Search Results for all things Podiatry, Chiropody Related at Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic, Chester. A Specialist Podiatrist Working to Best Practice Standards

In my previous post I went into a lot of detail about the huge permutations involved in shoe sizing and how when you take into account basics such as length and width there can be hundreds of differences in determining what is your actual shoe size. Today I learnt from a patient that Chester has lost yet another of its valued retailers-Hotter. Whilst not technically an independent store its loss will have a huge impact on a very loyal customer base who had become accustomed to Hotter quality across many styles of foot wear.The shoes have often been recommended for use where there are concerns over frailty. I mention Hotter as by coincidence , today I received in the post a small quantity of catalogues from DB -WIDER FIT SHOES www.widerfitshoes.co.uk Some of you will be familiar with their products and range of shoes as I know you ask for the new catalogues when they are available. For others I include the following valued information. A British shoe company based in the "Shoe Capital Of The World" Northampton. They still manufacture many of their shoes in Northampton and proudly display the Made In England Logo alongside such styles . DB were the 2017 to 2019 winners of The Footwear Industry Awards in the category of Comfort Wellness Footwear Brand of the Year. They actively promote the Healthy Footwear Guide in their literature. Apart from offering shoes constructed of the highest quality materials they also include many more advanced and considerate features such as seam free panels ( great for reducing friction and cutting of the foot), extra length strap extensions and shock absorbent soles. In the centre of the catalogue there is a helpful pullout section, on the one side there is an easy to order form that gives the choice of internet or traditional methods of ordering. On the other side there is a sizing chart that allows an accurate measurement of both the length and width of the foot to be taken. ( see the image below) Whilst still on the subject of accurate foot measurements:- If you ask most people from 10 years of age to 90 years of age they will be able to tell you their shoe size. Thats impressive, but are they actually correct? I reached the age of 21 and settled in to my shoe size for a number of years at a size 5. By the age of 30 and roll on 3 children, I discovered that my shoe size had increased one whole size to 6! Changes in the body over the years can have a further impact on your shoe size. Water retention , injury or movement in joints can be factors in the spread of your foot . In short at the age of 21 you may have been a size 6 and were capable of choosing most of the off the shelf shoes that were available . As we grow older small changes in our body such as weightgain, injury and onset of aging diseases can dramatically alter our shoe size. An in-depth study of shoe sizing in the USA found that nearly 9 out of 10 people studied had shoe sizes significantly different to what they had believed was there actual shoe size. When you visit Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic you can be sure that our mission is to give you the best possible treatment. With us your feet really are in safe hands!

Yes, its hard to believe that more than 20 million Britons have shoe sizing issues when they visit a retailer and try on the styles and ranges that are in stock. The figure could be even higher. So, wouldn't you think that with high street retailers struggling with the fallout from social distancing and online competition they would be seizing on opportunities to expand or attract new customers? Unfortunately, its not so straight forward. The range of shoe sizes accepted as being available off the shelf for women is typically sizes 4 to 8. Over the last 50 years average shoe size has risen. My daughter is now settled as a size 8 and yet she struggles constantly to find a high street retailer who accommodates her shoe length. When she does she then moves on to her next problem- shoe width! Shoe width starts at A and moves through the letters all the way up to 8E. Most retailers cover sizes A to D. For example my preferred running shoe is manufactured by New Balance and is available in a D width so when I replace this shoe with the latest version ( the colour and fashion is regularly changed) I have to check that New Balance are still manufacturing this particular shoe in a D width. If I should even attempt to compromise for a C or an alternative similar looking shoe from another manufacturer my ability to run would be compromised and my Mortons Neuroma would be severely irritated. A retailer must therefore stock a range of sizes ( for women) that if they were to cover every possible scenario could be up to 10 widths from A to 8E and 12 lengths from size 3 to size 8 ( when allowing for half sizes). For men it would be similar if you started at width of A to 8E and length from size 6 to size 11. With these numbers now established, it becomes obvious that if a retailer introduces a new style of shoe in just two colours for example brown and black; to cover