Microdrilling

Typical result after 6 months treatment

Fungal nail infections

Fungal nail infections are caused by the dermatophyte fungi that naturally live on our skin. When trauma to the nail occurs ie micro trauma from footwear the fungi can invade under the nail plate. In the moist warm environment of socks and shoes, fungi thrive causing damage, thickening and discolouration of the the nail. This commonly affects the big toes, however, all nails are vulnerable.

Treatment is notoriously difficult as the nail plate acts as a barrier, shielding the area.

What is the Lacuna Method™?

The Lacuna Method™ involves drilling multiple micro holes thorugh the nail plate which allows the antifungal solution such as Lamisil® AT 1% spray to be transported to the area of infection on the nail bed directly. Your practitioner will advise you on the frequency and duration of the spray application.

As the nail bed is "dead", the procedure is painless, however the holes remain and grow out naturally.

Review appointments are recommended on average every 6 weeks, however this may vary and your practioner will advise you.

This is a relatively new treatment and although studies have been very encouraging, no treatment can guarantee to be 100% successful.

Post treatment advice

The Lacuna Method is not a short term treatment as, unfortunately, there is no quick fix for fungal nail infections. It can take up to 18 months for a nail infection to grow out completely.

Additionally, studies suggest that in about 1 in 4 cases the infection will return within 3 years unless you maintain a new regime. In order to improve the treatment outcomes and prevent a reoccurence please follow the advice below;

• Spray the affected nails 1-2 times daily with Lamisil® AT 1% spray for at least six and up to 18 months.
• Foot hygiene is essential so wash your feet thoroughly at least once a day and dry carefully, especially between the toes.
• We strongly advise against cutting your own toenails during the treatment period. Instead, please return to us every 6 - 8 weeks to have the progress assessed, the nails trimmed and further holes drilled if necessary.<
• Keep your feet cool and dry as much as possible.
• Avoid sharing towels, socks and shoes.
• Consider replacing footwear which may be contaminated with fungal spores.
• Wear clean hosiery every day and replace often.
• Maintain and improve chronic health conditions e.g. diabetes and quit smoking.
• Wear breathable footwear and hosiery made from natural fibres such as cotton where possible.
• Avoid wearing nail polish for the duration of the treatment.
• Alternate footwear and allow previously worn shoes to air thoroughly between use.
• Wear properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box to prevent nail injury.

Please call us on 01709 522334 and ask for more information and prices.

Nail bed before and after Wilde Pedique application

Gel application

Finished result

Wilde Pedique Plus.

Don't miss out on wearing your glamorous open toe shoes for the party season!

Many people prefer to hide their feet and toes away especially if they have concerns about the appearance of them. Well now help is available to diminish the problem for good with modern cosmetic toe nail correction!

This treatment can only carried out by qualified professionals and we are delighted to offer this service here at The Parkgate Podiatry Practice to our patients.

Our feet carry us around all of lives day in, day out patiently and dutifully. They have to tolerate every day stress such as standing for too long at work, tight shoes, insufficient airing and too much moisture, Our feet deserve better, they want to be well cared for, beautiful and to be seen!

With the development of modern corrective materials, nail problems can be treated permanently and successfully. Being anti-mykotic, Wilde Pedique Plus is an especially effective treatment for fungal nails. It can be used on scaly nail surfaces to fill in and disguise any deformaties or ridges. It is even suitable for protecting newly growing toe nails after nail surgery once the site is healed or to restore a partially damaged or lost toe nail providing an attractive cosmetic result.

Wilde Pedique Plus is a liquid resin gel which is applied and cured under a special light unit. Remaining flexible, it adjusts to the natural movement of the nail and feet and feels completely natural as it fits the contours of the nail bed perfectly.

Available in many shades, we can select a colour to match your other nails or with sufficient opacity to cover any discolouration within the nail bed. The gel sets instantly meaning the treatment only takes 10 minutes. The great thing is it's inexpensive too and only requires infills every 4 - 6 weeks until it is no longer required. And of course, the new "nail" can be painted with your favourite nail polish!

Take the first step now to happy, healthy beautiful feet you'll want to show off!

For more information or to book an appointment please call us on 01709 522334.

BACK TO SCHOOL -
Here's a step by step guide to
choosing school shoes ...

But with a bewildering choice of styles available, and sometimes a child's determined sense of fashion to satisfy, shopping for school shoes can be a confusing business! So here's a guide to finding the right shoes for your children.

What to look for ...

• A firm heel cup
  The heel supports the rest of the foot and must be held in a straight position so it does not lean in or out too much which can lead to postural problems in later life. If you can easily press the sides of the heel on the shoe, it won't provide enough support for a growing foot.
• Straps or laces
  Essential to stop the foot slipping forward inside the shoe causing the toes to scrunch and claw. This can lead to permanent damage such as hammer or clawed toes.
• Flexible soles
  Make sure the sole is flexible around the ball of the foot with sufficient cushioning. Avoid shoes with soles which allow the shoe to be rolled up or bent in half. The rest of the sole should be robust enough for walking, running and skipping!
• Breathable, waterproof material
  Active feet sweat, so if the shoe material does not allow the foot to breathe, fungal infections can occur, not to mention unpleasant odours!

Styles to avoid ...

• Clogs
  These have insufficient heel support and can cause children to walk with their toes pointing out which can cause knee and joint problems.
• Ballet shoes
  These are too flat and flimsy and don't offer enough arch support. Without a strap over the instep can also mean toes are scrunched to keep them on active feet!
• Ugg boots
  These should only be worn as slippers as they don't offer enough support for daily wear.
• Plimsolls
  Very flat shoes can cause arch fatigue and pain which can lead to long term flat feet, knee or back pain.
• High heels
  A small heel height, approx 1cm, is ideal, anything higher than this will put too much pressure on growing toes.
• Pointed toes
  Choose a shoe with a toe box that is high and wide enough to fit comfortably, with either a rounded or square shape. Avoid pointed toes!

Do's and Don'ts ...

• Do get your child's feet measured regularly.
  Young feet tend to grow in spurts so should be checked at least every six months. If the shop you are buying from doesn't offer a measuring service, ensure there is thumbnail's width between their toes and the end of the shoe to allow for growth and movement when the child is standing in the shoes.
• Do encourage your children to go barefoot, when safe.
  This will allow them to wriggle their toes and strengthen their feet.
• Do consider trainers instead of classic shoe styles
  Well fitting trainers are fantastic for growing feet, particularly if your child is prone to flat feet.
• Don't use Hand-me-downs!
  Shoes quickly mould themselves to the wearer's foot shape so will never fit another person properly.
• Don't ignore blisters or foot pain
  Shoes which are too tight will prevent the foot from forming properly which could result in permanent damage.

If you have any concerns about your children's feet, please call us on 01709 522334. We specialise in caring for growing feet and can give advice and treatments if necessary to correct any problems to ensure your child's feet develop properly.