Sarah Gregory - Knight - Chiropodist

09/12/2023

Happy Christmas to all past and present patients . 🎄🎄🎄

11/11/2022

Check out this 3,000-year-old wooden toe prosthetic discovered on an Egyptian mummy.

Researchers think the toe is one of the world's oldest prosthetic devices.

New research found that the wooden toe was refitted several times. Based on the meticulous construction of the ancient prosthesis, the researchers determined the wearer — a priest's daughter — wanted the toe to look natural and be comfortable to wear.

The Early Iron Age prosthesis was found in a tomb cut into the older burial chapel at the graveyard hill of Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, west of Luxor, Egypt.

21/10/2022

This is one of the most common problems that come into my surgery.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick strip of tissue under the sole of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia supports your foot muscles and the arch of your foot, acting as a shock absorber when you walk. Over-stretching the plantar fascia creates tiny tears in the tissue that lead to inflammation. As a result, you may also develop small, painful, bony growths on your heel called heel spurs.

Women suffer from plantar fasciitis more than men do, probably because of high heeled shoes that stress their feet. You’re also more likely to develop plantar fasciitis if you:

-Run, dance, or jump frequently
-Are overweight
-Are older
-Wear thin-soled or high-heeled shoes
-Have tight Achilles tendons or a high arch
-Have an unhealthy gait or foot position
-Work on your feet or stand for prolonged periods

Most people with plantar fasciitis describe the pain as being “stabbed” in the foot, particularly in the heel. This stabbing pain is worse upon taking the first few steps in the morning or after sitting or reclining for extended periods. You also might feel a stabbing pain after running or other exercises. While you’re active, however, you probably have no discomfort.

Most cases resolve in a few months with conservative treatment.

-The RICE protocol (Rest, Icing, Compression, Elevation)
-Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain
-Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
-Taping the bottom of your foot
-Wearing a night splint
-Custom-designed orthotics.

19/01/2022

Bit of a guessing game for you all .

How old is this foot ? ( photo with consent of my patient)
I look forward to seeing your answers below 👇.

23/12/2021

12/12/2021

It’s that time of the year again !

What are Chilblains?

Chilblains are small, swollen, reddened areas of skin: typically on the fingers or toes. Sometimes they itch due to the irritation caused by the disrupted blood supply. People who suffer with very cold fingers and toes when exposed to fluctuating cold/warm temperatures can be more susceptible to them. They were far more common before the days of central heating because the room temperatures would be more extreme: hot by the fire, cold and draughty by windows.

Sometimes the overlying skin at the site of a chilblain can breakdown resulting in an open sore or wound. This needs covering and protecting with a dressing until it heals. Chilblains can be associated with a circulatory condition called Raynauds syndrome, where the blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict resulting in “white” digits.

Top tips to help you:

Make sure you have lots of layers to keep your body heat inside
2 pairs of long thin socks rather than one thick pair (it is important to keep your whole leg warm, not just the ankle down)
Wear extra tights or leggings under your trousers (or long John’s if you are truly commited to keeping warm)
Make sure you are already warm before you go out, put gloves/mitts, scarves and coats on the warm radiator before you put them on (feels really cozy)
Get some of the small gel heat pads to put in your gloves. (camping or outdoor shops supply these)
Use thermal insoles in your shoes and boots.
Consider fur lined boots to insulate your feet and ankles
If you smoke it would help to stop, as ni****ne causes smooth muscle contraction in your blood vessels and thus restricts blood supply.

01/11/2021

I get asked the same question ALOT .

What does your Podiatrist really think when they see your feet?!This Halloween we ask our Podiatrist and Foot Health Practitioner friends and colleagues who ...

26/10/2021

18/07/2021

Trying to get my daughter interested in Podiatry .
I have worked out she would just be qualified by the time l come to retire .

17/07/2021

It’s a lovely feeling when patients feel better when leaving the surgery.
That’s why l do the job l do !

10/06/2021

An interesting find in this morning’s clinic.

Please remember check your shoes and slippers before putting them on, especially if you are diabetic.

29/04/2021

We all know how painful corns can be !
l’m sure you have all heard of Soft, Hard and Seed Corns, but have you heard of a Lister corn ?

Lister’s corns are often mistakenly identified as a split or second 5th toenail. In reality, what has happened is that the 5th toe has rotated toward the outside. When this happens, rather than walking on the pad of the toe, it is the outer edge of the small toenail that takes the brunt of walking pressure. The littlest toenail doesn’t like this, and so produces a hard corn in order to protect itself.

I have added a few photos of examples of Lister corns.

29/04/2021

Most of you will know about Corns and how painful they can be. But, did you know that along side the Hard, Soft, and Seed Corns you can also get another type of corn that is called a Lister corn.
These are often mistakenly identified as a split or second 5th toenail.

In reality, what has happened is that the 5th toe has rotated toward the outside. When this happens, rather than walking on the pad of the toe, it is the outer edge of the small toenail that takes the brunt of the pressure. The littlest toenail doesn’t like this, and so produces a hard corn in order to protect itself.

09/11/2020

We are open as usual. All Covid safety measures are still in place for your/ my protection.

08/11/2020

Sergeant Harry Roberts, Lancashire Fusiliers, interviewed after the war.
“If you have never had trench feet described to you. I will tell you. Your feet swell to two or three times their normal size and go completely dead. You could stick a bayonet into them and not feel a thing. If you are fortunate enough not to lose your feet and the swelling begins to go down. It is then that the intolerable, indescribable agony begins. I have heard men cry and even scream with the pain and many had to have their feet and legs amputated

100 years ago Soldiers were issued with 3 pairs of socks and required to change them 2 x per day to try and keep their feet warm and dry. When wool became scarce, women would unpick jumpers to knit socks to send the soldiers.

These men suffered in so many ways so we can live the life we do today and to see foot checks taking place in the trenches makes my heart smile just a little and I certainly won't ever forget

08/10/2020

It’s international Podiatry day today ! 🎈

29/09/2020

Please please check your footwear including slippers daily.
This poor lady had a stone in her slipper ( which she was totally unaware of)
You can see from the photo that it’s made quiet a dent, which in turn, if gone undetected could have caused all sorts of problems.

Check....Check....Check !

24/09/2020

Wow how lucky am l.
My little helper that pops in with his Granny and Daddy ever six weeks is learning the ropes. Each time he learns a new skill. Today he learnt how to remove sock fluff with a cotton wool ball and use a 10g monofilament !
Watch this space every one, this is a Chiropoidist in the making.