The Foot Health Practice

06/11/2025

What exactly is a verruca? 👣

Verrucae (plantar warts) are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often develop where pressure is applied — like under the heel or ball of the foot — and can sometimes look or feel just like a corn.

Unlike corns, verrucae are viral, meaning they can spread through skin contact or shared surfaces such as showers and swimming pools. They may have tiny black dots (but not always) and can feel like you’re “walking on a stone.”

If you have a painful or persistent area of hard skin that doesn’t seem to improve, it’s always worth getting it checked — what looks like a corn might actually be a verruca!

👣 At The Foot Health Practice, we can help identify and manage verrucae safely and effectively.

30/10/2025

🦶 Do you know the symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

PAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your legs and feet become narrowed — reducing blood flow and making it harder for wounds to heal. It’s more common than you might think, especially in people over 50 or those with diabetes or a history of smoking.

Common symptoms include:
🔹 Cramping or pain in your calves, thighs, or buttocks when walking (that eases with rest)
🔹 Cold or pale feet and toes
🔹 Slow-healing cuts or sores on the legs or feet
🔹 Weak or absent pulses in the feet
🔹 Shiny or thinning skin, and loss of hair on the legs
🔹 Numbness or tingling in the feet

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked — early diagnosis and management can make a big difference to your circulation and overall foot health.

👣 At The Foot Health Practice, we’re trained to assess circulation and can advise when further vascular testing is needed.

📍 Book an appointment or message us for advice — your feet are telling you more than you think!

15/10/2025

👣 We’re often quick to talk about problems with our feet — pain, hard skin, corns, or nail issues — but rarely stop to think about the shoes we’re putting them in every day.

The truth is, even the best foot care can only go so far if your footwear is causing the problem in the first place. Tight toe boxes, worn-out soles, and poor support can all lead to ongoing discomfort and recurring issues.

Take a moment to check your shoes — your feet will thank you later! 👟✨

— The Foot Health Practice

Are your shoes too small?

Here are 4 examples of the common tell-tale signs that your shoes are too small.

1. Hammer Toes or similar.
Got bent toes with hard skin or/& joint pain on the knuckles? This might be because your toes are crammed at the end of your shoes. Offering your toes insufficient length in the shoe will force them upwards.

2. Hard skin on the soles
Calluses forming on the outer edges of your soles? This usually means your shoes are rubbing against your feet too much. Ouch! This can actually be due to other factors as well but are present when wearing too small shoes / poorly shaped.

3. High pressure points
Feeling pain in the centre of the forefoot or feel the ground more here? Your shoes might be causing uneven pressure distribution, especially if they have soft arch support. Pressure points are a major hint that your shoes are not the right fit! ⚠️

4. Toe tapering in shoes
Notice your toes tapering inward in your shoes? This can lead to bunions and long-term foot issues. Compare your shoe shape to that of a young child where their feet are widest across the toes. Healthy feet are widest across the toes.

Your shoes may have caused the issues, but you can greatly improve this and in many cases get rid of it completely.. it begins with exercise & switching shoes, we recommend our “Starter Bundle” to get off to a great start! 😊

Takeaway: If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to rethink your footwear. Properly fitting shoes and foot exercises can make a world of difference. Your feet deserve better & we’re here to guide you!

26/09/2025

🍂 Seasonal Changes & Your Feet 🍂

As the seasons shift, so do the needs of our feet! Cooler weather, damp conditions, and changes in footwear can all have an impact on skin, nails, and overall foot health.

✅ Dry Skin & Cracked Heels – Colder air and central heating can dry out the skin, so regular moisturising is key.
✅ Nail Changes – Tighter shoes or boots may encourage ingrown toenails if nails aren’t trimmed properly.
✅ Circulation & Warmth – If you notice cold toes, numbness, or colour changes, it’s worth getting your circulation checked.
✅ Footwear Check – After a summer of sandals, autumn shoes may feel snug. Make sure your shoes fit well to prevent rubbing and blisters.

A little seasonal care goes a long way in keeping your feet healthy and comfortable all year round. 🍁👣

📅 Appointments are available for routine foot health, nail care, and advice—because happy feet mean a happier you!

📞 Message us here or call to book your visit.

17/09/2025

📢 Last-Minute Availability!
We have an appointment available tomorrow at The Foot Health Practice 🦶✨
If you’ve been meaning to book in for your foot care, now’s the perfect time.

Send us a message or call 07303 066673 to book 📞

09/09/2025

✨ Fungal Nail Journey – Before & After ✨

At The Foot Health Practice, we love seeing our patients regain confidence in their feet. One of our recent patients came to us with a persistent fungal nail infection. With the right treatment plan and teamwork, we achieved some amazing results 👣

🦠 The journey included:
✔️ A course of oral terbinafine prescribed to tackle the fungus from within
✔️ Regular use of topical antifungal applications to prevent reinfection
✔️ Ongoing nail reduction and care provided by us to keep the nail comfortable and aid recovery
✔️ A temporary nail reconstruction for aesthetic reasons while the natural nail grew out

📈 Over time, the infection cleared, and a healthy, clear nail plate has now fully returned.

This case shows that with the right mix of medical support and professional foot health care, fungal nails can be successfully managed – and even fully recovered.

If you’re struggling with thickened, discoloured or fungal nails, don’t suffer in silence. We’re here to help.

📞 07303066673
🌐 www.thefoot-healthpractice.co.uk

04/09/2025

Struggling with thick toenails that are hard to cut? ✂️👣

Thickened toenails can happen for many reasons – from past injury and fungal infections to natural changes as we get older. They can become tough, uncomfortable, and difficult to manage at home.

At The Foot Health Practice, we use professional equipment to safely reduce and trim thickened nails, helping to keep your feet comfortable and easier to manage between visits.

✅ Safe and gentle care
✅ Relief from pressure and discomfort
✅ Ongoing advice for keeping nails healthy

If you or someone you care for is finding nail care tricky, we’re here to help. Book an appointment today and give your feet the attention they deserve.

📞 07303 066673
🌐 www.thefoot-healthpractice.co.uk

31/08/2025

🚩External Pressures & Foot Ulcers

Did you know that ulcers on the feet don’t just come from walking? 👣
External pressure is a big risk too — especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation in your feet.

Common causes include:
🚩Heels pressing on the bed during long periods of rest
🚩Wheelchair footplates or hard surfaces
🚩Tight bandages, casts, or splints
🚩Poorly fitting footwear or straps that rub

👉 Daily foot checks and good positioning can make a huge difference in preventing problems.
👵👴 If you have elderly relatives, check their feet regularly — they may not notice small changes that can quickly turn into something serious.

💡 If you’re worried about pressure or changes in your feet, book an appointment — early care prevents complications.

14/08/2025

🌟 Patient Feedback Spotlight 🌟

We love hearing from our patients — your words keep us motivated to deliver the very best care every single day! 💙

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to share their experience at The Foot Health Practice. 👣