How I Help
How I Help
The early detection of foot problems will prevent future complications. Regular podiatry visits will ensure your feet feel more comfortable and give you that feeling of walking on air, which is how many of my patients describe their feet after treatment.
Regardless of your needs, a routine Podiatry appointment with me will include a nail cut, corn removal, callous and/or hard skin removal. Also, I have a wide variety of footcare and orthotics (insoles) available to purchase in both my clinics, Abbots Ripton and Sawtry.
Fungal Nails
The pain
Fungal nail infections can be unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable. They can make you feel self-conscious when your feet are on show. Whilst they are not generally serious, they can be difficult to treat effectively if left for a longer period.
The impact
The nail becomes discoloured at the edges, becoming more white, yellow or brown than usual. This can spread to the centre and cause a change in texture such as thickening, crumbling or flaking.
If unresolved
If left untreated, fungal nails can infect other toenails and also nails on the other foot. The fungus can also spread to the skin, which can result in athletes' foot.
Treatment
Firstly, a two minute fungal test can be carried out to confirm if the nail is infected.
There are many products available for fungal nails but the key ingredient when treating fungal infections is terbinafine. This can come in the form of oral tablets, creams, powders, sprays or ointments. Some treatments will need to be used for up to nine months for best results. In clinic, I can diagnose nail infections and determine the best treatment for you.
Verrucae
The pain
Verrucae can be unsightly and sometimes painful. They can vary in shape, size and appearance, but usually present as a lump of hard skin with a rough or raised texture. You may even be able to see the classic 'black dots'.
The impact
Having a verruca can result in some people wearing socks on the beach and prevent you from doing day-to-day activities and certain hobbies, such as swimming.
If unresolved
Although verrucae can disappear on their own, especially with children, for many it can take much longer, and for some it can take many years to see any improvement. If left untreated, verrucae can spread to other parts of the foot and may also be passed on to others as the virus can be contagious.
Treatment
There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration before the treatment of a verruca, such as the size, where it is on the foot, the age of patient, the duration and the patient’s lifestyle. After a full assessment, I can offer treatments such as Verrutop and acid-based treatments, which can only be safely applied by a trained professional.
Ingrown Toenail
The pain
An ingrown toenail can be painful and unsightly. In some cases, if left untreated it can lead to the area becoming infected.
The impact
Ingrowing toenails can result in not being able to wear closed shoes comfortably. Slight pressure on the area can be painful and limit your day-to-day activities.
If unresolved
Ingrown toenails can become infected and you may require antibiotics from your GP. This will not resolve the issue but will help.
Treatment
Although ingrown toenails can often be successfully treated as part of routine podiatry care, in some instances where the problem is more severe or is very persistent, nail surgery may be recommended. This will remove the part of the nail causing the problem. Surgery is done under a local anaesthetic and requires an in-depth consultation.
Corns, Callous & Cracked Heels
The pain
Hard skin can build up quickly and become painful, especially if it cracks around your heels. Cracked heels can be unsightly, especially if you are wearing backless shoes. Corns can appear where there is increased high pressure, usually from wearing shoes that are too tight or by the way you walk.
The impact
Painful corns and callous can limit daily activity and cause you to limp no matter what shoes you choose to wear. Cracked heels can also have the added issue of becoming open, bleeding and infected.
If unresolved
Whilst some degree of hard skin on your feet is natural and part of our body’s self-protection, a build-up of hard skin can be both uncomfortable and undesirable. Hard skin may over time evolve into corns, which can be painful and often described as “walking on a stone”.
Treatment
Hard skin and callous can be safely removed using a scalpel, leaving your feet more comfortable. Advice will also be given on how to slow down the build-up of callous going forward.
However, maintenance in between podiatry appointments is key. Using a foot file on the affected areas will help minimise the build-up of hard skin. Pair this with daily use of a Urea based foot cream, which has targeted ingredients, to help penetrate thicker skin for deeper nourishment.
