Connect With Us
Bunions, or hallux valgus, is a foot deformity where the big toe tilts toward the second toe, causing a bony lump on the side of the foot. Symptoms include pain, swelling, callused skin, and changes in foot shape. Contrary to popular belief, fashion shoes such as high heels do not directly cause bunions. Bunions are primarily the result of a genetic predisposition and the mechanical structure of the foot. However, wearing shoes that squeeze the forefoot and crowd the toes can worsen an existing condition and lead to pain and joint deformity. Bunions can also develop due to factors such as age, arthritis, or sports activities. Preventing bunions involves choosing sensible, well-fitting footwear with ample toe room. Avoiding pointed shoes and excessive heels can be helpful. Proper footwear, non-surgical treatments, and wearing orthotics are initial choices. Surgery is typically the last option for bunions causing significant pain. This involves removing the bony lump and realigning the big toe, ultimately improving foot function and comfort. If you have a bunion that is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to have it evaluated and obtain appropriate treatment.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of bony growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions is often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while X-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions form when the big toe pushes against the next toe, which forces the big toe joint to get bigger and stick out. As a result, the skin over the bunion may start to appear red and it may feel sore.
There are risk factors that can increase your chances of developing bunions. People who wear high heels or ill-fitting shoes are more likely to develop them, in addition to those who have a genetic history of bunions or have rheumatoid arthritis.
The most obvious way to tell if you have a bunion is to look for the big toe pushing up against the toe next to it. Bunions produce a large protrusion at the base of the big toe and may or may not cause pain. Other symptoms are redness, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe if you have arthritis.
Nonsurgical methods are frequently used to treat bunions that aren’t severe. Some methods of nonsurgical treatment are orthotics, icing and resting the foot, taping the foot, and pain medication. Surgery is usually only required in extreme cases. However, if surgery is needed, some procedures may involve removing the swollen tissue from around the big toe joint, straightening the big toe by removing part of the bone, or joining the bones of your affected joint permanently.
Your podiatrist will diagnose your bunion by doing a thorough examination of your foot. He or she may also conduct an x-ray to determine the cause of the bunion and its severity.
Swollen feet are a common foot condition. There are several causes of swollen feet, and relief may be found when determining the source of the problem. Lifestyle factors may contribute to getting swollen feet, which can range from eating habits to pregnancy. Some patients are afflicted with chronic venous insufficiency, which is a condition that limits blood flow from the feet to the heart. Having swollen feet may also characterize an infection and can be common among diabetic patients. Serious ailments involving blood clots can be known to cause swollen feet and ankles, and immediate medical attention is often sought. Additionally, swollen feet may indicate heart disease, which may cause the blood to back up and pool in the feet and ankles. If you have swollen feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:
Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet.
Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There are many reasons why patients experience swelling of the feet. It is rather common and may be a side effect of pregnancy or from sitting and standing for most of the day. Gravity could also play a role in the development of swollen feet. It is known that the weight of blood volume in our bodies is exerted on the veins in the legs and feet. The veins may not work as efficiently during the aging process, and this could make the blood flow backward causing swollen feet. Relief may be found when obese patients lose weight, and it may help to engage in compression therapy by wearing compression socks, stockings, or athletic sleeves. This method can release pressure on the feet and ankles which may help to reduce existing swelling. There are patients who have controlled their swollen feet by implementing healthy lifestyle changes. These can consist of reducing salt intake, incorporating a gentle exercise regime into the daily routine, and drinking plenty of fresh water. Swollen feet may be a temporary condition that affects people who travel via airplane or automobile, so it is beneficial to walk as frequently as possible even though it can be difficult. Swelling of the feet can also be indicative of other health issues so it is important to pay attention to any type of chest pain, mental confusion, dizziness, or fever. If you consistently have swollen feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help determine the cause and how to effectively treat it.
The aim of the Practice Accreditation Scheme is to help ensure best practice, achieve a high standard of care to patients and to ensure the correct protocols and procedures are followed to practice safely and effectively within the profession.