every possible scenario would require each store to carry a stock of over 200 pairs of shoes - and that's just in one style! If you are a manufacturer of bespoke and handmade shoes such as Church, Cheaney,Barker or Grenson in Northampton, the above nightmare is not so daunting as they have archives of "lasts" ( shoe templates) that they have accumulated over generations. They can quite literally make a shoe for you that will fit like a glove and as such give you years of satisfaction and hopefully problem free feet. High street retailers are therefore faced with huge problems in making shoes and styles cost effective to both manufacture and retail. They can invest in technology and materials that make shoe construction easier. Moving production to the next region of the world where labour costs are low is another option ( although that choose is limited by increased consumer awareness of exploitation). The third solution and the one that appears to be favoured by most retailers is range rationalisation. This is where an average width is determined for the style of shoe on offer. Most retailers will settle for a width around B to D. Then they have years of data that determines the shoe size ranges of average customers. The average shoe sizes mentioned earlier would fall between 3 and 8 for women and 6 and 11 for men. Many retailers will strip out half sizes and often chop off the top and bottom end of the range still further. Some retailers will ensure that flagship branches initially receive an allocation of all sizes and are then replenished with stock throughout the season. If you visit an average branch you may not be so lucky.Range restrictions, out of stocks and non replenishment can create a really poor shopping experience. When you look at the numbers, an average branch could see their potential stock holding in a colour and style reduced from 200 different sizes to as little as 5! If you are one of the lucky people whose feet BOTH measure 6C for women and 9D for men then its your lucky day at every shoe retailer across the country! If you are not so fortunate ( like my daughter) finding a shoe that fits all around becomes a little like trying to fit into Cinderellas slipper and locating that needle in the haystack! In the scenarios mentioned above many people settle for ( dare I say accept? ) compromised and ill fitting shoes. They move up by an extra length size (thats 2 extra sizes if you include the half). In regards to width there are some quite serious scenarios that are regularly seen by podiatrists. To make a shoe fit better, linings are sometimes removed or for ease some may adapt to buying open toe shoes that allow for toes to squeeze into the front and overhang the sole. Others will wear extra socks in the belief that they are filling the space inside the shoe to give a better fit, or they will attach plasters and strapping to their feet and shoes to "help" the foot and shoe come together. The long term effect of ill fitting shoes can impact on the feet and body in a number of ways. If your shoes "flop" you may start to shuffle and flop and find yourself gripping your shoe with your toes each time you make a stride. Injuries to feet and ankles increase when shoes are too loose or where for ease you become comfortable having laces untied and the body of the shoe loose around your foot. Often ill fitting shoes can exacerbate / increase wear at critical points on the shoe such as the heel. If this goes unchecked the wear down accelerates and the body is forced to adjust to compensate. The adjustment is generally not for the long term benefit of your foot health and can affect your gait and movement through your body to a negative effect. If anything written here resonates with you there are some solutions:- You can make an appointment to consult with a Podiatrist at Deva Podiatry who may be able to put you back on the right track regarding your foot wear chooses. Many people have done so and with our recommendations have seen huge improvements in not only their foot health but increased mobility and overall health. If you are replacing your sports shoes / trainers a visit to a specialist sports shoe retailer can be of immense benefit. They can take your sizings and recommend the most suitable size and manufacturer for you ( some manufacturers will focus on mainstream sizing as it brings in the most revenue). Others such as New Balance will make available wider fittings but only in selected styles which is great unless you have your heart set on this seasons on trend colour that isn't in your above average size! My daughter visited a specialist recently and was looking to replace her worn out pair of Asics. They spent time with her assessing her needs and shoe sizing and recommended that the most suitable trainer for her reinvigorated love of running was a pair manufactured by Saucony . She has been using them for around 6 weeks and is thoroughly delighted with them. If you are one of that huge pool of 20 million people who thinks that there is no hope and you are a lost cause don't despair, in my next post i'll introduce you to a long established British company who are doing all they can to address your "non-average", "non-typical" individual shoe sizing.

