Putting Your Feet First – Qualified Podiatrist in Sidcup, Bexley

INTRODUCING: LACUNA FOR FUNGAL NAILS

Fungal infections occur when microscopic fungi enters the nail usually through trauma or micro trauma from footwear. These reproduce and spread through the nail, the fungi thrive between the toes in the moist warm environment of socks and shoes.

Fungal nail infections can affect 8% of the population at any one time. They can be unsightly and patients are often embarrassed with the way they look.

The Lacuna Fungal Nail Treatment involves drilling multiple holes across the fungal area of the nail. Depending on patients tolerance we try to drill as much of the nail away as possible. Then spray lamisil across the nail plate and get the patient to apply this every day and return in 6 weeks for a review.

Lamisil is a anti-fungal drug that is also known as terbinafine. Terbinafine works to create an imbalance in the fungal cell wall, this then causes fungal cell death so it is known as a ‘Fungicidal’ drug. To ensure this treatment works patients must apply the spray daily.

MEDICAL PEDICURE

Medi-Pedi means doing a complete foot, nail and skin analysis and client consultation before performing the service. Medi-Pedi’s are much more clinical, medical advice is given and sterile instruments are used in conjunction with thorough record keeping.

The Medi-Pedi is performed by a medical professional and finishes with an aesthetic look.

This luxurious, pampering treatment starts with a herbal foot cleanse, followed by an exfoliating scrub and wrapping the feet in hot towels. A full and thorough podiatry treatment is performed to tidy the feet from all hard skin, corns and to get the nails in pristine condition. The skin is then sanded down with a professional, medical machine. A foot mask is then applied, and then hot, paraffin wax is layered on your feet and covered in booties. After this, creams and sprays are applied on your legs and feet making your skin feel amazing and look so wonderful too.

VERRUCA NEEDLING

Verrucae are a viral infection that spreads easily, so it’s important that they receive treatment. 

Needling is a procedure were the verruca is punctured with a small needle to cause bleeding and stimulate the body’s immune system to resolve the problem. It’s proving to be the most reliable treatment for the removal of warts and is very practical. Acids and Cryotherapy involve multiple appointments which add up a lot of time out of work. This means that needling is becoming increasingly common as a form of treatment. 

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. An injection in provided around the ankle to ensure the foot is completely numb before proceeding. Once the area has been completely anaesthetised, a hypodermic needle is used to repeatedly puncture the verruca. This pushes verruca tissue from the epidermis through to the dermis and underlying adipose tissue layer.

After the procedure, a simple dry dressing is applied. This must be kept dry for at least twenty-four hours. The anaesthetic will start to wear off in two to three hours, but do not be concerned if it takes a little longer as the effects vary from person to person.

We provide other verruca treatments such as cryosurgery and acidic solutions. 

BIOMECHANICS

Podiatric biomechanics is a specialism concerned with foot function and locomotion. It encompasses foot development, and aims to preserve and/or restore the function of the foot and its associated structures.

The foot is an intricate and mechanically complex structure made up of 26 major bones, associated joints and soft tissue structures. The efficiency with which the foot functions when walking depends on the way in which these bones and joints move in relation to each other. Efficient and pain-free function also depends heavily on the foot’s angle to the leg and to the ground. If things do not work well in any of these areas, painful problems may result.

Biomechanics refers to the analysis of the foot and leg function and the diagnosis of any functional problems or abnormalities. Many aches or pains in joints, muscles, tendons or lower back can be attributed to your “biomechanics”. Rarely do we find that our left or right sides are symmetrical. This is equally so for our feet and legs. Additionally many of us have mild deformities – perhaps a misaligned pelvis or bowed leg.

The Result?

When we stand, walk or run our body has to cope with and compensate for these anomalies. It is these structures such as muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons under undue strain as they begin functioning in an abnormal or compromised manner. Over time the structures become inflamed or injured.