This can be particularly prominent in young or athletic people due to the softness and tendency of their feet becoming moist/sweaty from exercise. This can make the skin around the toenails even softer and easier for a nail to pierce.

Some of us naturally just have nails that are more curved and press into the sides of our toes. This doesn’t necessarily mean we have ingrown toe nails. The general rule for concern is that if they are red, inflamed or painful, then there will likely be an issue.

What can I do to help prevent Ingrown Nails?

• Understand how to cut our nails properly! Straight across, making sure not to trim them too low at the edge or down the side. Leave the corner of the nail so it’s visible above the skin. Run a nail file across the sharp edges avoiding taking the nail too far down.
• Avoid moist feet by rotating your shoes and choosing well-fitting socks and shoes made from natural materials.
• If an ingrown toenail develops, you should apply a clean, dry dressing. Use salt water foot baths or antiseptic cream to prevent infection. A Podiatrist can treat the ingrown toenail including those that are swollen and infected. It is best to seek treatment sooner rather than later as delaying treatment can result in longer-term issues.

What can I do to help prevent Thickened Nails?

• You may find cutting them to be difficult, so instead, try filing your toenails once or twice a week to help keep the length down. You can use an emery board or a nail file made of metal or crystal. All are easily available.
• Avoid using home treatments, such as nail thinning products or electric machines to thin the surface of the nail, as this can lead to more damage and the nail becoming thicker and harder to manage. Seek the assistance of a Podiatrist to help reduce the thickness if you’re finding this hard to maintain on your own.

It may seem like such a easy thing to do – knowing how to cut our nails properly – and while it’s not necessarily rocket-science, it’s often the main cause of issues that we treat on a daily basis. Understanding your nail type and the best practice for cutting them shouldn’t be a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

You can use our FREE ask-an-expert service online to talk to our team of Podiatrists about any issues you are facing, here.

Signs of Fungal Nail Infection

The signs of fungal nail infections can vary from person to person, but some of the most common signs include:

1. Discoloration: The nail may appear yellow, brown, or white.
2. Thickening: The nail may become thick and difficult to trim.
3. Crumbling: The nail may start to crumble or break apart.
4. Deformation: The nail may become distorted in shape or texture.
5. Odor: The infected nail may emit a foul odor.
6. Pain: In some cases, the nail bed may become painful or tender.

Why See a Podiatrist for Infections?

While there are over-the-counter treatments available for fungal nail infections, it is always best to see a Podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Our Podiatrists are medical professionals that specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs, including fungal nail.

1. Accurate Diagnosis: A Podiatrist can accurately diagnose the type of fungus causing the infection, as well as the severity of the infection. This is important, as different types of fungi require different treatments.
2. Tailored Treatment Plan: A Podiatrist can create a customized treatment plan based on the severity of the infection, the patient’s medical history, and their lifestyle. This may include topical or oral antifungal medication, laser treatment, or even surgical removal of the infected nail.
3. Preventing Recurrence: A Podiatrist can provide advice on how to prevent future fungal nail infections. This may include recommendations on footwear, nail hygiene, and lifestyle changes.
4. Monitoring Progress: A Podiatrist can monitor the progress of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome.

If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, especially if you’re showing some of the symptoms we have mentioned above, it is important to see a Podiatrist as soon as you can. By seeking the advice of one of our Podiatrists, you can ensure that you receive the most effective treatment, as well as preventing future infections.

If you have any queries or questions before booking, you can use our FREE Ask An Expert service, here. Our Podiatrists will give you the best advice possible before you make any decisions.

Onychomycosis is an infection of fingernails and/or toenails caused by a small micro-organism called a fungus. There are different species of fungi, such as dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds. The fungus settles under the nail and once present in the nail bed begins to multiply and spread. The fungus in fungal nail infections are difficult to reach as the nail itself protects it.

Fungal nail infections are more common in our toenails because we wear socks and shoes that keep our toenails warm and moist, a perfect environment for the fungus to grow. Foot injuries and tight, uncomfortable shoes also increase the possibility of getting fungal nail infections.

