Coronavirus

As podiatry and general footcare has been identified as an essential healthcare activity by the government, we are able to continue to offer all podiatry including nail surgery for ingrown toenails and biomechanical treatments.

The safety of our patients and staff remains paramount and we will continue to carry out full Covid biosecurity arrangements as we have done over the last few months.

PLEASE NOTE IN ORDER TO ENSURE OUR CLINC IS AS SAFE FOR YOU TO VISIT AS POSSIBLE, WE ARE CURRENTLY ONLY ABLE TO OFFER APPOINTMENTS BETWEEN 9am AND 5pm MONDAY - THURSDAY EACH WEEK.

So dont suffer needlessly! Call us today to book your appointment. Our phone line is now open!

We would like to thank you for your continued support. Your health and wellbeing has always been at the heart of everything we do at Parkgate Podiatry.

How we are safeguarding you

We have made the following changes to how we operate as your health is paramount:

• Hand sanitiser is provided on entry to and exit from our clinic.

• All staff at the clinic now wear full PPE in addition to our usual masks. Masks will also be provided for patients who arrive without one. There will be a small charge for providing a mask. Please note a visor alone does not provide sufficient protection.

• We have installed screens in our reception area and are also providing screens for patients during treatments.

• Appointments are staggered to ensure social distancing and allow for additional cleaning between EVERY patient. Our waiting area has been suspended to avoid unnecessary contact in the reception area. Use of the toilet facilities also has had to be suspended.

• We would prefer payment by contactless card. Our card machine is disinfected after each use.

What you must do to safeguard others

IMPORTANT

Please adhere to the following guidelines to help us protect you, other patients and our team:

• If you or you have come into contact with anyone recently who has flu-like symptoms, please inform us at the time of booking an appointment.

• If you have or anyone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, please wait at least five days after you or they have made a FULL recovery and are symptom-free prior to contacting us for an appointment.

• If you should develop a cough, cold or generally feel unwell prior to an appointment you have booked, please contact us so we can re-schedule your appointment.

Thank you for your continued support.

Nail bed before 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, click here to send us an email or call us on 01709 522334.

WINTER FOOTCARE!

Winter is almost here again but don't let the cold weather leave you hobbling on painful chilblains or desperately trying to restore circulation into icy toes.

There are many simple steps you can take to avoid getting cold feet and some of the more serious problems which can arise when they are exposed to extremes of temperature.

People go to great lengths to pamper their feet and make them look their best during the summer months when they are more likely to be on show, but during the winter, feet are often forgotten and neglected. Many people simply do not wear enough on their feet when the temperature plummets, most fashion footwear simply does not provide adequate protection from the cold. Ideally you should be wearing warm socks and shoes with an encased upper and thick sole, lambswool insoles are ideal for extra warmth and protection when its freezing outside. A sole with good grip is essential too to prevent falls resulting in sprains and fractures.

Those who suffer with poor circulation and related disorders such as peripheral vascular disease are likely to suffer especially during cold weather. Raynaud's Syndrome, a condition where the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes go into spasm and restrict circulation, can also be triggered by exposure to extreme temperatures. Affecting women more than men, Raynaud's Syndrome causes the digits to feel cold and numb with the sensation of pins and needles as they turn blue and then red. Episodes can last from a few minutes to several hours.

Poor circulation can also put you more at risk of painful and itchy chilblains but these can equally affect people who work outside or in a cool environment without adequate footwear. Tight shoes which constrict the circulation can also cause chilblains if worn consistently during freezing temperatures. Whilst chilblains can be eased with witch hazel or calamine lotion, they can lead to ulcers and infection so they should be taken seriously and prevented where possible.

Feet need to be kept warm and protected so don't be tempted to step outside without shoes even just to pop something in the dustbin during cold spells. It's important to to wear slippers around the house and even bed socks if your feet are susceptible to the cold.

Never expose your feet to a direct source of heat such as a radiatior, hot bath or hot water bottle especially if they have become very chilled. Allow them to warm gradually, massaging them gently to stimulate circulation. Apply moisturiser after bathing to keep the skin supple and prevent cracked heels which can also lead to infection if not cared for properly.

And keep your feet active! If you have to sit down for protracted periods, rotate and flex your feet and ankles to improve blood flow.

Please contact us or call us on 01709 522334 for more advice and information on keeping your feet fit and healthy during the winter months.

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 contact us or 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.