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. 

Nails that just don't look right? Do you have fungal nails?

Fungal foot and nail infections are by far one of the most common things we see through the clinic. Patients are often embarrassed by these conditions but they are much more common than they think. If you have a fungal nail or skin infection, you are not alone. Most of us harbor the fungi which cause these infections. Its only when the fungus gets a foot hold ( no pun intended ) that it becomes a problem. 

Fungal infections can affect normal, healthy nail as well as nail which has already been damaged by trauma, or other conditions like psoriasis for example. The infection often starts at the free edge of the nail plate, typically the corners first. It tends to moves back ( proximally ) becoming established within the nail plate. 

If untreated the fungal infection will progress relentlessly until it reaches the nail fold, where the cuticle is. As the fungus becomes established the nail normally becomes de-vitalised, discoloured, flaky and can sometimes smell unpleasant. 

The skin around the nail is often also infected. This is called tinea pedis, better known as athletes foot. Single toenails can be affected, however the infection will often spread to neighboring nails and soon the foot in general. 

Diagnosis of fungal infections of skin and nails are made clinically. Sending nail clippings for mycology is less common than it used to be. Often test results are not useful in the diagnosis therefore podiatrists diagnose these conditions based on the symptoms and presentation of each case. 

When left untreated, the nail plate will begin to grow thicker. This complicates treatment, simply because the plate becomes so thick that topical treatments have difficulty reaching the seat of the infection. 

When we see patients with fungal nail infections we will reduce the thickness of the nail plate in the first instance to enable treatments to penetrate deep enough to be effective. Often wider treatment of the nail and foot is required. We always advise our patients to be as aggressive as possible with their treatment. At least twice daily applications of treatment is often required to effectively treat fungal infections. 

Things we hear a lot from patients include; 

Athletes foot between toes

“I’ve tried everything before” 

“My GP said its not fungal” 

“I’m not sure what that is” 

“I get athletes foot from time to time” 

We hear these statements from patients every day. All of them indicate the nature of fungal infection. It is often slow to respond to treatment and can take weeks or months to see improvement. It is often misdiagnosed and finally, the apparent recurrence of the infection is most likely to reduction in obvious symptoms but never having actually got rid of the infection in the first place. 

Widespread Tinea pedis Infection

Our advice is - don’t be embarrassed about nail and skin conditions of your feet. Ask for a professional opinion and start treatment for them as soon as you can. Remember that they are probably the most common thing we see in practice, and that we can help, even if it takes time. 

Barefoot / minimalist running - where do we go from here?

My advice about barefoot running......beware of trends

‘Barefoot’ or minimalist running is the latest trend for runners. As a podiatrist I am asked frequently for my opinion about it being a good thing or bad. 

The fact of the matter is not enough is yet known about the effects of barefoot running on caucasian feet. Some people think that barefoot running is harmful. Part of this could be for physiological reasons but part of the solution involves the runner learning to run as a barefoot runner. Podiatrists are seeing one stress fracture after another directly related to poor barefoot running technique. 

Caucasian feet are different from the traditional barefoot running races normally associated with it such as the african runner, zola budd being an exception. White athletes have become used to running in a shoe, on tarmac. The African foot is much flatter, and unlike white posterior muscle compartments which tend to sit lower, the calf muscles in black athletes sits higher with longer tendon and ligamentous tissue. 

Traditional barefoot runners are also ‘forefoot strikers’ meaning the initial contact phase of gait is on the ball of the foot rather than the heel. White runners tend to be heel strikers, which is completely normal for them and inconsequential when wearing a decent running shoe. The style of running is completely different and unless you change the way you run you can soon look forward to joining the thousands of others sporting injuries from barefoot running. 

If you must run barefoot there are a couple of  things you can do to prevent injury.

First of all, start slow and keep it short. 

Run on grass only, and always try to run somewhere unlikely to have broken glass lying around. 

Speak to someone who knows about barefoot/minimalist running. Take advice on footwear. Most of all remember, it is not for everyone, and everyone is not the same. 

Remember that just because someone makes a picture like this...

Does not make it a scientific fact. 

Do you have diabetes?

We are pleased to announce that from today we are now offering a FREE diabetic foot health check service. 

The Service is completely free, with no obligation. If you would like to know more about how diabetes affects your feet please see our earlier posts about diabetes. As part of your FREE assessment we will carry out a full sensory neurological examination of the feet and advise you of our findings. We will also advise on risk to your feet specifically associated with any pathological changes that we find. 

If you're a diabetic sufferer and would like to take advantage of the service, simply call us at the clinic on 

0141 5623082 or pop in if you're passing.

Podiatry Glasgow | Chiropodist Glasgow Foot Medic Podiatry Clinic in Bearsden Glasgow

Podiatry Glasgow

Podiatry Glasgow- Foot medic is a new clinic which has recently opened in Bearsden Glasgow offering their customers the best service they can provide and attending to your Podiatry needs. Although this clinic has only been operating for the last few weeks so far Ciaran, the owner of Foot Medic clinic in Bearsden has found that he is becoming busier by the day. Find out more about Ciaran and Foot Medic the new Podiatry Glasgow clinic in Bearsden HERE.

             

From simple Chiropody and Podiatry Glasgow services to a detailed biomechanical assessment we can help. Our podiatrists are HCPC registered practitioners and members of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. For your peace of mind, all our staff will treat you to the highest possible standards. We will always act in your best interest and take our duty of care to you very seriously. Our Podiatrists are qualified and licensed to sell, supply and administer a range of medications include some antibiotics and analgesics. Foot Medic podiatrists are also licensed to administer local anesthetic and are fully trained in nail surgery.

Podiatry Glasgow Foot Care  

Foot-Medic podiatry enables timely access to the care you require. We provide every aspect of the most basic chiropody care to the most advanced foot analysis for patients who suffer from diabetes or those with vascular problems. Our clinic is fully equipped with the latest technology to enable us to provide the best possible service locally, at a time which suits you.

NHS treatment has become harder to access for many and can involve lengthy waiting times. By seeing a Foot-Medic podiatrist Podiatry Glasgow foot care is available to you when you need it as you stay in control of when you are seen. So don't wait in pain and discomfort, from basic nail care to nail surgery, we can help.

Foot Medic Podiatry Glasgow Services

Choosing from the many options available for your health and well-being can be difficult. Foot-Medic Podiatry Glasgow are established specialists in the field. We will always discuss our diagnosis, ensure that you are aware of all treatment options and the associated costs involved. Because we always keep our fee structure clear you will not incur any unexpected costs. Our trained experts can be trusted to take good care of you and your feet.
Some of the services we provide include:

Basic foot care
Domicillary Care for less able clients
Verrucca treatment
Nail Surgery
Biomechanical Assessment and Orthothic therapies
Diabetic foot care and assessment
Footwear assessment and advice
Sports Injury clinics


Book an appointment with Foot Medic podiatry Glasgow services HERE and sign up for our newsletter giving you latest tips on foot care and news on our services.