What are the symptoms of fungal nail infections?

Our nails may change colour – white, yellow or brown.  They can become flaky, thicker and even at times painful. If left untreated, we can expect these symptoms to worsen over time, so it’s important we know how to recognise the early signs and symptoms.

Who gets fungal nail infections and why?

Anyone can contract a fungal nail infections at any time. However, there are several people that may find themselves at higher risk than others, such as the elderly, those that uses public pools, bathrooms and changing rooms and anyone who has had athletes foot (see our blog on athletes foot here). If you regularly receive manicures and pedicures you are at a higher risk of fungal nail infections, as well as those with medical problems, such as trauma, diabetes, bone and joint disease, obesity, foot trauma during sports and vascular disease or immunodeficiency.

Are fungal nail infections contagious? 

Fungal nail infections are difficult to transmit from person to person. In order to be contagious, these micro-organisms require a warm or humid medium, such as those found in shower stalls, pools and areas in manicure salons.

The fungus can be passed along on a nail file, a hand/foot bath or a pool deck. Over time, these infections can also spread from one nail to another.

How can we prevent fungal nail infections?

• Keep our feet clean and dry. Make sure we dry between the toes.
• Use socks made of natural materials (cotton or wool) to permit air circulation.
• Change our socks daily.
• Avoid wearing tight or synthetic material shoes.
• Use sandals when walking in public pools, showers, changing rooms etc.
• Avoid manicure/pedicure salons with unsterilised instruments.
• Cut our nails short (but not too short!)

What are the treatment choices for fungal nail infections?

Fungal nail infections may be treated with antifungal drugs that kill the fungi and prevent their embedded spores to grow and multiply. These treatments may be in the form of either a topical treatment or a tablet that you have to take.

Topical treatments 

These treatments are applied directly on the infected nail(s).

The drug penetrates through the nail to the site of infection in the nail bed. Effective drug concentrations are achieved within days. They can be used as long as needed for the infected section of the nail to grow and be cut off. Topical antifungals may be employed for all kinds of nail infections. They may be used alone for mild cases or used in combination with antifungal tablets or capsules for more severe infections.

Oral antifungal treatments 

These tablets or capsules are swallowed and the antifungal drug reaches the site of infection (the nail bed) via the bloodstream. To be effective, these drugs need to accumulate in the nail bed in sufficient quantity. Oral antifungals are suited for treating severe nail infections (when the matrix/root of the nail is also infected) and the combined use of a topical treatment may give a higher chance of successfully getting rid of the infection

How long does the treatment last?

Treatment length varies depending on what type of infection we have, whether it affects our finger or toenails, how many nails are affected etc. Even after the fungus and spores have been killed (mycological cure), it will take about 6 months for fingernails and 12 months for toenails to be normal in appearance. This is the time needed for our nails to grow out.

When can a nail be considered cured?

Cure for onychomycosis is only achieved when both the fungi and their spores are eliminated. Fungi are usually killed within weeks. Spores are much more resistant and can survive several months embedded in the previously infected section of the nail. This is why a nail can only be considered cured when the previously infected section of the nail has grown out and is cut off. This can take several months depending on the location of the infection,

Why do treated nails often get re-infected?

Nails often get re-infected because although the fungus has been killed, the spores survive within the remaining affected nail. For this reason, we have to wait until the nail grows out and the affected nail portion can be cut off, before stopping treatment. It is also possible that there may be another associated fungal infection (such as, athlete’s foot), which may lead to re-infection of the nail. It is therefore important that any associated fungal infection be treated as well.

Why it’s important to see a Podiatrist for advice and treatment? 

Before starting any treatment against fungal nail infections, you need to see a health professional to:

1. Confirm the diagnosis of fungal nail infections.
2. Avoid the spreading of fungal nail infections to other nails.
3. Obtain a prescription for an effective treatment.

If you wish to speak to one of our Podiatrists for advice, you can use our FREE online service and message us directly.

