New Wound Care Service

We provide evidence based wound care treatments for:

1. Diabetic ulcers;

2. Ischemic/Arterial/ Venous ulcers;

3. Pressure ulcers;

4. Surgical wounds;

5. Chemotherapy induced wounds;

Our Wound Care Service places a large emphasis on wound prevention and patient education. An ulcer prevention program is an important part of the care we give. Within this service, we treat a number of oncology patients (especially those on Capecitabine) for whom we provide tried and tested preventive and acute treatment for the problems occurred due to chemotherapy.

Here is just one of the patients’ views about the service:

“Afni has been really supportive and good for my feet in the last few months. The effects of a chemotherapy drug led to ulcers on my feet, which she treated with sensitivity and knowledge. Not many people understand the effects of chemo on feet, and Afni knew her stuff and was gentle and sympathetic in treating my feet, suggesting dressings, comfy socks, various creams etc. I did not realise the importance of podiatry until I went to see Afni- my feet are better because of her interventions. She is great and I thoroughly recommend her!” Reena Bhavnani

Corns and Callous:
Corns are cone shape areas of hard skin usually occurring over areas of intense pressure. People complain that it feels like walking on a stone. A podiatrist can help by enucleating the corn using a scalpel and apply pads to deflect the area of pressure. They can also address the cause of the problem. Callous is the medical name given for hard skin. Areas of hard skin can occur anywhere with excessive pressure usually around the heels. Patients often complain that the areas are unsightly. A podiatrist can debride the hard skin away and help reduce the callous from reforming. They also advise some self care to help maintain healthy feet.

Verruca:
This is a viral infection of the skin which is highly contagious and spreads very quickly. It is also known as a wart. It can appear as a speckled area and grows rapidly. A podiatrist can ascertain what the best possible treatment for it is and how to prevent the spread of the infection. A podiatrist may use cyrotherapy or a chemical therapy to help aid the removal of the virus.

Plantar fasciitis and foot pain:
Plantar fasciitis is the name given to pain occurring around the arch area of the foot. It can occur during normal daily activities. A podiatrist can offer a biomechanical assessment of the problem and may prescribe insoles to alleviate the pain. Other foot pains can be assessed by a podiatrist to find the cause of it and give appropriate treatment for the condition.

Bunions and toe deformities:
Bunions can be caused due to biomechanical faults in the lower limb or hereditary. Hard skin and corns can form around the areas which can cause the problem to become painful and inflamed. A podiatrist can help reduce the hard skin, make the foot more comfortable and advise appropriate footwear. They can also address any biomechanical problems.

Athlete’s foot:
This is a fungal infection of the foot and can spread easily. The foot can appear to be dry, scaly and itchy. This infection can also affect the nails, causing them to discolour and become brittle. A podiatrist can help and advise and treat the condition. They can also readdress your lifestyle to prevent it recurring.

Nail problems:
A podiatrist can treat a variety of nail conditions such as reducing thickened nails or help prevent ingrowing toe nails. Nail surgery can be performed to remove the side of the nail causing the problem and prevent ingrowing toe nails from recurring.