WE MAKE FEET HAPPY!

Here is a brief list of a few of the conditions we treat at Claregalway Foot Therapy Clinic:

CORNS
Corns are small circles of thick skin that usually develop on the tops and sides of toes or on the sole of the foot. However, they can occur anywhere. Corns are often caused by wearing shoes that fit poorly or certain designs that place excessive pressure on an area of the foot. They often occur on bony feet as there's a lack of natural cushioning.

Corns or badly callused areas are treated using a sharp blade to remove the thickened area of skin. This should never be attempted at home because you could cause an infection and make the problem even worse. The in-office procedure we perform is painless and will help reduce pain and discomfort. We will also provide advice on self-care.

VERRUCAE
A verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is a wart on the foot which is caused by a virus. They are usually skin-coloured, have a rough texture and a cauliflower shape. They are painful and most commonly found where the foot is exposed to pressure, for example, on the ball of the foot. Sometimes black spots can be seen inside the warts. These are caused by bleeding in the verruca as a result of pressure caused by standing and walking on them.

 

They can look similar to corns except verrucae are very contagious. Verrucae are contracted from contaminated floors, such as swimming pool areas and showers.

Treatment involves paring, application of a special dressing, and careful sealing of the verruca to remove oxygen. Without oxygen, the virus cannot grow. After 3 to 5 treatments, you will be verruca-free!

INGROWN TOENAILS
Ingrown toenails are nails that grow back into the flesh of the toe, causing pain and discomfort. They often become infected, though there can be pain without infection or infection without pain. Symptoms of ingrown toenails include pain along the margin of the nail, sensitivity to any pressure at the affected area and signs of infection, such as pus or bleeding.

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows abnormally into the skin of the toe. This can be caused by overly tight socks or shoes, trimming the toenail incorrectly, or by a deformity in the nail itself.

Treatment involves trimming a small sliver from the nail to relieve pressure and possibly remove some of any calloused skin than may have built up around the nail. Any infection will also be drained and treated. If the nail repeatedly grows in, it may need to be treated on a regular basis.

If an ingrown toenail is not treated it can lead to a number of serious complications. This type of condition should never be ignored.

FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
Onychomycosis is the medical name for a fungal nail infection. Thickened, ugly nails are common – up to 10% of the population have infected toenails.

The infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened and distorted. It can turn white, black, yellow or green and, eventually, the fungus will cause pain.

This is why thickening of the big toenails is common in young men, particularly football players. It is the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot. Older people can have thickened, hard toenails due to damage sustained over a period of years. Psoriasis can also cause nails to become vulnerable to fungal infection

At Claregalway Foot Therapy Clinic, we specialise in eliminating toenail fungus! Our revolutionary PACT (Photodynamic Anti-Microbial Therapy treatments have been proven safe and effective. Please read more about this innovative therapy by clicking on the Nail Fungus Removal tab above.

No matter how bad your feet problems are, we can help make them better.