Meet the Team
Podiatry provides a comprehensive foot health service delivered by State Registered Podiatrists in a variety of settings across the Trust. These include:
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Nail surgery
Nail surgery is a minor surgical procedure performed by podiatrists to cure:
· Painful ingrown toenails.
· Thickened, painful, and problematic nails due to their abnormal shape.
Partial nail avulsion is the treatment of choice when one or both sides of the nail are in-grown. This method leaves most of the nail in place only removing the offending part of the nail.
Total nail avulsion is the complete removal of the toenail where the nails is extremely curved, thicken or damaged. This method results in the permanent loss of the whole nail.
Both procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic with the application of a chemical to the nail bed to help prevent the nail growing back
Patients are given verbal and written advice in relation to aftercare:
· Dressing regime
· Appointments reviews
Normally full healing takes place within 6 – 12 weeks.
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Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition which can cause foot problems.
Some of these problems can occur because the nerves and blood vessels supplying the feet become damaged.
This can affect:
The feeling in your feet (Peripheral Neuropathy)
The circulation in your feet (ischaemia)
These changes can be very gradual and you may not notice them. This is why it is essential that all new patients diagnosed with diabetes will attend a podiatrist to have their feet assessed.
At your initial appointment your circulation and sensation will be assessed and relevant health education will be provided (verbal and written.) A risk category will be allocated depending on results. (Low, Moderate or High Risk)
Your risk category and podiatric need will determine your agreed self-management and treatment plan.
It is important to attend all appointments with your podiatrist as this will reduce the risk of developing problems
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Biomechanics (Musculoskeletal conditions)
The biomechanical podiatrist provides specialist knowledge on acute and long term bone, muscle and joint conditions. Biomechanics involves the assessment of the structure, alignment and function of the foot and lower limb.
During your appointment the podiatrist will ask you detailed questions about your problem and how this is affecting you. The podiatrist will then perform a full visual and ‘hands-on’ examination. To aid this examination it is useful to bring a pair of shorts or loose fitting trousers with you. Following your assessment the podiatrist will discuss with you the best way to manage your symptoms and agree a treatment plan which may include a stretching regime and Orthotic therapy.
Common referrals for Biomechanical assessment include:
- Metatarsalgia
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Mortons neuroma
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
- Hallux abducto valgus – Bunions
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Wound Care
A foot wound is an area of skin which has broken down and the tissue underneath is now exposed. Most open wounds are minor and can be treated at home. However if you have a medical condition such as Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis or a condition that suppresses your immune system this potentially could be a very serious problem that requires immediate referral to podiatry.
Treatment
- To encourage healing, the wound may require the removal of dead tissue by your podiatrist, regular dressings, pressure relief and rest.
- A foot wound can become infected and may require an antibiotic.
- As part of your treatment you may be referred for an x-ray, or onward referral to other specialists if your Podiatrist feels this is necessary.
- You may also be advised to wear a special healing sandal or boot to reduce pressure on the area.
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Rheumatology
Podiatry plays an important role in the treatment of rheumatological conditions the most common being Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The aim of podiatry management is to relieve pain, maintain function and mobility, prevent or minimise deformity and reduce the risk of ulceration thereby maintaining or improving the individual’s independence and overall quality of life.
The podiatry service provides specialist assessment and appropriate management of clients with Rheumatoid Arthritis i.e:
- Foot assessment
- Foot health education
- Management of podiatric conditions
- Wound care management
- Orthoses- Functional /Accommodative
- Footwear advice – retail footwear/ referral for therapeutic footwear
- Onward referral
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Renal
Kidney disease is a lifelong condition which can result in the development of foot problems.
The development of foot ulcers in those with kidney disease can lead to serious life and limb threatening complications.
Complications can arise because of damage to the nerves and blood vessels resulting in changes to the circulation and feeling in your feet.
These changes can occur gradually and go unnoticed which is why it is important to have your feet examined by a Podiatrist who will assess your feet and agree a suitable treatment plan depending on your needs
It is important to attend all appointments with your podiatrist as this will reduce the risk of developing problems.
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Children’s Feet
Pod paediatrics is an area of Podiatry focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of childhood disorders of the foot and lower limb.
Generally concerns regarding children’s feet and lower limbs such as flat feet, knock knees and in-toeing may not require anything other than advice and reassurance.
- Flat feet- it is natural for young children to have flat feet. As muscles begin to grow and strengthen an arch will appear. If your child has not developed an arch by the age of 9 or 10 a podiatry assessment may be advised.
- In-toeing- children who in-toe are usually otherwise healthy and although this may present some early challenges, your child can be expected to lead a normal and active life. If in-toeing persists to age 8 or 9 a podiatry assessment may be recommended.
- Knock knees- this is where the knees point inwards to face each other and usually improves after 4 years of age.
There may be occasions when biomechanical abnormalities require intervention. The podiatrist will provide an initial assessment, diagnosis and treatment which may include footwear evaluation and advice, foot health education and sometimes the provision of special insoles. The treatment plan may require onward referral to another service or appropriate consultant.