Aftercare, advice and products we recommend

• Remove any plasters or dressings after 2 days, unless we have told you otherwise.
• Bathe the area in salt water for 5 minutes, then redress it.
• Do not ignore an ingrown toenail or wound that becomes red or angry, or that weeps. Get it seen.
• They often improve and then flare up again as the nail grows or is stubbed, so keep an eye on it.

• After treatment: keep the area dry for 3 days, then use salicylic acid.
• After cryotherapy: it may be sore for a few days, and blistering can happen. If a blister expands you can pop it, or get in touch and we can do it for you.
• After Swift: it should be fine. It is sometimes sore for about 2 days.

Corns and callus come back because of pressure on the same spot. Treatment gives relief, but the pressure that caused them needs to be reduced too. We can look at your footwear and the way you walk.

• You will need 6 treatments to gain the full effect.
• You may get a rebound or healing response as the nerves become reinvigorated. The area can feel sore for about 2 days after a treatment.
• You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen if it is sore. The area usually feels better afterwards.
• We ask how you got on at your next appointment, and we may reduce the energy next time or not, depending on your situation.

• Treat athlete’s foot promptly, because it can spread to the nails.
• Keep your shoes fungal-free and keep your feet clean and dry.

Our fungal nail options

• Wash and dry your feet daily, taking particular care to clean and dry between the toes.
• Keep toenails short and not sharp, so they do not knock against the ends of your shoes.
• Moisturise your feet daily. Creams containing 10% urea are usually best.
• Make sure footwear is held firmly on the foot and is a similar shape to your foot, and that it suits what you are doing.

Footwear is a fundamental part of comfort, preventing pain and injury, and staying mobile. Ill-fitting or unsuitable shoes can contribute to corns, calluses, blisters, ingrown nails, bunions and chronic pain. When choosing everyday shoes, look for:

• Proper fit: room for your toes to wiggle, with about a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• A wide, deep toe box: avoid narrow, pointy shoes that squeeze the toes.
• Secure fastening: laces, straps or adjustable closures hold the shoe in place.
• A cushioned sole with good grip.
• Firm heel support: a supportive heel counter improves stability.
• Breathable materials: these help reduce moisture and the risk of fungal skin or nail infections.

Match the shoe to the activity: supportive walking shoes or trainers for everyday use, protective and slip-resistant shoes for work, and activity-specific shoes for running, dance or court sports.

Signs your shoes may be causing problems: persistent foot pain or soreness after walking, ball of foot or heel pain, blisters, calluses or red pressure spots, numbness, tingling or aching in the feet or legs, or discomfort in the knees, hips or back.

Off-the-shelf shoes are sometimes not enough, especially with foot deformities, ongoing pain or diabetes. We can assess your foot mechanics and footwear needs, recommend footwear that suits you, and provide bespoke orthotics. Book a foot pain assessment for personalised advice, or a general appointment for more general advice.

Shoe lacing techniques: different ways of tying your laces can give your feet different support.

Simply Feet: GelX and footcare products

Simply Feet supply GelX tubes and other footcare products. Shop GelX at simplyfeet.co.uk. If we have recommended a product, use discount code XQ9A4603 for 10% off. Phone: 03453 700 380.

Footwear suppliers

• Sandpiper Shoes, 0800 822 3133
• Padders, 01536 534 977
• Websters, 0800 249 4020
• Cosy Feet: wide and deep footwear, including shoes for swollen feet or bunions. 01458 447 275
• Dermatuff: socks for fragile or thin leg skin, double woven and elastic-free. 01752 927 074
• Strive Footwear: sandals and shoes with BioAdvance orthotic shape. 0845 678 0182
• Fidelio: footwear designed to help with bunions (hallux valgus).

Precious Soles: specialist footwear

Precious Soles is a specialist footwear provider in Potters Bar, offering expertly fitted shoes for comfort, stability and long-term foot health. They offer a personalised fitting service for more complex foot needs, including people who wear custom orthotics, and work closely with local podiatrists so the footwear complements any treatment you are having. Their fitting looks beyond standard shoe sizing at foot shape, gait pattern and pressure areas, and fits carefully around custom orthotics where needed.

Website: www.precioussoles.co.uk. Email: info@precioussoles.co.uk. Phone: 01707 643 322.

We are not responsible for external websites or the products they sell, so please research carefully before you buy.

How do I make an appointment? It is easy to book online. There is no need to register or choose a password: find a suitable time and enter your details. You will receive an email confirmation, so please check for it. Our reception staff are also happy to take your call and book your appointment.

It is my first time. Which appointment should I book? The ‘New Patient Appointment’ is generally enough for most patients to get the information needed and start treatment. For orthoses, an Initial Appointment for Musculoskeletal Assessment is 45 minutes. Bring any problem shoes with you, shorts or suitable clothing if we may need to look at your walking style, and any orthoses you want to discuss.

Is treatment covered by health insurance? Podiatry treatment is not normally covered by standard health insurance, although cash-back plans such as Simply Health pay back a proportion of the fees, and we can provide a PDF or paper receipt. Accounts must be settled at the time of the appointment, or full authorisation details provided before treatment starts.

Who carries out my treatment? Podiatry is a regulated profession. To use the title Chiropodist or Podiatrist, a practitioner must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Michael Abrahams (Director) and Craig Barrell (Associate) treat patients at the clinic in Radlett, and Joseph Gaffin provides our home visiting service.

Why look after my feet? Podiatrists specialise in the care, assessment and treatment of foot conditions and the effects they can have on your body. We are a first port of call for most foot problems, with the time and expertise to diagnose, explain, treat and refer on where needed. Our feet carry us thousands of steps a day, so when things go wrong it can badly affect your mobility. Seek advice and make your feet a priority.

Can I receive treatment on the NHS? We are a private clinic and cannot provide free or NHS treatment. NHS podiatry is limited to certain conditions and criteria, and subject to waiting lists. For urgent problems we should be able to see you the same or next day.

Where can I park? See our contact and parking page.