toetal

Microwave Technology Saves Patient with Diabetes from Amputation

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:38:19 GMT

At Toetal Footcare, we are proud to have played a vital role in saving a patient from a life-altering double amputation using innovative Swift microwave technology.

Barry Mayled, 74, from Penarth, was facing the devastating prospect of losing both legs due to severe diabetic foot ulcers containing verrucae. Despite extensive traditional treatments, his condition worsened, and surgeons believed amputation was inevitable. However, a medical student observing his case suggested an alternative, microwave therapy .

The previous four years of treatments had concentrated on trying to heal the ulcerations. Tracy used an innovative approach and used swift microwave therapy to cure the verrucae within the ulcerations which consequently enabled the ulcerations to heal. Amputation was avoided and Barry continues to remain ulcer free.

Barry, an architect and gardener, described the treatment as life-saving, allowing him to continue working and maintaining his quality of life. Tracy Davies emphasised the potential of Swift in treating non-healing diabetic ulcers, which could prevent unnecessary amputations in the future.

Barry’s story has been featured on BBC News and Wales Online , highlighting the game-changing impact of microwave therapy. This case underscores the importance of exploring innovative treatments for diabetic foot complications.

At Toetal Footcare, we remain committed to delivering cutting-edge podiatry care and improving patient outcomes.

If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic foot pain, contact us today to explore advanced treatment options .

How to Choose the Right Orthotics: A Guide for Cardiff and Pontypridd Patients

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:51:32 GMT

Struggling with foot pain, discomfort, or mobility issues? Orthotics could be the solution you need. At Toetal Footcare, we specialise in creating custom orthotics tailored to your unique needs, whether you’re dealing with chronic foot pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to improve athletic performance.

This guide will help you understand your options and why a professional podiatrist is key to finding the perfect fit.

What Are Orthotics and Who Needs Them?

Orthotics are custom-designed shoe inserts that support your feet, improve alignment, and reduce pain. They’re commonly used to treat:

Plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
Achilles tendonitis.
Sports-related injuries.
Bunions, flat feet, and other foot deformities.
Arthritis and diabetic foot conditions.

Types of Orthotics at Toetal Footcare

We offer three tailored packages:

House Orthotics: Affordable and suitable for everyday use.
Carbon Fibre Orthotics: Highly durable and designed for active lifestyles.
3D-Printed Orthotics: Cutting-edge support for elite athletes.

Why See a Podiatrist for Orthotics?

Over-the-counter insoles may provide temporary relief, but they’re not a long-term solution. Our podiatrists use advanced technology like dynamic foot scans and gait analysis to create orthotics that truly address the root cause of your discomfort.

Visit Us in Cardiff or Pontypridd

If you’re considering orthotics, book an appointment at one of our clinics today. Whether you’re in Pontypridd, Cardiff, or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help you find comfort and mobility with orthotics tailored to your needs.

The Benefits of Professional Verrucae Treatments in Cardiff and Pontypridd

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:56:19 GMT

Verrucae (plantar warts) can be stubborn, painful, and frustrating to treat on your own. At Toetal Footcare, we offer a range of effective verrucae treatments, including the state-of-the-art Swift microwave therapy , with an 85% success rate. In this post, we’ll explore why professional treatment is the best option and what makes our approach different.

What Are Verrucae and Why Are They So Persistent?

Verrucae are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and often appear on the soles of the feet. They can remain undetected by the body’s immune system, making them difficult to treat with over-the-counter remedies.

Treatment Options at Toetal Footcare

Chemical Treatments: Effective for mild cases, these require regular applications every 3-4 weeks.
Swift Microwave Therapy: A fast, modern treatment with an 85% success rate over six months. This non-invasive option works by stimulating your body’s immune response to target the verruca virus.
Advice on Home Care: We’ll guide you on how to prevent the spread of verrucae and care for your feet during treatment.

Why Choose Professional Treatment?

While some verrucae resolve naturally, others can persist for years. Professional treatment ensures faster, more reliable results while minimising pain and discomfort.

Serving Cardiff, Pontypridd, and Beyond

Our verrucae treatments are available in Cardiff , Pontypridd , and surrounding areas. Don’t let verrucae hold you back, book a consultation today and take the first step toward healthy, pain-free feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 15:26:18 GMT

The plantar fascia is a strong weblike ligament which is attached to the heel bone and runs along the base of the foot to the heads of the five metatarsal bones. It supports the arch of the foot and also acts as a shock-absorber.

