Now that Christmas is out of the way for another year, we can finally begin to unwind! If like mine, your feet took a serious pounding over the festive season, here are some tips on how to restore them to their former glory. Use a good emollient We are all guilty of hiding our feet away in boots, socks and slippers when it's cold and we're busy, but by not allowing our feet to breath we are effectively dehydrating them. A good foot cream such as CCS Foot Care Cream can rehydrate the skin and ensure that they are soft [...]

A Podiatrist, often also referred to as a Chiropodist, is a healthcare professional responsible for providing preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of problems affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. Podiatrists currently have to undertake a Bachelors degree which includes 1000 clinical training hours to meet standards for the use of the protected titles 'Podiatrist' or 'Chiropodist'. A Podiatrist may well be trained in the use of local anaesthetics and have a licence for issuing prescription only medicines. All Podiatrists must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). Podiatrists can treat many common foot conditions [...]

There are several different cures for an ingrown toenail. Some of the cures may work for you but some may not. If you have an ingrown toenail the chances are that it will continue to become ingrown even after treatment. The only permanent cure for an ingrown toenail is nail surgery. You may think that sounds a little drastic but it can end a lifetime of pain and discomfort that an ingrown toenail can cause. Firstly we'll discuss the treatment that you can do at home. We will only suggest home treatment if the toenail is not infected. If you [...]

Ball of foot pain is a common condition often seen in the area on the bottom of the foot just before the toes. Common names for ball of foot pain include Metatarsalgia and Morton's Neuroma. If properly diagnosed, both problems can be treated. Symptoms can include a burning, throbbing or stabbing pain when both wearing shoes and when bare foot. Ball of foot pain can make every day activites very uncomfortable. Pain occurs in the ball of the foot as each time we take a step we push off with the ball of our foot and our toes meaning that [...]

There is a big difference between orthotics and insoles. Insoles are designed to provide a cushioning effect and shock absorption. They may feel comfortable but they are not designed to prevent or treat biomechanical problems such as over-pronation. Certain insoles do provide an arch support but the material that they are made from is too soft to be able to provide the necessary support to your foot thus having little or no effect. The easiest way to describe an insole is to compare them to the insole that you get in most shoes when you purchase them, particularly training shoes. [...]

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your toenail grows down and pierces the flesh of the toe. Ingrown toenails are most likely to affect your big toes. Ingrown toenails can occur on just one, or both, sides of your toe. Ingrown toenails are fairly common and can be affectively treated by your Podiatrist. How do I know if I have an ingrown toenail I here you ask, well an early symptom of an ingrown toenail is hard, tender and sometimes swollen skin around the offending nail. In most cases you will also feel pain. An ingrown toenail can [...]