Quest Podiatry

Chronic heel pain is one of the most common foot conditions. It is often caused by  Plantar Fasciitis , which is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. However, issues such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or bone oedema can also cause prolonged pain. A comprehensive examination by a Podiatrist is the best way to identify the cause so that the appropriate treatment plan can be put in place. Assessments typically look at the structure of the feet, ankles and lower limbs, along with the positioning and function of the feet when sitting, standing and walking. How to Treat Chronic Pain In Your Heel Common heel pain treatments include: Rest and ice Changing footwear Stretching and massaging the sole Supportive and corrective insoles and orthotics or heel lifts Kinesiology taping Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication Another very effective form of treatment is extracorporeal  shockwave therapy , known ...

Heel pain can be surprisingly restrictive. It can easily become an obstacle in achieving your fitness goals, maintaining mobility or even restricting your social life. Your heel is designed to absorb the weight of your body, so it plays a very important role in your mobility. And when something is wrong, this can lead to considerable pain. The heel absorbs the impact of your foot hitting the floor when you walk or run, so, therefore, if you increase your exercise intensity, or perhaps put on a bit of weight, this can have an adverse effect on your heel. During the lockdown, many of us worked from home, enabling us to perhaps increase our exercise routine, or possibly we were guilty of eating more, increasing our weight. This has led to a large influx of heel-related injuries. Do you find yourself hobbling around first thing in the morning? Or after you have been sitting and resting for a while? Read on, and we may be able to help you! The Causes of Heel Pain There are a number of cond...

Causes of Verruca A verruca is basically a wart on your foot. Verrucae (one verruca, two verrucae) are incredibly common, and most people will suffer from one at least once in their life. They can come singularly or in clusters and are always on the foot. Verrucae are the result of the  Human Papilloma Virus  (HPV). Although there are over 100 variations of HPV, the main culprits responsible for verrucae are HPV 1, 2, and 4. Verrucae are a result of HPV. There are many myths about how they are spread, the most common being in the swimming pool. Hence the use of verruca socks to try and prevent the spread of infection. This is partially true but is mainly due to the fact that people are generally barefoot in a swimming pool environment, and verrucae are spread by bare feet being exposed to a surface where an infected person’s feet have previously been. Everyone’s immune system is different, so you may catch a verruca, whereas your friend does not. Verrucae are increasingly comm...

Verruca needling is an innovative and highly effective procedure designed to tackle stubborn warts or verrucas. Unlike traditional treatments, needling focuses on stimulating the body’s natural immune response to combat the viral infection responsible for verrucas.  How It Works: During the verruca needling procedure, a fine needle is used to puncture the verruca. This intentional puncture creates controlled micro-trauma, triggering an immune system response. The body then recognises the wart as a threat and mounts a targeted defense, ultimately aiding in the elimination of the verruca.    Is Verruca Needling Right for You? If you’ve struggled with persistent verrucas and are seeking a proven solution, verruca needling could be the answer. Our experienced podiatrists will assess your condition and discuss whether this innovative treatment aligns with your needs. Take the step towards wart-free feet – schedule a consultation to explore the benefits of verruca ...

Chilblains, also known as Perino, are small, itchy, red swellings on the skin. They typically occur on fingers and toes but can also develop on the face and legs. No one knows exactly what causes this painful condition, but they are an abnormal reaction to exposure to cold weather followed by rewarming. They develop in cold temperatures as the tiny blood vessels under your skin get smaller and restrict blood flow. If your skin warms up too quickly, the blood vessels then expand causing blood to rush to your extremities resulting in redness and swelling. Risk factors of chilblains People with poor circulation tend to be more susceptible to chilblains. Health conditions such as Raynaud’s disease and Lupus, an autoimmune connective tissue disease may make your more likely to suffer from chilblains. Women are more likely to get chilblains than men. Being underweight increases your risk of getting chilblains. Wearing clothing that is tight or ex...