Athletes foot symptoms

Athlete’s foot can be experienced differently, depending on factors such as its cause and the length of time the infection has been present. Some of the common symptoms that patients may experience include:

• White, soggy skin in between your toes, which may tear to produce fissures.
• A red, raw rash of the skin, which may weep or produce blisters.
• Flaky, scaly or cracked dry skin, sometimes thickened to the sole of the foot-this may have been present for some time and shown little improvement with the use of moisturising creams.
• Symptoms may be accompanied by intense itching, burning and stinging, although, as many patients do not experience this symptom, they may initially be unaware of the infection.

Spread of Infection

Fungal infections can spread to the skin of any area of your body. If left untreated, they may also lead to a fungal nail infection (known as onychomycosis) which causes discolouration and thickening of the nail. These are much harder to treat, and can lead to permanent damage to the nail bed, changing the shape of the nail too.

What can I do to treat nail fungal?

Don’t scratch, as this will further irritate the skin and increase your own discomfort. Scratching also releases dead skin cells carrying the fungus which can start the cycle all over again, spreading your infection to other parts of your body, including your hands.

Topical Medication for Athletes Foot

The use of a one-off product, such as Lamisil Once®, will kick-start the treatment process. This creates an invisible film over the feet, allowing the active ingredient to continuously fight the fungal infection, leading to good results in the shortest possible time frame. Additionally, your Podiatrist will recommend an appropriate medicated spray, cream or powder, based on the moisture level of your feet, which should be used according to manufacturer recommendations. As your home environment is likely to be contaminated by the fungi which caused your infection, this will not only continue your treatment but ensure that your feet do not become re-infected while they are still vulnerable.

Foot Hygiene

When bathing or washing, pay special attention to your feet, and use an antimicrobial cleansing product daily. After washing, dry your feet fully, including in between your toes. Use a separate towel for your feet, and wash towels and bath or shower mats frequently, as they can harbour fungus and bacteria. Keep them for your sole use, to avoid spreading the infection to others. If your toes are tight together, either due to your footwear or the shape of your foot, an ideal environment for fungal spores and other organisms is created. In these cases, drying in between the toes may be supplemented by the application of surgical spirit with a cotton wool bud once daily.

Footwear

Socks must be changed daily – and additionally during the day if you experience a high level of perspiration. Wool blend socks will encourage the wicking of moisture away from your feet

Shoes should be treated with medicated spray or powder to eradicate any fungus, which may re-infect the foot. Wear shoes which allow your foot and toes plenty of room to breathe. Avoid wearing the same shoes more than one day in a row, to allow them to fully dry and air between uses.

If you are struggling to fight off athletes foot or unsure how to get rid of it, our team of Podiatrists in Burnley and Padiham can help with treatment. Alternatively, you can ask our experts a question using our FREE online service.

Toenails

It is important that you maintain the length of our toe nails, keeping them moderately short.

For those of you that have increased difficulty cutting your toenails short, it is much easier once your feet and nails have been soaked in the bath or the shower as your nails become softer.

You must be careful that you do not cut your nail too short. It’s better to be safe than sorry and leave some nail. You can always cut more if you need to. Following the shape of the nail rather cutting straight across is also beneficial. Most nail clippers have a slight arched blade – try to keep to this curve across your nail.

For those of you with thick nails, it is best to work on dry feet. Give your nails a good file down before cutting and take small cuts if you need to.

For any possible in-growing toenails, it is best advice NOT to try to ‘dig’ down the sides of the nail which can likely lead to Paronychia. To help, again, soak your feet to allow the nail to become softer and only cut the nail you can see. Don’t dig!

Try to wear open toe footwear during these times at home to prevent any pressure to the nail. Any signs of pain, redness, inflammation or yellow pus exudation from the nail area, could mean there is an infection and you may well require a medical examination and a course of antibiotics. Don’t delay, just call 111.

