Podiatrists / Chiropodists Cardiff & Pontypridd, WalesFootcare Treatments we offer |
Cardiff: 0292 0628 306
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We will always listen to your concerns, appropriately examine your feet and together we will come up with an agreed plan. It is of paramount importance to us that you feel comfortable with the diagnosis and agreed treatment approach.
We will always carry out a general health check and medication check before surgery, which is included in the overall price. General Foot Complaints
Toetal Footcare is committed to providing treatment for the following general foot complaints:
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Nail avulsion, or nail surgery, is a minor surgical procedure to remove whole or part of a nail plate. The foot is cleansed with an antiseptic then a local anaesthetic is given, usually by means of two injections to the affected toe. The anaesthetic lasts a few hours and will totally block all pain sensation during the operation.
Once anaesthetised, an elastic strip is wound around the toe from tip to base to act a tourniquet. There is no cutting or stitching involved. The appropriate part of the nail is simply lifted and removed from its nail bed. The nail matrix (the part that produces the nail plate) is then treated with a chemical called Phenol to prevent further unwanted re-growth of the nail. The tourniquet is then removed. Once a sterile dressing is applied to the toe, you are free to leave the clinic. The whole procedure usually takes about an hour. We would point out, however, that the anaesthetic may still have some effect for several hours. Important things to remember before attending one of our clinics for nail surgery:
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We trust that we have allayed any fears that you may have had about nail surgery. If you have any reservations or are nervous in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us - we have seen every possible variation of ingrowing toenails, so can discuss with you the best treatment plan to remedy your condition.
Common foot problems we can help with...
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Foot odour: to keep foot odour at bay, wash feet at least once a day and dry carefully between the toes. Wear clean socks made from at least 70% cotton or wool. Alternate shoes daily to allow them to dry out. If odour persists try an antibacterial soap.
Verrucae: a verruca is a type of wart that often looks like a small, dark puncture mark in the early stages but may later turns grey or brown. It can be contagious through direct contact. You can buy over-the-counter remedies from your pharmacy; ask for products with salicylic acid. If at any stage your verruca becomes painful and the surrounding skin goes red, stop treating immediately and see us. Corns and calluses: corns and calluses occur as a result of pressure on the foot. Corns often appear over a bony prominence such as a joint and a callus usually occurs on the sole of the foot. Do not cut corns yourself and don’t use corn plasters or paints which can burn the healthy tissue around the corns. Commercially available cures should only be used following professional advice. Calluses can usually be kept at bay by using a pumice stone or non metal foot file gently in the bath. Fungal infections: fungal infections such as athletes foot can lead to intense itching, cracked, blistered or peeling areas of the skin. If left untreated it can spread to the toenails causing thickening and yellowing of the nail. Fungal infections can be highly contagious so avoid handling and do not use the same towel for your feet as the rest of your body. You can buy over the counter remedies but nail infections do not often respond to topical treatments so you may need oral medication. See us if your infection persists. |
Ingrowing toenails: ingrowing toenails pierce the flesh of the toe and can be extremely painful and lead to further infection. They most commonly affect the big toenail but can affect other toes too. To reduce risk use nail cutters and cut nails straight across and don’t cut too low at the edge or down the side. If you have an ingrowing toenail, we can remove the offending spike of nail usually in a general clinic appointment but occasionally nail surgery with a local anaesthetic may be required.
Bunions: a bunion is a condition where the big toe is angled excessively towards the second toe and a bony prominence develops on the side of the big toe. Contrary to popular belief, bunions are not solely caused by shoes. They are caused by a defective mechanical structure of the foot which is genetic, although footwear can contribute to a bunion developing. Some treatments can ease the pain of bunions such as padding in the shoes, but only surgery can correct the defect. To avoid exacerbating a bunion, try not to wear narrow shoes with pointed toes. If you experience frequent pain, see us. Cracked heels: cracked heels can be extremely painful and occur where the skin has become dry or has experienced excessive pressure. To prevent them moisturise regularly and use a pumice stone or non-metal file in the bath or shower. If the problem worsens see a podiatrist as some severe cases can require removal of the hard skin, strapping of the cracks in order to allow the feet to heal. |