As an Accredited Practice, we have been audited to ensure that we:
For further information, please visit The Royal College of Podiatry’s website on Accreditation here: https://cop.org.uk/membership/membership-benefits/practice-accreditation
Damage to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or the peripheral nervous system (nerves leaving the spinal cord) can cause pain, in other words, neuropathic pain (NP). Damages to nerves can lead to sensory, motor and autonomic changes.
NP can be hard to describe, but what patients normally experience is:
By finding evidence to a nerve lesion, a clinician can diagnose neuropathic pain. The clinician will concentrate on tests on the sensory nervous system such as light touch, pinprick, and temperature sensation.
Attention should be paid to finding alterations in sensation over the same anatomical area as the pain. This may include negative symptoms, such as a loss or reduction of touch sensation (hypoesthesia).
There are many reasons the patients could develop NP. Some of the causes of NP could be due to:
The cause of NP cannot always be determined or reversed. In these cases, it’s best to allow the nerve to heal gradually, and treatment will focus on the relief of symptoms and find ways to improve daily functioning. There is no single treatment to cure or prevent NP.
When treatment for the pain is delayed, the pain will require more aggressive treatment, more medical care and can be more difficult to manage. It is important to receive care as soon as possible as this may help prevent or cause reduced problems that often accompany neuropathy, such as sleep deprivation, anxiety/depression and generally impacting on quality of life.
Avoiding the development of neuropathy, is the best way of preventing NP. Monitoring and modifying lifestyle choices, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding the consumption of alcohol and tobacco will decrease the chances of developing diabetes or stroke. Also, maintaining a good posture at work or when exercising can prevent compartment syndrome which will decrease the risk of developing neuropathy.
Our podiatrists here at The Footcare Centre will always look for signs and symptoms and will be the first professionals to refer you to your GP/Neurologist if there is any possibility of presenting neuropathy. To book an appointment call 01932 849373 or book online
This blog has been written by Steven Castillo Pinel and is not necessarily the opinion of The Footcare Centre Ltd.
The brain sends messages to every part of our body and vice versa via the nervous system. When the nerves are affected or damaged, and these signals are not being sent through, thus causing a condition called neuropathy, which is a long-term complication which can cause problems in various parts of the body.
Neuropathy can be more common in those with Diabetes. High blood glucose level over long periods of time can damage the small blood vessels which supply nutrients to the nerves. The nerve fibres can be damaged or disappear if those essential nutrients are lacking.
There are three types of neuropathy:
When the sensory nerves have been affected, the symptoms one can experience are:
Having sensory neuropathy can make it difficult for someone with loss of feeling to sense pain and heat which could result in unnoticed injury being sustained in our feet and hands. Feet are harder to see and get to and are more vulnerable than our hands, thus making feet more predisposed to possible trauma. Some minor injuries due to sensory neuropathy could be caused by:
It is important to check inside one’s shoes and to inspect one’s feet on a regular basis to prevent and avoid or rule out any minor injuries.
If we leave these minor injuries untreated, they may develop into infections and ulcerations.
In diabetics with severe neuropathy, a rare complication can occur which is called Charcot Foot. Bones in the feet can break and go unnoticed due to the existing neuropathy, then these bones heal abnormally causing the foot to become deformed.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment to heal or repair nerve damage, although there are a variety of treatments that could be helpful. It would be ideal for diabetics whether experiencing a loss of sensory sensation or not, to keep their blood glucose levels under control to help prevent neuropathy from developing or worsening, such as diet control, regular exercise and medication. It is important to have medical attention and to have regular check-ups and routine appointments.
At The Footcare Centre, our podiatrists will conduct neurological and vascular test to all new patients and specifically recommend diabetic checks, to rule out any neuropathic problems. To book an appointment call please call 01932 849373 or book online.
This blog has been written by Steven Castillo Pinel and is not necessarily the opinion of The Footcare Centre Ltd
This blog discusses what chronic venous insufficiency is and what you can do to help manage it.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is the poor functioning of vein valves either being hereditary or the simple damage or blockage causing there to be a venous reflux, for example after a deep vein thrombosis or blood clot. The valves in the veins allow the blood to travel against gravity, from the legs to the heart. When the valves are not able to close properly the blood flow reverses and accumulates at the bottom increasing the venous pressure and causing the lower leg to swell.