This week we are delighted to announce that Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic is celebrating its 2nd Anniversary. In this short period we have established ourselves within the community and hopefully built trust with our growing number of patients as a friendly and knowledgeable private chiropodist serving Chester and beyond. This morning we received news that leading website 3 Best Rated had assessed our business against a rigorous checklist of 50 criteria and had determined that on this criteria we were a Top 3 Podiatry practice serving the greater Chester area. For the many patients who have taken time out to construct a review of the service, the clinic or myself we thank you and in the coming months we will be introducing some innovative and exciting podiatry chiropody treatments as it is our aim to not only provide thorough and detailed traditional chiropody but to stay in touch with technological or medical innovation as a dedicated podiatrist chiropodist. If you are not one of the 4 million visitors a month to 3 best rated and would like to find out more follow the link below: https://threebestrated.co.uk/podiatrist-clinics-in-chester More about our approval: Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic 7 Manor Road Westminster Park, Chester, UK CH4 7QW Congratulations! You are now listed as one of the Top 3 Podiatrist clinics in Chester. We would like to Thank You for providing consistent high-quality service in your area of business. Our review team either approved or updated your business listing using our rigorous 50-Point Inspection which includes everything from checking reputation, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, nearness, trust, cost, and general excellence. The most important field on our website is the Unique description of the businesses, which has written to appeal to potential customers. Here is the blurb " Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic offers gold standard podiatry treatment with extensive knowledge and experience working to N.I.C.E. and Public Health England guidelines. With many years of clinical experience working within the N.H.S. Sarah, the lead pod..." For a full description check the link here https://threebestrated.co.uk/podiatrist-clinics-in-chester Three Best Rated® was created with a simple goal to find you the top 3 local businesses, professionals, restaurants, health care providers, etc., in your city. We display only businesses that are verified by our team since customers deserve only the best. That's not all... Businesses do not pay us to list them ever. You do not pay us for the listing any time. We believe that local businesses provide better and personal services locally. Local businesses know your city better since they live there too. Our policy is free to list because if you can pay to list, then is it really the best business?

05/06/2020 COVID-19 has undoubtedly affected us all in some way or another, so I thought I’d try and answer some of the FAQ’s that have been asked over the last few months. The information on this page is accurate, to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. However information is changing all the time so I will endeavour to update this blog regularly. Are you open? Yes I am. At the start of the lockdown period Podiatry clinics were specifically mentioned by Government as essential businesses where anyone with an emergency foot problem could get an appointment to reduce the burden on the NHS and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during this time non-essential treatments had to be postponed. Can I have an appointment now? Yes, following guidelines from our governing body - The College of Podiatry, all patients will now be triaged into red, amber and green categories. We are now able to treat ALL categories. If the situation changes and further lockdown is implemented then this may change. I will of course keep you all updated. Are you reducing the treatments you are able to offer at the moment? The advice from our governing body is to restrict treatments which cause a risk of infection, this however will be dealt with on an individual basis. For example yesterday I performed nail surgery on a patient as the risk of not having the surgery outweighed the risk of having it. Please note that I am able to prescribe you antibiotics if you have suspected infection. What precautions are you taking to make sure I’m safe? It’s really important to me that you feel as safe as possible when coming to Deva Podiatry so this list is by no means exhaustive but here are some of the things that are being done. Every door handle and surface including the floor that you may have touched gets wiped and cleaned down before you arrive following the last patient. Extra time between patients to avoid patient overlap. You can now make contactless card payments again reducing the risk of touching the keypad, however the glass screen of the keypad is cleaned following anyone touching it if you do need to use it. There is hand sanitiser for you to use upon entering and exiting the clinic. I’ll cover PPE in another question. Please ask me if you have any questions about this, as I want you to feel as safe as possible. Are you charging a Covid-19 Care surcharge? No. I have though long and hard about implementing a temporary surcharge to every appointment to help to cover the increasing costs of PPE and the extra