foot health professional

  • MCFHP
  • MAFHP

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my nails so thick and what can be done to treat them?
Nails tend to get thicker as we get older, but a common cause of thickened nails is fungal nail infection. This can also cause them to discolour and become crumbly. Fungal nail infection is extremely common and can take a long time to eradicate. Other possible causes of thickened or overgrown nails could be: Psoriasis, a long-term condition that tends to also cause red, flaky patches of skin. Long-term pressure from shoes that are either too small or too narrow over the toes. Reactive Arthritis, where the immune system attacks the joints, muscles and other parts of the body following an infection.

I’m diabetic. Why is my GP always telling me to look after my feet?

It's especially important to look after your feet if you have diabetes. Diabetes can limit the blood supply to your feet and cause a loss of feeling. This can mean foot injuries do not heal well, and the lack of feeling means you may not notice if your foot is injured. Foot and leg injuries can be caused by long or sharp toe nails, so regular cutting and filing is critical. Diabetics are 15 times more likely to have a limb amputated due to gangrene. Regular checks, including neurological assessments on diabetic feet are essential. This can be easily and professionally carried out by a Podiatrist, Foot Health Professional or Chiropodist.

 

What can be done about painful corns?

Hard corns (Heloma Durum) are small circles of thick skin that usually develop on the tops and sides of toes or on the sole of the foot usually at pressure points. Soft corns (Heloma Molle) are more rubbery in texture, are usually found between the toes and are usually caused by friction. Seed Corns ( Heloma Millare) are similar to hard corns but smaller, shallower and can exist in single or multiple sites. These can usually be found on the sole of the foot regardless of pressure areas. All corns can be carefully and successfully treated by a Foot Health Professional either in a home or clinic environment.

I have severely overgrown horn-like nails, can you help?

Sometimes, the toe nails become so overgrown and thickened that they resemble claws and are almost impossible to cut with conventional nail clippers. This nail disorder is known as onychogryphosis ("ram's horn nails"), and is seen in older people or as a response to long-term pressure on the nails.
Rams Horn or severely thickened, miss-shaped nails can be successfully, painlessly treated either in your own home or at our clinic in Dunstable. WHY WAIT??

Regular care from a professional will help to keep your feet healthy and comfortable. Call Sarah to make an appointment today on 07736 323 719, or call in at Body Image Beauty, 63 Katherine Drive, Dunstable. LU5 4NP