Monthly Archives - May 2018

verrucae south west podiatry
17 May

Warts and Verrucae in Wimbledon

Warts and Verrucae

Verrucae are small viruses which are similar to warts but occur on the feet. They are the same as warts on any other part of the body but on the feet they are called Verrucae Pedis. Verrucae are very common which occur frequently in children and people with a lowered immune system.
They are usually pain free and in general podiatrists only recommend treatments when they become painful or an issue. They often look like small cauliflower lumps on the feet and can also contain small black dots in the middle which are capillaries. Verrucae’s can appear as single verrucae or can be multiple viruses covering large surface areas. Verrucae are caused by different strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV) and like any virus, it needs your immune system to see it and then respond to it, in order to resolve the verrucae.

What should I do if I think I have Verrucae?

If you have explored home treatments and read a little on the internet about Duct tape, Banana skins and Cider Vinegar and found that none of it worked but you are still concerned or the verrucae is still painful then you should contact south west podiatry.

How can our team help you?

It is important to diagnose your problem and be reviewed by a HcPC registered Podiatrist or Chiropodist. During your initial consultation your podiatrist will assess your feet and discuss your treatment options.

Treatment may consist of:

 

Call Now to book 020 7164 6607 

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17 May

Shockwave Therapy | ESWT | Wimbledon

Here we discuss indications for shockwave therapy or ESWT.

In this blog we cover the main indications for shockwave therpay which our podiatry team in Wimbledon use to promote healing and reduce pain in injured tissue. 

This blog explains how shockwave therapy works so if you are unfamiliar with shockwave in medicine, click here : What is ESWT or Shockwave therapy?

What can shockwave therapy be used to treat?

ESWT – Shockwave therapy

Click on the video below to see how ESWT / shockwave therapy is used for heel pain:

How many sessions do I need?

At an initial consultation your podiatrist will discuss if ESWT is recommended and the frequency of visits.  Generally, patients attend clinic at 1-2 week intervals for up to 6 sessions with a view to reviewing the outcome a few weeks after your final session.

Call Now to book 020 7164 6607

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17 May

Shockwave therapy for heel pain | Wimbledon

What is ESWT or Shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is the application of Shock Waves in medicine.

Shock Waves are movements of extremely high pressure caused by, for example, an explosion, an earthquake or a plane breaking the sound barrier.

It is clinically proven that pressure waves, when applied to injured tissues, stimulate metabolic reactions and promote the initial phases of healing.  Podiatrists use a large machine and a probe to administer shockwaves into injured tissue to promote healing.

Let me explain how shockwave therapy works.

When the clinician applies shockwave therapy or ESWT to injured tissue. Injuries are affected in three ways:

ESWT – Shockwave therpay

 

  • Reduction of pain by reducing nerve impulses.
  • Increase of blood circulation in surrounding tissue.
  • Beginning of the healing process through stem cells activation.

 

 

Everyone has C nerve fibres in their body and when C nerve fibres are activated, the fibres release a substance called substance P.  Substance P is responsible for causing pain and discomfort.  ESWT activates C nerve fibres, initially causing a widespread release of substance P which causes discomfort during application.  After a prolonged period of applying ESWT, C nerve fibres are disarmed and incapable of producing substance P.

A reduction in the production of substance P in tissue, leads to a reduction in pain.

This reduction of nerve fibre stimulation, together with increasing blood circulation and the activation of stem cells in the treated tissue, promotes recovery and can significantly reduce musculoskeletal pain.  ESWT can be used for heel pain on the bottom or back of the heel.  There is an abundance of high level evidence to support the use of shockwave therapy in combination with other management strategies such as orthotics and manual therapy.  Our premium ESWT machine is used in the vast majority of high level evidence and is widely recognised as the most effective device :  EMS 

Call Now 020 7164 6607

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17 May

Nail surgery and ingrowing toe nails | Wimbledon | London

What are ingrowing toe nails?

There are many types of ingrowing toe nails which can appear as painful or infected nails.  Big toe nails are commonly affected with the smaller nails infrequently affected.  We know ingrowing toe nails are painful which may require courses of antibiotic therapy.  The nail can appear red, hot swollen or painful to the touch.

How can ingrowing toe nails be treated?

Treatment would depend upon the cause of your ingrowing toe nail.  Treatment can range from conservative, appropriate nail cutting to surgical management.

When ingrowing toe nails are chronic and recurrent, nail surgery may be suggested for a long term solution to your problem.

If surgery is required, how will the toe nail be removed?

Nail surgery is a minor surgical procedure which is completed by our podiatry team in wimbledon, london.  The surgical procedure is completed under local anaesthesia and we can plan your procedure around work commitments, holidays and social engagements.

  1. After an assessment for suitability for this procedure, two local anaesthetic injections will be injected into the toe/toe’s.
  2. After 5 minutes the toe/toe’s will be numb and either a portion of the nail or the whole nail will be removed. This makes the procedure pain free.
  3. A chemical (phenol) will be applied to destroy the exposed nail bed so the part of the removed nail never grows back again (95% success).
  4. The toe is then dressed with a large bandage.
  5. After the procedure you are required to rest and take pain relief (if required).
  6. This procedure takes around one hour, you can walk normally afterwards but are required to bring flip flops and cannot drive for 24 hours. The wound takes between 6-10 weeks to heal.

How painful is it afterwards?

Most patients do not need pain relief medication following this procedure however some patients may experience mild symptoms. If the toe is painful it is advisable to take over the counter pain relief such as Paracetamol and nothing which contains anti-coagulant medication such as Asprin.

What are the risks ?

This procedure is considered a safe and effective way to treat in growing toe nails.  Like any surgical procedure there are minor risks involved which your podiatrist will discuss with you during the assessment and when gaining formal consent prior to booking this procedure.

To book, call now 020 7164 6607

Email info@swpodiatry.co.uk

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