time that has been given between appointments to prevent patient overlap. I have, however decided against a surcharge as I know that times are hard for everyone. I have just added my usual annual April price increase which this year is just £2. If my suppliers prices keep increasing then this may be subject to change. Is it possible to contract COVID-19 in the clinic? It is extremely unlikely but yes, despite our enhanced infection control procedures, it is still possible to catch COVID-19 while at Deva Podiatry. Podiatrists have always had very high standards of infection control, wear PPE as standard and have mandatory infection control training annually. When I set up Deva Podiatry, my mantra was to provide a service and clinic that I could be proud of and I have always worked to strict guidelines - so I feel well placed to keep you as safe as possible. Could I contract COVID-19 from the podiatrist? It is extremely unlikely but yes, you could. I use PPE following guidance from both Public Health England and the College of Podiatry. To date I have had no symptoms associated with COVID-19 and would follow the government’s guidance if I or anyone in my household developed symptoms. Could I contract COVID-19 from other patients? Again it is extremely unlikely. I have allowed extra time between patients so you shouldn’t cross paths with another patient while at Deva Podiatry. For anyone who arrives at clinic by car I would ask that you stay in your car until your appointment time. If you arrive on foot please arrive at your appointment time. All patients will be asked about their health when they book and are asked to cancel if they or anyone in their household develops symptoms of COVID-19 between booking and the appointments date. Every surface that patients may come in contact with or that I’m in contact with during their appointment will be decontaminated. How do you treat me while adhering to the 2m social distancing rule? In reality I can’t. This is why I have had a sneeze screen installed and wear appropriate PPE - to help keep us both safe. What happens when I arrive? You will be asked to wait in your car if you are early and only enter the clinic at your appointment time. There are gaps between appointments to allow for extra decontamination and avoid patients crossing paths. Hand sanitiser is to be used upon entering the clinic and leaving if you wish. Should I wear a mask? I would prefer you to wear a mask if you are comfortable doing so. I have some masks in clinic if you would like one. Can I bring someone with me? You will be asked to attend the appointment on your own where possible. Children will need to attend with one parent. Those patients who require a chaperone, assistance or translators are of course able to bring someone with them. It would be helpful to know this in advance. Can I use the clinic toilet? Please plan to avoid using the clinic toilet if at all possible. However it is no problem if you do need to use it I will make sure that it fully decontaminated following use. How do I contact you? The same way as usual. The clinic landline is currently re-directed through to my mobile, so if you don’t get an answer please leave a message. Email is also a good way to get in touch with me. If you haven’t heard back from me in a couple of days please try again as it won’t have been intentional. Does COVID-19 affect the feet? One day I’ll do a separate blog just on this subject as it’s really interesting. Some patients who have recovered from COVID-19 have reported having chilblain like lesions on their toes. You are not, however, currently recommended to self-isolate if you have a rash on your toes. Why do you wear so much PPE? Deva Podiatry is following both Public Health England’s tables 2 and 4 as well as the College of Podiatry’s guidance. Podiatrists wear PPE as standard - many patients are used to seeing me in an apron, gloves and sometimes a mask. Someone in my household has been in contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19 should I cancel my appointment? Yes. Deva Podiatry has a strict COVID-19 policy. If anyone in your household has been in contact with a confirmed OR suspected COVID-19 case, then you are requested to cancel your appointment. If you have an urgent need for Podiatric care, I advise you to ring 111. If I cancel my appointment because of COVID-19 symptoms, will I need to pay a cancellation fee? Under normal circumstances, a fee is charged if you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice . This fee will be waived if it is for COVID-19 reasons. This is to encourage you to stay at home if you or someone in your household has or has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 related symptoms. What happens if you or I come down with COVID-19 symptoms after the appointment? Anyone with symptoms needs to arrange a test as soon as possible. https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test If you or I have a positive test, tracing contacts will be managed by Track and Trace. I am currently working as a clinical caseworker with Track and Trace so I know the drill. However it is unlikely that you or I would be considered a contact as I wear appropriate PPE. How can I help Deva Podiatry? Thank you to all my patients and colleagues who’ve checked up on me. Running a business during a pandemic is a new experience. The guidance is ever changing. Please be kind to all small business owners. Something that would help my small business, if you have the time, is to leave me a review at https://g.page/devapodiatry Written: 5th June 2020

