Questions and Answers

What can I do for thickening of my nails? They are also discoloured and may have a fungus?

Thickening of the nails can cause discomfort, fungal infections are unsightly and can spread to other areas. We can skillfully reduce the nails to normal thickness and we have a range of successful topical treatments for fungal infections available for sale (creams or powders).

I have a painful corn on my toe, can you help?

Yes, corns can be debrided and removed and the provision of protective padding and/or insoles can alleviate pain.
Reduction of toenails with a high speed drill is a comfortable and precise tool used, along with cutting using more traditional sterilized instruments.

My toe nail is ingrowing and I can hardly bear weight on it, please help ?

We can remove most ingrown toenails with a spray local anaesthetic – extra fine equipment and careful sectioning is Mike’s preferred method of treatment. Occasionally, the condition may be too severe to be treated in this way or be infected in which case they may need referral for an operation either privately or on the NHS.

My big toes are stiff and very painful when I walk, can you help?

Normally we would need to carry out a biomechanics assessment including gait analysis to find the cause of this; common successful treatments include footwear advice, pressure reducing insoles/orthotics.

I have footarch pain when I stand for a long time, is this treatable?

Foot pain is commonly caused by fallen arches (Overpronation) or flat feet
We often need to carry out a biomechanics assessment including gait analysis to find the cause, but Treatment Options include:

1. 1. Manipulation and massage
   2. Non-invasive acupuncture, using “Painpen” to trigger points (no needles!)
   3. Ankle Pain
   4. Pressure reducing Orthotics (Arch supports)
   5. Advice on correct footwear

You can help yourself by using cold foot baths, supportive shoes and rolling a bottle of cold liquid under the arch of the foot.

I have fore foot pain and have been told it is a condition called Morton’s neuroma, what can be done to help this?

Fore foot pain (Metatarsalgia) is commonly caused by Morton’s neuroma (trapped nerve in the foot), arthritis or an old trauma. This can be very effectively alleviated by chiropractic foot manipulations, a special interest of Mike’s.
Self help is limited in this case, as it requires correct diagnosis and swift intervention by your podiatrist to offer the best recovery.

I have weakness and pain around my ankles and shins after running – I’m training for a marathon, what should I do?

Medial pain (inside of ankle) is commonly caused by excessive strain to the tibialis posterior tendon at the back of the calf, or degenerative changes caused by excessive pronation (flat feet) or poor foot and ankle alignment
Lateral pain (outside of ankle) is often caused by excessive strain on the peroneus longus muscle/tendon outside of calf, again by excessive pronation/foot instability
Shin Splints: (pain on the front of the shin bone, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) is commonly caused by overstressing the tibia (shin bone). Misalignment can cause excessive rotation during stance phase of gait, particularly when running.

Treatment options are similar for all the above – biomechanics assessment including gait analysis to find the cause
Orthotics to stabilise the ankle and therefore remove tendon strain
Exercises to strengthen the affected muscles
Footwear advice,
Advice on gait / running style.

Seek the advice of a podiatrist but in the meantime wear sturdy supportive footwear, listen to your feet and rest (!)

There is pain in the ball of my foot when I’ve been on my feet a while, is there an answer?

We would need to carry out a biomechanics assessment including gait analysis to find the cause of this; common successful treatments include footwear advice, pressure reducing insoles/orthotics, pain -pen acupuncture, massage and manipulation.

I think I have policemen’s heel (plantar fasciitis) – I’ve had it a while now, is there any cure for this?

Policeman’s heel, plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon pain are commonly caused by excessive pronation (flat feet) which causes strain on the plantar fascia (foot arch) and inflammation/pain at the attachment to the calcaneal tubercle (back of heel)
Successful treatment of this conditions includes a combination of footwear advice, orthotics/arch supports to take strain off the plantar fascia, painpen acupuncture, massage and manipulation using chiropractic techniques.
Cold foot baths, calf stretches and rolling a bottle of cold liquid on the painful area can all help to relieve symptoms in the meantime.

My hip, knee and back ache after walking , It could be just wear and tear but could you help?

We would need to carry out a biomechanics assessment including gait analysis to find the cause of this – common successful treatments include footwear advice, pressure reducing insoles/orthotics, pain -pen acupuncture, massage and manipulation.

Knee pain is commonly caused by Knee instability problems especially with sport. Poor alignment can cause damage to bony and soft tissue structures in the knee including Genu Varum (bow legs) and Genu Valgum (knock knees).

Self help for knee pain is limited. Ideally the knee should be professionally assessed in order to make an accurate diagnosis and therefore offer individual treatment options.

Hip pain is commonly caused by foot and knee problems such as excessive pronation and/or knee malalignment. The excess stress forces carry up to the hip. It is also quite common to have a slight difference in leg length (Leg Length Discrepancy) causing a significant knock-on effect on balance and gait.
Conditions include IlioTibial Band Syndrome (outside of hip joint), Abductor Pain (Groin Strain) and Iliopsoas pain (Inside of thigh).

Self help: Rest, cold packs, but ideally should be clinically assessed in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

Clinical Treatment for both Hip and Knee pain:

• Gait Analysis to assess the root cause. Once a diagnosis is made, then an accurate individual treatment plan can be offered.
• Recommendation of one of the range of available orthotics.