Verrucas

If you have verrucas it’s always important to wash your hands when you have touched your feet. Apply a plaster to the verruca(s) when showering/bathing to prevent any possible cross infection in the household. Depending on the type and size of the verruca, it is difficult to provide general advice for treating at home. If you are unsure, you can always ask one of our experts for some advice first. Also, it is best to have good habits in not sharing towels, footwear and socks.

Hard skin

We would describe hard skin to be thick in nature and a protective layer of skin. It is best to lightly use a pumice stone or an abrasive foot file once a week on feet that are dry. Try not to overdo the filing as you may go too far and file raw skin. Moisturising them regularly will help, but once you have dry skin, it is usually a sign that the skin is dead and therefore needs removing.

Corns

A corn can often be covered with a layer of thick hard skin. It can be near to impossible at home to treat. However, if you want to reduce the effects of the corn, we advise that you lightly use a file to reduce the thickness of the skin and moisturise regularly to keep the skin supple. Again, you can seek professional advice for any issues you are unsure of. DO NOT try to scoop, cut or dig at the corn!

A good routine for your feet:

• Wash your feet at least once a day.
• Dry your feet properly (try not to put socks on when still wet).
• Moisturise daily.
• Keep your nails short so they don’t rub the end of your shoes.
• Use a pumice stone or an abrasive foot file once a week or fortnightly but don’t overdo the filing.
• Choose footwear that is going to be comfortable and fit correctly. (Our feet tend to swell during the day).
• Wear socks that fit and change them daily.

If you have any more questions on how to look after your feet from home, please get in touch using our FREE online service and we would be more than happy to help you. Alternatively, if you feel you need our Burnley Podiatry services, you can call us on 01282 453 110.

If you are unable to maintain your nails, or have problematic nails, there is no need to worry. Most Podiatry services offer a simple nail care solution that includes the cutting of the nails.

None of us are immune to infections, such as athletes’ foot and verruca’s, so regardless of whether or not we exercise often, it’s best we get the infections treated as soon as possible. However, if you are a runner or somebody that is very active, these types of infections can really start to cause you issues.

Blisters can be a nightmare for runners too, often delaying or even stopping your training. If you have a blister, do not try to burst it. Instead, cover it with ice for up to 30 mins to relieve pain. If you feel it is going to burst, allow the fluid to drain and cover it using a sterile dressing. Do not pick at the edges of the blister or try to peel it. Lastly if it is your footwear that has caused the damage then you might need to reevaluate whether or not they are suitable for you.

Wearing socks can also be vitally important. They offer an added layer of protection and help absorb moisture and prevent blisters occurring. So, choose the right socks!

Ask yourself the following questions when looking for running trainers

• Do I have the right type of running trainer for my foot type?
• What is my foot type?
• What surface will I be running on?
• Have I measured my feet recently to ensure I am wearing the correct shoe size?

(A common mistake people can make is when buying one particular shoe and being a size 8 for example, and then thinking they are an 8 in every possible type of shoe – this is not always the case so be wary of this).

Once you know that you’ve done everything you can to ensure your feet are in the best possible health, it is then time to buy your running trainers.

We have a choice or a style of running trainer to choose from, so identifying what type of running we want to do is vital in choosing the correct shoe. We can choose between road/treadmill running shoes, trail running shoes, and also minimalistic shoes.

Road/treadmill shoes also come in 3 types; firstly, there are cushioned shoes which are lightweight but offer little to none motion control. Secondly, there are stability shoes for feet which require some motion control and cushioning and offering support to an over-pronating (flat foot). Thirdly, there are maximum support running shoes, which are designed to offer more support to an over-pronating foot, by incorporating higher density materials to slow down the over pronation.

It can sometimes be difficult to self-diagnose our foot type and automatically know which type of trainer will be best for us, so it’s worth discussing with a Podiatrist which category your feet would fall under. A detailed Biomechanical assessment can be carried out to discuss any of your concerns too.

Have you ever thought about orthotics?

Orthotics are specialised insoles which can only be recommended after a Biomechanical assessment. They offer superior level of support, motion control and correction to your feet.

By wearing specialised insoles, they can help with foot pain and reduce the risk of overuse injuries by redistributing pressure across the breadth of your feet.