We are pleased to announce that as part of #NationalFootWeek ( March 9th to March 15th 2020) we will be introducing an additional diagnostic test to all patients as part of an Initial Podiatry Assessment. The test is a medical grade Electrocardiogram otherwise known as an ECG or an EKG and has been developed by AliveCor. AliveCor are a world leading manufacturer of technologically advanced medical devices. A possible outcome from the ECG is the discovery of a heart condition called Atrial Fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation ( AF) is the most common cause of an irregular heartbeat. People with AF are 5 TIMES more likely to suffer a stroke. However *Early identification of AF and the introduction of suitable medication reduces the risk of stroke by up to two-thirds ( SOURCE: NHS ENGLAND). Despite the serious impact of AF, many people are unaware that they have the condition. If following your test AF is identified your Podiatrist is able to email a copy of the ECG directly to you. So that you can discuss with your GP if suitable medication is required to manage your condition. So how is the test carried out? There are two small metal pads of roughly one square inch. The patient places the index and middle finger of the left hand on the left pad and the index and middle finger of the right hand on the right pad. The heart signal is then analysed for 30 seconds and the results are then uploaded to the ipad and displayed on the screen as an Electrocardiogram otherwise known as an ECG or EKG. The results can then be emailed to you. If the test produces an abnormal result and a diagnosis of possible AF is detected you can take these results to your GP for further investigation. The device has a built in algorithm for detecting atrial fibrillation. The results can assist in early identification of atrial fibrillation. The link below will take you to a BBC Spotlight video of just over 2 minutes in length, which summarises the benefits and potential of incorporating the test into a podiatry treatment or initial assessment. https://vimeo.com/394407713/9a875e2770 Anyone who is unfamiliar with the field of Podiatry may be surprised to know that as medically trained professionals we are able to identify many conditions that may be affecting your overall health via tests carried out within a podiatry clinic. The results of such tests ,when analysed can allow for a patient to be referred on to a GP with vital information that may allow the patient to progress for further investigations. It is recognised that Podiatrists play an important role in being "first identifiers" of underlying medical conditions. The feet are an excellent early warning system for other elements of the body . The interconnected elements help podiatrists in diagnosing scores of foot and lower limb related conditions. Conditions such as corns and callus are very common and easy to treat and maintain. Other foot complaints can be slightly more complex to identify and treat. A podiatrist can diagnose many foot health problems and develop a treatment plan to manage the condition. Below the surface the complexities of the foot structure are quite remarkable . The foot consists of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 126 muscles and ligaments. Numerous arteries and nerves start/end within the foot. Every element of the foot is vital and all of them interconnected to other parts of the body.

Monday 9th March 2020 marks the start of # National Feet Week. What is National Feet Week? National Feet Week is taking place from 9th to 15th March 2020 , the purpose of the campaign is to encourage people of all ages to prioritise foot health. The majority of people will automatically book regular check-ups at the dentist or optician, but how often do those people consider the benefits of an annual foot examination? Why is it important to look after my feet? Most of us take our feet for granted until its too late and pains or problems have started to develop. It is extremely important to ensure you take care of your feet before they limit your ability to function. Visiting a local podiatrist when you are experiencing foot pain is advisable. Foot problems can also be prevented before they occur by seeing your Podiatrist for advice on how to keep your feet healthy. Why see a Podiatrist? Podiatrists are highly trained professionals registered by the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) that have trained solely in the area of the foot and lower limb. Podiatrists are the only medical professionals who exclusively specialise in treating the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can treat or advise on a whole raft of foot conditions including: - Athlete's Foot -Blisters -Bunions -Corns and Callus -Footwear -Heel Pain -Insoles -Ingrown Toenails -Sweaty Feet -Toenail Cutting -Verrucae If you are concerned about your foot health , perhaps you are experiencing difficulties in mobility post surgery and as a result are worried that your feet have become somewhat neglected call or contact Deva Podiatry today. We are able to conduct a thorough assessment of your foot and lower limb and offer you constructive and helpful advise on ongoing foot maintenance with a fully qualified and insured Podiatrist.