There are also some who are more predisposed to CVI. These risk factors include:
As the blood pressure builds up in the lower leg, the symptoms and signs that one can experience are:
If you believe you present CVI, it would be the best interest to visit a Vascular Surgeon who will assess your symptoms and ask about your medical history. The vascular surgeon will need to physically assess you via Doppler (which is a hand-held instrument used to listen to your blood flow), a venous duplex ultrasound (this provides an actual image of your veins to rule out any blockages or blood clots) and for severe cases, a CAT scan or MRI can be useful to exclude any other causes for leg inflammation.
Apart from treating CVI surgically, it can be helped with the following conservative managements:
It is important to prevent any severe swelling and the development of ulcers. It is also very relevant to know that, even after a successful treatment, recurrence can occur, and further care may be needed.
If you do suffer with CVI and find it hard to reach your feet, and simply want some advice and help, our podiatrists here at The Footcare Centre can assist, treat and guide you. To book an appointment call 01932 849373 or book online
This blog has been written by Steven Castillo Pinel and is not necessarily the opinion of The Footcare Centre Ltd
At this time of year the cold weather can have many effects on us as well as colds and lingering coughs that many of us have the misfortune to pick up. Over the winter months the cold can also play its part on our feet.
One such problem is perniosis or pernio, commonly known as chilblains.
Chilblains are diagnosed on clinical grounds and should be suspected when a person has one or more intensely itchy, painful, swollen skin lesions that appear within 12–24 hours of exposure to cold.
People presenting with an acute or recurrent episode of chilblains should be reassured that the condition is self-limiting, caused by exposure to cold, and will resolve if further exposure to cold is avoided.
To avoid chilblains we advise the following:
If you are currently suffering from chilblains and they are unbroken or intact carry out the above but if they are ulcerated then book an appointment with a Podiatrist so that they can be assessed and made more comfortable (via padding/dressing and possible low level laser therapy) as infection can often occur in this case, if left.
In extreme cases the Podiatrist may ask your GP for a medicine called Nefidipine to be prescribed which is causes vasodilation in the extremities and therefore improved blood flow to the extremities, which can aid healing or prevent development.
If you are suffering from chilblains and want further advice or treatment from one of our podiatrists please call 01932 849373 or book online.
This blog has been written by Paul Sen and is not necessarily the opinion of The Footcare Centre Ltd
In the interest of promoting good foot health, we thought we would put together this blog with a few pointers that everyone can follow to keep your feet healthy at home.
The soles of the feet (particularly the heels) tend to dry out and form calluses through the pressures of everyday wear and tear, and even more so when high stress activities such as running are taken into consideration.
A Podiatrist can help to identify the causative problem, and remove these calluses. But, there are also a few things you can do at home to help maintain a happy balance to your feet.
As part of your daily routine, most of us will use a moisturiser on our face, our arms, and even our legs. But we often forget our feet. As the skin on the soles of the feet are on average twice the thickness of anywhere else, you would want to use a Foot specific cream that has the necessary ingredients (mainly urea based) to actively reduce the rate of callus build up.
In addition to creaming, using a course foot file twice a week on callused areas will also help to reduce how fast calluses return.
Before you take the above advice and cream every inch of your foot, stop a second and read below.
The one area of your feet, you do not want to start putting any cream, is in-between your toes.
This is because, for most people, the areas around your toes tend to be quite moist due to sweat and moisture build up that is prevented from evaporating by your toes being close together.
This excess moisture build up can make you more prone to skin infections such as Athletes Foot.
To help prevent this excess moisture; you want to make sure that you dry well in-between your toes after showers or baths.
There are a couple of extra things you can do if you suffer from particularly moist toes.
Changing socks midway through the day or through work/long walks helps to maintain a dry environment around the toes. Also, a small amount of surgical spirit on a cotton wool bud rubbed between the toes will remove sweat and dry the skin also.
Be a little cautious with this last one though, if you have a splits or eczema in the area then the surgical spirits will result in unpleasant stinging. So please check between your toes, or have a Podiatrist assess and advise you first.
This blog has been written by Tristan White and is not necessarily the opinion of The Footcare Centre Ltd
Connect With Us