We provide a varied range of orthotics, from custom made to pre-fabricated types.

How to book our Podiatry services in Burnley?

If you have any questions regarding the health of your feet or you’re unsure what type of running trainers to buy, you can message our team of experts first using our FREE online service.

Alternatively, if you wish to book an appointment with our Podiatrist or you’d like a Gait/Biomechanical assessment, you can do so on 01282 453 110.

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How about going to see a Podiatrist in Burnley?

Podiatrists are foot specialists.  Physiofusion’s Podiatrists specialise in all problems regarding your feet and lower limbs. They also know:

• What’s inside your foot
• How it should be working
• Why it may not be working properly or causing pain
• Other factors that may affect your foot/feet, such as, heart and circulation, lungs and breathing, diabetes, nerves and neurological issues, arthritis – Osteo and Inflammatory, musculoskeletal issues and medication.

You may have heard the word Podiatry or Chiropody, but what are they and are they the same thing? It can seem confusing, can’t it?

Chiropody was the original qualification in the UK and a diploma, too.  It generally covered treatment for nails, corns, callus, and verrucae.

The term Podiatry was introduced when the qualification became a degree.  Podiatry includes all of the traditional “Chiropody” treatments and more.  Podiatrists are trained to assess, diagnose and treat problems with the lower limbs.

• Thick, ingrowing, fungal & damaged nails.
• Corns and callus (hard skin).
• Rashes or infections of the skin.
• Pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips or lower back.
• We’re also here to help if you simply struggle to get down to your feet.

Diabetes and feet – what’s it all about?

Do you have diabetes and have heard that you must look after your feet.  You may be thinking, why?

• Uncontrolled blood sugars can cause damage to circulation and nerves in the feet because they are furthest away from the heart and brain.
• Damage to nerves may mean you can’t feel (or don’t feel enough) pain, heat/cold, touch, pressure – this is reduced sensation.
• Feeling pain is a warning of something that may cause harm.
• If you have reduced sensation, you may not be able to tell that something is causing a wound.
• If you have a wound, you need good circulation to enable it to heal.
• Oxygenated blood brings nutrients to a wound and takes the waste away.
• If you have impaired sensation, you may not have the warning that something is harming you/causing a wound.
• If you have a wound, your circulation may not work as well as it should to heal it.

Is there anything you can do to manage it and reduce having problems with my feet?

Of course!

• Control your blood sugars as much as you can.
• Don’t walk around barefoot.
• Have showers, not baths (you may not be able to tell how hot it is and damage your feet by putting them in first).
• Even if you think your feet are cold, do not put them next to a heater, radiator or fire.
• Check you have nothing in shoes that could damage your feet.
• Check your feet daily and see a Podiatrist, (or nurse/GP) the same day if you have a wound or if you notice anything that looks different with your skin or the structure of your feet.
• Dry your feet thoroughly but gently after washing.
• Moisturise your feet daily (not in between your toes).
• See a Podiatrist regularly! 

If you have any issues or queries regarding your feet and lower limbs, please get in touch with us. We have seen it and treated it all before and we will be able to help you with any questions you have. Contact me on 01282 453 110 or alternatively, send me a message via our FREE Ask-A-Physio service online.

P – Pain

O – Optimum foot health

D – Diabetes

I – Infection – fungal, viral or bacterial

A – assessment/advice

T – Toenail ingrowing

R – Reduced mobility

I – Ill health

S – Sensation or vascular health reduced

T – Tailored treatment plan

We take a look at children’s feet and a common form of neglect – incorrect footwear. Quite often, children are found to be wearing ‘hand-me-downs’, shoes either too big or too small and shoes that are in poor condition. What are the signs and dangers of incorrect footwear?

In-growing toe nails

In-growing toe nails most commonly affect the big toe (but can affect any of the toes). They are caused when a piece of nail gets stuck in the sulcus (the skin next to the nail), often from shoes too small. This causes pain and inflammation in the area and often leads to infection, which will make the pain more intense.

