Have you ever been on a walk and had to stop because of a persistent ache or cramp in your legs?

…or perhaps you’ve noticed some unusual changes to the skin or nails on your feet and lower legs? These might not be simple signs of ageing; they could be your body’s way of signalling a common condition known as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

PAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your limbs become narrowed, reducing blood flow. This can lead to a range of symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore.

Check the Symptoms: Do Any of These Sound Familiar?

• Pain During Activity: A cramping pain in your legs, thighs, or buttocks that consistently appears when you’re active (like walking) but eases after a few minutes of rest.
• Shiny Skin & Hair Loss: The skin on your lower legs and feet may appear shiny, and you might notice a loss of hair in that area.
• Brittle, Slow-Growing Toenails: Your toenails may become hard, brittle, and seem to take forever to grow.
• Changes in Skin Colour: You might notice your feet or legs changing colour, from a healthy pink to pale white or even a bluish tint, and they may feel cold to the touch.

Getting a Clear Diagnosis

If these symptoms resonate with you, the first step is to get a proper assessment. Here at our clinic, we can determine what’s going on using a number of simple, painless tests, including:

• Doppler Ultrasound: To listen to the blood flow in your arteries.
• Capillary Refill & Sensation Tests: Quick checks to assess your circulation and nerve function.

Your Path to Better Health

The good news is that PAD is manageable. Treatment primarily focuses on positive lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. The most effective steps include:

• Regular, gentle exercise to improve circulation.
• Quitting smoking, which is crucial for arterial health.
• Eating a balanced, healthy diet.
• Reducing alcohol consumption.

Every positive change, no matter how small, contributes to better health and can make a difference.

If you’re concerned about your leg and foot health, don’t wait. Contact us today to book an assessment and take the first step towards getting back on your feet with confidence.

The post Are Your Legs Trying to Tell You Something? Don’t Ignore the Signs of PAD. appeared first on FeetPlus Horley and Rochester.

Our new address is:

329, High Street, Rochester, ME1 1DA.

Our signage is being created now but here is a photo of the outside of the shop.

Parking is available on street or in Doust Way Car Park (both are pay at meter)

Today the High Street is closed at Hospital Lane so access is only from the Rochester end.

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I feel like I have a new pair of feet.

Thank you

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The post A great nail surgery experience appeared first on FeetPlus Horley and Rochester.

Many thanks to both Charles and Mo who have helped me greatly.

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Kind regards

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Also, I am very impressed with the wide medical knowledge of the chiropodists in areas I might have though not in their area of expertise.

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Fungal infection of the toenails

A common and cosmetically displeasing condition affecting the toenails. Also known as Dermatophytic Onychomycosis. The infecting organisms are usually from the family of dermatophytes but can also include yeasts and moulds.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Well, these are not always present in the early stages but may include….

• Discolouration starting at the free edge of the nail moving down the side towards the cuticle
• White, yellow, crumbly appearance of the nail
• The whole of the nail may be involved
• Thickening of the nail
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed
• Pain under the nail
• Inflammation around the nail

Signs and symptoms of nail discolouration or deformity may not always be clear and should never be ignored. If you are concerned it is best to consult a Podiatrist or Doctor for a proper diagnosis.

How did this happen?

The most common cause of toenail fungus is cross infection with Tinea Pedis better known as Athlete’s Foot! A common fungal infection of the skin. Other causes include:

• Keeping feet in a closed, warm, moist environment
• Ill fitting footwear or hosiery
• Wearing synthetic fibres or nylons in footwear and hosiery
• Occluding nails with nail polish for long periods of time
• Cross infection in communal areas

Fungal organisms are opportunistic, which means they often affect people whose immune defences are running low.

Treatments

The type of treatment advised very much depends on the organism, the area of nail affected and how severe the infection is. If there are mild to no symptoms and the cosmetic appearance is not causing concern, treatment may not be necessary.

For mild to moderate fungal infections or if you are unable to take systemic medication, the recommendation may be to start treatment with an anti-fungal nail lacquer as a home treatment. This works well in conjunction with regular reduction and filing of the affected nails by your Podiatrist throughout the treatment period.

If the infection is more severe, the recommended treatment may involve a combination of oral medication, anti-fungal nail lacquer application and nail reduction and filing by your Podiatrist. Fungal infections of the toenails can be a real challenge to treat but not impossible!  Working as a team with your Podiatrist will give you a better chance of cure.  

Prevention is better than cure!

Prevention is definitely better than cure when it comes to fungal infection of the nails.

The following tips will help you keep your nails fungus free:

• Look after your nails keep them short and filed. Use your own nail care equipment
• Treat any fungal infections of your feet as soon as possible to prevent cross infection to your nails
• Let your feet and nails breathe! Wear cotton hosiery and well fitting shoes. Dispose of old contaminated footwear
• Take nail polish off, avoid leaving on your nails for long periods
• Wear protective footwear in communal areas such as swimming pool sides and changing areas
• Keeping your immune system healthy!
• Visit your Podiatrist regularly for a foot health check

Sources:

British Association of Dermatologists – www.bad.org.uk

CKS – Nice. Fungal nail infection – cks.nice.org.uk

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