Hard work pays off.

It's official! 

This week we received confirmation that Foot Medic is now an Accredited practice. 

That's all very well but what does that mean to our patients? 

For our practice to have been accredited by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists we have reviewed our standards to ensure that they comply with national standards and best practice within the profession. This means that we try harder to provide the best service and highest clinical standards for our patients.
 
We applied for practice accreditation so that our clients know that their care is being provided within a safe environment. The accreditation scheme amongst other things also requires that:

• All reusable instruments to be properly cleaned and sterilised before they are used

• Staff engage in continuing professional development to keep their
knowledge and skills up-to-date

• Patient confidentiality to be respected and proper care taken with
patient records, both when used and later when they are destroyed

• We explain treatment options, where appropriate, and cost, so that you can make informed choices about the treatment you receive

• Appropriate referral pathways exist for clients who need specialist care

• Our practice working methods are constantly reviewed.

Peer review and inspection 

In achieving accredited status, we not only undertook a careful review of the practice, our working methods and systems, we asked another, independant registered podiatrist to check our findings.we also agreed to the practice being inspected by independent inspectors appointed by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Therefore we feel that you can be confident in the care that you receive within this practice.

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is the largest professional body for chiropodists and podiatrists within the United Kingdom, and is committed to public safety and enabling its members to practice effectively. The Society’s standards are published in the public domain, and are available from their website, www.feetforlife.org.

Sharp, shooting pain? do you have a Morton's neuroma?

Sharp, shooting pain, tingling, numbness and dull ache are all typical descriptions of plantar digital neuroma or morton’s neuroma as it is more commonly known. A morton's neuroma is a common pathological condition caused by a benign neoplasm of the interdigital nervous tissue. In other words an inflamed bundle of nerve tissue. This results in the tumorous growth of the perineural tissue,

resulting in fibrous lump. 

As the lump grows it articulates with the metatarsal bones which lie each side of it, this causes a number of painful sensations. Neuroma most commonly occur in the interdigital space of 3 and 4, although not exclusively. 

Medical imaging and in particular ultrasound scan is

by far the most diagnostic test but this is not readily available, however there are a few simple tests a podiatrist can carry out to help establish a cause of pain. 

At foot medic we will formulate short and long term treatment plans for our patients who have neuromas. We will relieve the pain in the short term by using various padding and strapping methods. In the long term we may recommend orthotic therapies.

Steroidal anti-inflammatory injections are useful but not permanent. When conservative management fails surgery is an option, but always as a last resort. If you have foot pain that you can't explain call us today or go online to book your appointment. 

Corns. What are they and how come they hurt so much??

The first thing to be aware of when talking about corns is that we podiatrists will refer typically to 3 different types of corn. These include, hard corns, soft corns and neuro-vascular corns. In this post we're focusing on hard corns, simply because they account for some of the main reasons our patients ask us for help.

Hard Corns are small circles of thick skin that usually develop on the tops and sides of toes but most commonly on the sole of the foot.

These form when the skin of a particular part of the foot is subjected to high or abnormal pressures. This initates a pathological process where the skin is produced much more rapidly than normal. In fact the skin is made so fast that it often lacks elastin. Elastin works to keep the skin supple. In the absence of it the corn becomes so hard and painful sufferers often mistake it for a stone in the shoe and in severe cases, a piece of glass in the foot. The corn is actually conical which can explain why they are so exquisitely painful.


Women can get corns from ill fitting shoes but there are other causes. Excessive pressure due to worn out shoes, thin soled shoes or anatomical deformity. Whatever the cause the treatment is often the same. Typically the corn can be removed. When removed using a scalpel by your podiatrist the process is known as enucleation whereby the podiatrist will skillfully cut the corn away from the surrounding tissue, and thus providing relief.

Enucleation isn't the only way to treat corns. It is possible to treat corns using acid based preparations like those contained in corn plasters but BEWARE, corn plasters should be used with caution, particularly if you are a person with diabetes or have sensory or vascular impairment of your leg or foot for any other reason. They have been know to be a cause of foot ulceration in these patient groups. If you feel that you do need to use a corn plaster please consult with a podiatrist before hand so we can prevent any unnecessary damage. Corn plasters typically contain salicylic acid. When applied for a period of time this effectively burns the skin which contains the corn. This can take time and the process of enuleation is often quicker.

Corns often occur on the ball of the foot especially when a lack of natural cushioning exists. They can also develop secondary to another foot problem, such as a bunion, high arched foot, toe deformities etc.Corns are commonly confused with other foot pathologies like verucca, but they are completely different and have totally seperate causes.

If you have localised pain to any part of your foot why not ask for an expert opinion by calling the clinic today to arrange an appointment. We can advise you, and if appropriate treat any problem you might have, but above all, we can provide more information of the causes of corns and just how you can prevent them from coming back. Suffice to say however that they are the direct result of pressure. If you can reduce the pressure you should prevent or at the very least slow down the recurrence of your corn.

Don't forget to wave when you see us!

Look out for us on the roads!

We are so happy with our fancy new decal thanks to North West Signs & Graphics. Iain has done another fantastic job. We can't recommend them highly enough, from design, service and the high quality finish of our new decal. 

If you need signage from design to manufacture why not give Iain at North West Signs & Graphics Milngavie  a call.