropathic changes
  • verrucas

What can I do about my foot pain?

If you are experiencing foot pain and you would like more information give us a call on 01628 773588 and make an appointment with one of our Podiatrists or Chiropractors.

If you would like a comprehensive biomechanical assessment including gait analysis and custom orthotic prescription and manufacture, do give us a call on 01628 773588.

For more information visit www.maidenheadpodiatry.co.uk.

If you would like to know more about how we are risk assessing and managing our Covid-19 click here.