Treatment options include a small surgical procedure where the part of the nail that is causing the problem is permanently removed; other treatment options include conservative care where the offending nail will be trimmed back with the hope that the problem does not reoccur. Sometimes anti-biotics are also required where infection is present.

Flat feet

This is very common in children and more often than not this is not a problem. However, correct insoles are a must with flat feet, in particular children, as their feet are still developing. Pain will often occur while taking part in activities and exercise and the incorrect insole can have long lasting affects during adulthood.

It should be noted that children are born with a flat arch that slowly develops as the child ages and learns to walk. If development slows down or comes to a halt, insoles are used as they get older to help shape the arch of their feet.

Sever’s disease

This is a pretty common condition, particularly in children who are very sporty. It presents as pain at the back of the heel, with the pain at its worst after an activity that involves running and/or jumping. The reason this occurs is traction from the Achilles tendon, causing pain and tenderness at the insertion point at the back of the heel. This is usually apparent in early adolescence following a growth spurt.

Something as simple as the incorrect footwear can cause a huge burden on the child’s life as they get older, with poor footwear during childhood commonly contributing to lack of exercise, back pain and in particular, lack of mobility.

If your child is in any pain or discomfort, it is important to listen to them and act on it. Everything we do starts with our feet. If you require any advice on children’s feet or you feel your child may need to see a Podiatrist – we’d love to hear from you. Call us on 01282 453 110 or speak directly to our therapists using our free online service, ‘Ask A Physio’.

If you suspect a child is being neglected, contact 0808 800 5000 today and make a difference.

Many foot problems are contributed by incorrect footwear. This can be anything from the wrong size, depth, length, width, materials and construction.

When assessing and treating patients feet, I always look at footwear and the possible contributing factors. Footwear advice is one of the biggest aspects of my job.

Shoe fit tips

• The size and shape of your feet can change as you grow older. Bear this in mind when buying shoes. The best time to try on shoes is at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest.
• Most of us are not symmetrical, with one foot often larger than the other. Therefore, fit your shoe to your larger foot.
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe but by how the shoe fits your foot.
• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot. If you are not sure stand on a piece of paper and draw around your foot, this gives a true weight bearing outline of the size and shape of your feet.
• When trying on shoes make sure there is enough space (1 – 1.5 cm) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up.
• Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
• Don’t buy shoes that feel too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit. Whilst “wearing them in”, you can cause a lot of damage to your feet and this is particularly significant to the development of child’s feet.
• Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping – the shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk. The shoe is not correct if there is excessive movement within the shoe. Once your foot is inside a shoe, it should work as one unit, no friction, shearing or torsion.
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right. Then take them home and spend some time walking on carpet to make sure the fit is a good one.

Uppers

The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot. Shoes made of leather can reduce the possibility of skin irritations.

Soles

Soles should provide solid footing and not be slippery. Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces.

Heels

Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer and less damaging than high-heeled shoes, allowing the foot to function in its optimum posture.

Children’s feet

A child’s foot is not simply a smaller version of an adult’s foot. The bones and soft tissue structures are quite different and very vulnerable to damage. In small children, where nerves are not fully developed, they will not always complain about discomfort with their feet. Therefore, it is really important to check for damage and ensure a correct fit for footwear.

The style of the shoe is the most important factor, not the make. Always remember that.

A sturdy flat heel will prevent rocking and provide stability, allowing the child’s foot to develop more naturally.

Although laced shoes are more suitable, Velcro fastenings are still okay. The most important aspect is that the shoes are supporting the foot firmly. Slip on shoes rarely offer any significant support, often making the child’s toes curl to keep the shoe on, causing toe problems.

Thin, sloppy soled shoes are not good for shock absorption or support. Consistently walking on hard surfaces, without cushioned protection, can damage their fragile bones in their feet.

Natural fibres allow air to circulate better around the feet, preventing them getting too sweaty and the skin too moist.

See a podiatrist if your child has problems with tripping, awkward gait or any form of foot/leg pain.

Tina Woodward (Podiatrist)