Working in a health profession and responsible for face to face interaction with patients requires a podiatrist to be fully engaged in all aspects of infection control. Infection control is a requirement or ongoing commitment of my CPD ( Continuous Professional Development). I am committed to attending courses and lectures that will guide me to ensure that at Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic, I strive to attain best practice methods of control. I was delighted to discover that locally located within Chester, there is a manufacturer of products related to infection control called Medipure. It is always my desire to source supplies of products and goods as locally as possible, when it is a product that is of relevance to clinical hygiene within my podiatry clinic , then even better!! The company in question is www.Medipure.com who are based at Saighton, Chester and manufacture in North Wales under a brand called Suprox. At the time of writing February 23rd 2020, their is ongoing concern over the spread and containment of the Coronavirus. It seems natural that I should review my in clinic procedures. The range of products delivered today cover a broad range of personal and clinical hygiene within a clinic setting. The range is effective against MRSA, E-coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Mycobacterium and C.difficile spores. Suprox - High Level Surface Disinfectant & Sporicidal Solution intended for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces. Suprox - ANK wipes. These are Bactericidal, Virucidal, Fungicidal and Sporicidal preventing wipes suitable for wiping down areas such as the clinic chairs. Suprox - Hand sanitiser pens that contain a solution of suprox for self cleansing of hands. Any patients visiting the clinic can be reassured and that we are maintaining standards. They will also be offered the opportunity to sanitize prior to the commencement of treatment.

Gallery of instruments and sterile dressings used at Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic, Chester. The previous post of an extremely informative video produced by The College Of Podiatry https://cop.org.uk was a step by step process of the best practice procedure for a nail surgery in the United Kingdom. For a Podiatrist, nail surgery is a procedure that is commonly carried out on disorders of the toenails. The most common disorders presented at Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic are as a result of severe trauma to the toe ( trauma), infection to the toe ( infectious) , inflammation to the toe ( inflammatory) , congenital ( present from birth). Quite often I see people who have self diagnosed via an online search that is often very different to the actual condition present in, or on the foot. Returning to Nail Surgery , following a thorough detailed pre-operative assessment you may be advised that nail surgery would be a suitable option. Your podiatrist at Deva Podiatry will discuss how next to proceed. The following is a detailed description of a typical nail surgery procedure, as carried out by a podiatrist. An ingrown toenail may present in different ways. and the presence of an infection, swelling redness and pus are common features of this condition. Following assessment the outcome may be to proceed to nail surgery, this may result in the removal of a small part of a nail or the whole nail depending on the severity. When undertaking nail surgery the affected area will be anaesthetised ( numbed) via a few injections in the toe that is affected. The area will then be tested to ensure that the anaesthetic has fully worked, the sensation may feel strange and is described as " feeling movement" but nothing sharp. The podiatrist will then prepare the area of your foot for the procedure.This will include cleaning your foot to provide as sterile an environment as is possible. The application of a tourniquet helps to reduce the blood flow to the area. and enable the procedure to be undertaken. The podiatrist will then proceed to remove the section of nail that has been agreed with you at the assessment. In the case of a partial nail avulsion, it is a single side of the nail, that is carefully and precisely cut out. It is then excised to remove the area of redundant nail that has been causing the inflammation and pain. One option that a podiatrist will discuss with you is the introduction of a chemical that is applied to the area of the nail that has been removed and will stop that part of the nail growing back and causing you problems. When it is all finished the tourniquet is removed and the blood supply returns to the toe.It is then dressed carefully with a sterile bandage and advise is given on keeping it clean and dry. When there is an infection present you may have to start or need to start taking antibiotics to help with the heeling process. At all stages along the way your podiatrist will involve you in deciding which is the best treatment plan. Here at Deva Podiatry we are keen to ensure that you receive the most attentive aftercare. As part of the treatment plan we encourage you to return to the clinic on 3 occasions post surgery. At each appointment your operation site will be examined dressings are removed, the site of the operation cleansed and fresh sterile dressings applied. update 25th July 2020 This post was originally created in early February 2020 , a period now known as Pre- Covid. As a profession podiatry is renowned for its high standards and in May 2020 our governing organisation The College Of Podiatry introduced new standards to deal with the post Covid world. We follow those standards and have in place a Covid-19 policy which can be viewed here. Over time the covid policy will be amended in line with government guidelines it was felt that for the purpose of this blog post references to elements of it could be outdated hence the belief that the direction to the actual policy will ensure relevance.

