Chiropody

Callus:

Let's begin with the simpler one - callus.

Have you ever heard of hard skin?

Well, callus is essentially the technical term for hard skin.

Calluses can form in various ways, but generally, there are two main causes:

• Sometimes, the body produces an excess of skin cells, leading to the buildup of thick, hard skin.
• More commonly, hard skin develops due to excessive pressure or force applied to a specific area. In response to this pressure, the body tries to protect itself by creating an extra layer of skin, resulting in the formation of calluses.

Calluses can be either painful or asymptomatic, so they may or may not require treatment. If you experience pain due to calluses, seeking an appointment with a local chiropodist might be necessary.

Corns:

Now, let's delve into corns, which are a bit more complex.

Similarly to calluses, they also result from excessive pressure on a specific part of the foot, usually caused by the ground or footwear.

Common areas where corns can form include the ball of the foot, between the toes, or on the top of clawed/hammer toes.

Corns manifest as concentrated areas of hard skin, typically circular in shape, and they tend to be very painful.

Patients often describe the sensation as feeling like they are standing on a pebble or having a thorn or piece of glass stuck in their feet.

Unlike calluses, corns do not heal over time.

On the contrary, they tend to worsen and become more painful with time.

Therefore, it is advisable to seek chiropody care as soon as you feel the discomfort caused by corns.

Chiropody appointments should be an enjoyable experience.

During your appointment, your chiropodist will carefully assess your feet and attend to any areas that require a little extra care.

Typically, the session begins with the podiatrist trimming your nails and addressing any hard skin or corns that might be present.

By the end, you should be more comfortable, with a good idea of what treatments will be required in the future and we'll work with you to get those booked. 

Our aim is to make your life as comfortable as possible, living without foot pain or discomfort. 

Please, let us reassure you, chiropody appointments are generally not painful!

The primary goal of a chiropodist is to provide care and treatment for foot-related issues in a gentle and comfortable manner.

During the appointment, they may trim nails, remove hard skin or corns, and address other foot concerns, but they do so with the aim of minimizing discomfort.

However, it's essential to note that some procedures, such as the removal of particularly stubborn or deep corns, could cause mild discomfort.

Our chiropodists will always strive to make the experience as painless as possible and will inform you about any potential discomfort before proceeding with any procedure.

If you have specific concerns or experience any pain during the appointment, it's essential to communicate with your chiropodist so they can adjust their approach accordingly.

Overall, the goal is to improve the health and well-being of your feet while keeping any discomfort to a minimum.

Getting rid of a corn on your foot permanently is possible, but it depends on the underlying cause and how well you address it.

Corns usually develop due to excessive pressure or friction on a specific area of the foot, leading to the buildup of hard, thickened skin.

To eliminate corns and prevent their recurrence, you can follow these steps:

Proper Footwear: Wear well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning to reduce pressure on the affected area.

Padding: Use soft padding or cushioning materials to protect the corn from further friction.

Corn Plasters: Over-the-counter corn plasters with salicylic acid can help soften the corn and aid in its removal.

Foot Soaks: Soaking your feet in warm water can help soften the corn and make it easier to remove.

Gentle Exfoliation: Using a pumice stone or foot file, gently exfoliate the corn to remove the dead skin. Avoid excessive scrubbing, as it can cause irritation.

Moisturize: Keep your feet well-moisturized to prevent dryness and further buildup of hard skin.

Address Foot Abnormalities: If you have foot abnormalities or structural issues, consult a podiatrist to address them, as they may contribute to corn formation.

Regular Foot Care: Practice good foot hygiene and regularly inspect your feet for any signs of corns or other foot problems.

If these self-care measures do not provide relief or if you have severe or recurring corns, it's essential to consult our chiropodists and foot specialists.

We can offer professional treatment and advice tailored to your specific condition. In some cases, we may need to perform minor procedures to remove the corn more effectively and provide long-term solutions.

Remember, the key to preventing corns is to address the underlying cause and take proactive steps to protect your feet from excessive pressure and friction.

We can provide effective treatment for existing corns and advice that will prevent them from reoccurring in the future. 

Yes, a chiropodist can help in treating and getting rid of a verruca that you've had for a long time.

Verrucas are warts that commonly appear on the soles of the feet and can be persistent and difficult to eliminate without proper treatment.

A chiropodist can offer various treatment options to address the verruca, such as:

• Cryotherapy
• Salicylic Acid
• Electrosurgery or Laser Therapy
• Chemical Application
• Immunotherapy
• Surgical Removal

It's important to note that verruca treatment may require multiple sessions, especially if the verruca has been present for a long time.

Our chiropodists will assess the size, location, and type of verruca to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific case.

Additionally, we can offer advice on prevention strategies to avoid future verruca infections, such as keeping feet dry, wearing appropriate footwear in public places, and avoiding direct contact with verrucas.

This is a question we encounter on a daily basis! 

Chiropody is primarily focused on treating skin or nail conditions, addressing corns, calluses, fungal skin and nail infections, and providing verruca treatment.

On the other hand, podiatry encompasses a broader scope and involves being a foot specialist who not only handles the aspects of chiropody but also deals with foot injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, lower limb muscular issues, postural or walking abnormalities.

Additionally, podiatrists are trained to conduct diabetic assessments and offer wound-healing services.

In essence, podiatrists are equipped with the skills and knowledge to carry out treatments required in both chiropody and podiatry, making them versatile professionals in the field of foot and ankle care.