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 [...]

Davenport House Clinic's Manchester Podiatrist Tony Gavin appeared live on BBC Radio Manchester on Saturday 18th August. The interview was the second time in as many years that Tony has been invited by the BBC to give his expert opinion on foot health to the Manchester area. This time our Manchester Podiatrist, Tony discussed barefoot walking, shoe choices and how a Podiatrist can help. Past topics have included the role of a Podiatrist, the difference between a Podiatrist and a Chiropodist and advice on the care of your feet. Manchester Podiatrist: Foot health advice If you missed Tony's [...]

Nail surgery is a minor procedure that is carried out under local anaesthetic. It is a very quick procedure to remove part of, or the whole of the toenail and generally you will be on your way home in less than one hour. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your toenail grows down and cuts into the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails are very common and can usually be treated removing the offending spike of nail. Nail surgery is usually offered to patients who are prone to ingrown toenails. Before any procedure takes place, you will normally be asked [...]

Over-pronation is commonly referred to as flat feet. Over-pronation is a biomechanical problem occurring when a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing. This is the most common cause of heel pain and general pain throughout the feet. The motion of over-pronating can cause stress and inflammation of the plantar fascia causing severe discomfort. There are several possible causes of over-pronation. Wear and tear of the muscles throughout the foot can cause the muscles to weaken and therefore causing the foot to over-pronate. This can be due to aging or repetitive strain. Walking or standing in high heels for long periods [...]

If you have ever suffered from an ingrown toenail you will know the pain associated with this condition. The severity of the pain will vary from patient to patient but almost all ingrown toenails result in some sort of pain. Along with the pain you may also have symptoms such as redness, swelling and discharge from the toe. Treatment for an ingrown toenail can begin at home but you must seek medical attention from a Podiatrist or Doctor if the ingrown nail becomes infected. Infection can present itself by discharging blood or pus from the toe and you may notice [...]