Patients often report a stabbing sensation especially when they take their first steps in the morning. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain and tends to be more common in runners.

Cure your Plantar Fasci itis Pain

Things to try at home:

Rest - Raise your foot on a stool
Ice - Bag of peas for up to 20 minutes every 2-3 hours
Gentle stretching - Patients often report a stabbing sensation especially when they take their first steps in the morning stretch your foot before taking those first morning steps.

Still in pain after 2 weeks?

Book an appointment at Toetal Footcare

Do I Need an Orthotic Custom Insole?

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 15:35:17 GMT

What is an Orthotic Insole?

Orthotics (insoles or arch supports) are devices used to control abnormal foot function. When the foot is not functioning correctly, painful areas result. An orthotics device can relieve that pain by offering support to the ligaments and the bone structures of the feet. Basically, they are padded insoles, shaped to achieve the correct posture and gait.

When appropriately prescribed, orthotics can decrease pain, not only in the foot, but in other parts of the body such as the knee, hip and lower back. They can also increase stability in an unstable joint, prevent a deformed foot from developing additional problems, and improve overall quality of life.

Do I Need an Orthotics Insole?

Choosing to wear orthotics we feel is a bit like choosing to wear glasses. If you had very minor eye problems, perhaps occasionally you couldn’t read very small print, you probably would not bother to wear glasses, but solve the problem in other ways e.g. ringing directory enquires for a number you couldn’t read in a telephone directory. We have many patients who choose to come into the practice for general callous and corn reduction in order to maintain comfortable feet.

If you eyes were a little worse perhaps you couldn’t read restaurant menus, you may decide a pair of off the shelf reading glasses would be sufficient to help you in those situations, we can also provide off the shelf orthotics which will support the foot and for many people improve foot function to the point where they can live pain free. This practice does not sell off the shelf orthotics to children.

However, if your eyesight meant that you were struggling with everyday tasks or your work or leisure activities involved a lot of close work, you would probably go to your optician and have a custom made pair of glasses specifically made for your eye problems.

These would not only improve your sight but help prevent damage in later life. Custom made orthotics work in the same way. The podiatrist will prescribe orthotics specifically for your foot problems.

How Do Orthotics Work?

Your feet are the foundations of your posture and your gait (the way you walk). Just as a car whose wheels are not aligned correctly will have problems with tyres wearing unevenly and be difficult to steer, your feet, if not functioning correctly, will cause excess pressure on soft tissue muscles and joints causing them not to function correctly - resulting in pain.

Think of the orthotics gently altering the way you walk and providing cushioning for overloaded areas reducing the strain on soft tissues, muscles and joints and therefore reducing pain.

Orthotics and Footwear

Orthotics need to be worn the majority of the time to be effective , therefore footwear needs to be able to accommodate them. A compromise can be made with some orthotics which can be prescribed in a slim fit version but for maximum benefit, a good functional foot shaped shoe with plenty of depth will be required to accommodate a functional orthotic.

We believe in patients making an informed choice; for some patients such a shoe would not fit in with their lifestyle and therefore orthotics would be an inappropriate choice of treatment.

Please discuss this aspect of treatment with the podiatrist before you chose to purchase any orthotics.

How Does Swift Microwave Therapy for Verrucae Work?

Sun, 21 May 2023 14:56:20 GMT

Often difficult to get rid of, verrucae are a viral skin infection caused by the human papilloma virus which relies on your immune system to recognise, react and destroy it. Many veurruca will resolve naturally however, if your immune system does not respond to the virus you can be left with a persistent painful verrucae .

Hard skin frequently builds up over the area causing it not only to be unsightly but if over a pressure area can cause considerable pain if left untreated.

W hat to Expect During an Appointment for Verruca?

Our microwave therapy is a relatively new treatment with over 85% success rate .

Even very stubborn verruca will respond to treatment within a 6 month treatment plan.

You may experience some discomfort for 2-5 seconds during treatment however, it is rarely painful after treatment is complete.

Swift microwave therapy for Verrucae consists of three appointments / clinical applications which are four weeks apart.

There is then an interval 12 weeks before the clinician is required to see you again and it is during this period of time that the majority of verrucae will resolve. On a rare occasion the Verrucae may require a further one or two treatments. There is an 85 per cent proven success rate of curing verrucae with Swift System.