Diabetic Foot Problems
The pain
Everyone with diabetes should have an annual diabetic foot check. Patients with diabetes should have a robust foot health care plan in place, including regular check-ups with a Podiatrist. As diabetics are more at risk from infection and circulatory issues, it is vital that they regularly see a podiatrist who will identify problems early on to avoid complications later down the line.
The impact
Feeling reassured that your feet have been checked in detail will have a positive impact. Unfortunately, Diabetes UK states that diabetes leads to almost 9600 leg, toe or foot amputations every year. That's 185 amputations a week!
If unresolved
If you do not have an annual diabetic foot assessment, as a minimum, underlying issues can be missed, which can result in complications later on.
Treatment
My diabetic foot assessment includes:
- A detailed 3D foot scan to assess high pressure areas that can lead to future breakdowns.
- Circulatory check using the Doppler ultrasound.
- Sensory (neuropathy) testing to check nerve response.
- Skin tone and temperature check.
- A review of your current medication and glucose levels.
- Informing your GP about the results to ensure your condition is fully monitored by your healthcare team.
- Advice on footwear and products for ongoing foot care.
FAQs about my Sawtry Foot Clinic
Fungal nails are a very common problem. They can be unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable and make you feel self-conscious when your feet are on show. Whilst they are not generally serious, they can be difficult to treat effectively if left for a longer period.
A two-minute fungal test can be carried out to confirm if the nail is infected. There are many products available for fungal nails, the key ingredient when treating fungal infections is terbinafine. This can come in the form of oral tablets, creams, powders, sprays or ointments. Some treatments will need to be used for up to nine months for best results. In clinic, I can diagnose nail infections and determine the best treatment for you.
There can be many reasons for getting pain in the heel, arch or ankle and so diagnosis is key. For example, if you're experiencing recurring pain in your feet, ankles, knees, or even your lower back, a biomechanical assessment can identify the underlying cause.
I use a 3D Gait Analysis scan to help me diagnose foot pain issues and assist with customising orthotics (insoles), which can be worn in many types of footwear. Based on the data collected, the software integrates insoles that can be adapted to your specific needs.
Other treatments that may be incorporated into your assessment are padding and strapping of your feet, footwear advice and stretches.
Yes, I absolutely can. Hard skin and callous can be safely removed using a scalpel, leaving your feet more comfortable. Advice will also be given on how to slow down the build-up of callous and corns going forward.
However, maintenance in between podiatry appointments is key. Using a foot file on the affected areas will help minimise the build-up of hard skin. Pair this with daily use of a Urea based foot cream, which has targeted ingredients to help penetrate thicker skin for deeper nourishment.
Everyone with diabetes should have an annual diabetic foot check.
Patients with diabetes should have a robust foot health care plan in place, including regular check-ups with a Podiatrist. As diabetics are more at risk from infection and circulatory issues, it is vital that they regularly see a podiatrist who will identify problems early on to avoid complications later down the line.
Although ingrown toenails can often be successfully treated as part of routine podiatry care, in some instances where the problem is more severe or is very persistent, nail surgery may be recommended to remove the part of the nail causing the problem. Surgery is done under a local anaesthetic and requires an in-depth consultation.
For a Biomechanical Assessment I use a 3D foot scan to assist me with detecting any foot abnormalities. A fully customised orthotic (insole) can then be produced for your feet to assist with any pain or functional problems. I also use this tool for a Diabetic Foot Assessments to determine areas of pressure being applied to the feet which may cause issues in the future.
Another tool I use is a doppler monitor, which can bring to light any circulatory anomalies by assessing the pulses in the feet.
Ruby Kallah Foot Clinic
I run two clinics providing footcare services around Huntingdon:
Grove Farm Office, Abbots Ripton Clinic,
Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon PE28 2PE
7 Hawthorn Way, Sawtry,
Huntingdon PE28 5QB