Do I need toenail surgery? When to seek help and what to expect
Ingrowing toenails can be very painful, leading to surrounding tissue inflammation, infection and pus emission. While not all toenail problems require surgery, there are certain situations where it may be necessary. In this guide, we will discuss when to seek help and what to expect if you need to have toenail surgery. Preventative conservative treatment […]
How many sessions do I need for fungal nail laser treatment?
Understanding fungal nail infections The first thing to say is having a fungal infection of the nails or surrounding skin is complex and often very difficult to eradicate Fungal nail infections occur when a fungal microbe invades the nail structure, causing thickening, discolouration, and splitting or crumbly nails. From white ‘flecks’ on the nail surface […]
Can sore knees be a sign that I need orthotic insoles?
Understanding knee pain What causes chronic knee pain? Chronic knee pain is amongst the most common complaints in the UK, affecting a wide variety of people at all stages of life. In children, the cause is often growth pains such as Osgood-Schlatter disease, which can last throughout adolescence and teenage years. This disease is caused […]
Do over the counter fungal nail treatments work? A guide to effective solutions
Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, affect millions of people worldwide. These infections are caused by different types of fungi and can lead to thickened, discoloured, and brittle nails. A fungal infection requires proper diagnosis and treatment, often involving antifungal treatments such as topical applications and oral medications. Medical consultation is essential for persistent […]
Why won’t my child’s verruca go away?
What is a verruca? Definition and characteristics of a verruca (plantar wart – medical name) Verruca is one of the most regular conditions we see and successfully treat at Waverley Clinic. Usually, the verruca has been treated at home with topical ‘paint-on type’ treatment from the pharmacist, which has not worked. Plane warts are round, […]
I have a sore Achilles: will a biomechanical assessment help?
What is the Achilles tendon? The Achilles tendon is a white fibrous cord that connects the calf muscles, gastrocnemius and soleus, to the heel bone (calcaneus). It is the strongest tendon in the human body, located at the back of the ankle and is essential for walking, running, and jumping (LINK 1). The Achilles tendon […]
What is the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist?
Firstly, there is some historical confusion related to the two healthcare professional titles, both names origins are from ancient Greece. History and evolution of podiatry Podiatry is the name used all over the world, but unusually, in the UK, the profession was originally called Chiropody. This is very strange as the Greek word for hand […]
What is plantar fasciitis?
Heel pain can be very debilitating, and plantar fasciitis is the medical name. It can keep you from participating in many activities that you enjoy and make everyday tasks more difficult. Heel pain is caused by a variety of things, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis. While heel pain may seem like a […]
What is a biomechanical assessment, and how can it help you?
A biomechanical assessment is a specialised evaluation of a person’s movement patterns, joint mobility, and muscle strength to identify any potential issues or imbalances in their body. It is often used by healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, athletic trainers, orthopaedic specialists, and biomechanical podiatrists. A biomechanical podiatrist conducts assessments to identify abnormalities and compensations […]
What are the options for fungal nail laser treatment?
Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be difficult to treat, and traditional methods such as topical creams or oral medications may not always be effective. In recent years, laser treatment has emerged as an alternative option for managing fungal nail infections. One of the advanced […]