FAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions. If you have a question and you can’t see it here, please let me know and I would be happy to help you.
There are different types of corn. Most of them cause patients discomfort:
- Hard corns (heloma durum) are caused by pressure and are often in the shape of an inverted cone made up of cornified cells. They can be removed by careful, minute excision.
- Soft corns (heloma molle) occur in between toes and are soft or wet in texture. They need to be treated and then supported to dry out so that new, healthy skin grows.
- Vascular or neurovascular corns are where small blood vessels and nerve endings have grown into an existing corn. These will need individually thought out treatment.
Callus is a build-up of of hard (hyperkeratotic) skin on the foot. It often occurs on the sole of the foot and is a due to a normal, protective response. Sometimes, callus becomes uncomfortable or painful if it becomes too great. It can be treated by paring gently with a scalpel or filing down.
An ingrowing toenail is where parts of the nail pierce the dermis of the skin. It is painful, causes inflammation and can cause infection. This can be caused by DIY nail treatments or incorrect footwear. Sometimes nails grow in a way which makes ingrown toenail more likely to happen. A foot health practitioner can assess, treat or refer for further treatment if necessary.
Fungal nail (onymycosis) is very common. It can cause the nail to discolour and to become soft and breakable. The nail can start to separate from the nail bed. It is important to establish whether symptoms are a result of fungal infection or not. If the cause is fungal, the practitioner will discuss with the patient the options available for treatment.
A verucca (plantar wart) is a sign of HPV infection. They are extremely common in children and most people will be affected at some time in their lives. They do not have to be treated and often resolve without treatment. This can take weeks, months or years. However, patients will often seek help when they become painful (often in a weight bearing part of the foot). There are various treatments available depending on the medical needs of the patient. Success is not a certainty when it comes to tackling veruccae.
Thickened nails can occur for many reasons eg. fungal infection, ageing, trauma. They can cause problems and discomfort when they press up against a shoe. Treatment will involve filing or burring the nail down to a normal thickness. This often improves discolouration too.
These are caused by dry skin when the foot is under tension. A foot health practitioner can assess a fissure on the heel and pare back excess dry skin from arround the fissure. They can check for signs of infection, dress if necessary and advise on creams to rehydrate the skin and encourage healing so that healthy skin can grow and cracks no longer appear. If necessary, an FHP can refer to the GP for further treatment.
Foot health practioners (FHPs) are trained to keep people’s feet in a healthy condition and advise on day to day care. There are many conditions that they can either treat or refer to other professionals, for example GPs and podiatrists.The conditions that a foot health professional treats include corns, calluses, warts, ingrown toenails and fungal infection. They trim nails carefully to prevent nail problems developing. They are trained to offer guidance on footcare to ensure health and comfort.
I trained at The SMAE Institute in Maidenhead (Paul-please insert link to The SMAE Institute here). I have a Diploma in Foot Health (with merit). I am fully insured to practice. I hold a current first aid certificate and I am a member of the Association of Foot Health Practitioners. I have to update my learning regularly as part of my professional expectations.
Foot health practitioners are trained in the neurovascular assessment and treatment of diabetic feet. This includes knowing when referral to podiatry services or a GP is necessary.
Foot health practitioners are trained in aseptic technique and understand that conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes weaken patients’ immune systems. All instruments I use have been sterilised to 134 degrees and then sealed in a sterile bag. We are trained in infection control and we follow NICE guidelines when treating patients.
No; I cut dry feet. It is best for me to be able to assess your skin and nails as they normally are.
Yes; I am qualified and insured to cut finger nails, although I am not a manicurist. There would be a small extra charge for this service.
Please remove all nail varnish before I arrive so that I can see your nails. You will need to sit on a comfortable chair or sofa. I have a foot rest for you and a stool for me to sit on.
Yes; on my first visit, I will need a full medical history and a list of your current treatments and medications. I will also do a neurovascular assessment on my first visit to establish the health of your foot and lower leg.
The first visit usually takes one hour. After that, visits should take about 30 minutes depending on what you need. If treatment will take more than one visit, we will agree between us what I should do first and you will be able to make another appointment if you wish to.
At the moment, I am happy to take cash or bank transfer.
I visit Wivenhoe, Alresford, Brightlingsea, Thorrington, Great Bentley, Frating, Elmstead Market, Weeley, St Osyth and surrounding areas.