For anyone who may be wondering whether they have an ingrown toenail, or expect that they may require surgery to remove an ingrown toe nail, the following video is an excellent reference point for you. Produced by the College Of Podiatry ( the organisation that Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic is affiliated to and fully insured by.) The video lasts for just over 2 minutes so is an easy watch. If you are squeamish or uncomfortable with any aspects of surgery then it may not be for you. If that is the case , don't worry I have created a follow on post in which I have included a gallery of photos that contain the podiatry related terms with easy to understand writing that hopefully demystifies the procedure. Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic is located in Chester, England. We are a podiatry practice who are passionate about Podiatry Chiropody and it is our mission to engage with our patients and help them fully understand their foot condition. Deva Podiatry believe that engagement and explanation is key to managing your expectations of the quality of service you expect from your medical practitioner.

One of the questions I get asked when somebody makes an initial enquiry is " We notice that your appointment for an initial consultation is up to 60 minutes. When we look elsewhere the norm seems to be 30 -45 minutes, why such a difference?" My mission when I made the decision to embark on private practice with Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic, was to make the experience not only as robust and detailed as possible but also ensure that within the period of time allocated to the appointment I could allow for the trepidation and anxiety often faced by people in new situations. When you make the decision to come to Deva Podiatry you do so knowing that you are visiting a clinical professional with a skill set and knowledge base that can address your ailment. It is why I hold a degree in Podiatric Medicine and built up many years of expertise in acute areas of podiatry within the NHS. It may be that your issue has been underlying for sometime. You may have reached the point that something needs to be done and a clinical diagnosis is needed. It is common that some people are anxious seeking a resolution. Will the podiatrist be friendly and patient? Will the treatment be gentle? If I show nervousness, will the podiatrist recognise this and be kind and reassuring? Will the chiropodist pay attention to my issues? Just some of the thoughts that may go through your mind when considering making your first podiatry appointment. In recognition of such genuine issues, in the founding days of Deva Podiatry a decision was made that up to 1 hour for an initial appointment was necessary to provide a satisfactory space of time to address concerns surrounding an initial treatment. You may be looking for a podiatry clinic on behalf of a relative who needs easy access to a ground floor clinic. This might just be one of your requirements. Limited mobility may mean that you or your loved one needs more time to prepare for the treatment and when the treatment is completed- again there may be a need to complete at a slower pace to allow for your limited mobility. We fully understand and in addition by allowing up to 1 hour for your initial assessment we can go further with the detail of the treatment. There is never any pressure on you to re-book. That decision is yours based on the satisfaction you have received and your willingness to take notice of our recommendations and advised treatment plan. If you do re-book and commence maintenance podiatry, the routine treatment is typically up to 40 minutes. This is in line with most podiatry clinics. Where there may be additional needs identified from an initial treatment that may require a slightly longer appointment we will work with you and accommodate your needs. By allocating up to 1 hour for your initial treatment we try to ensure that subject to you arriving on time that period is for you. Throughout the appointment there is no distraction , ambient music is played in the background and the focus is on you. No interruption from phones or leaving you waiting,whilst I check my social media! You may wish to attend an appointment with a companion in attendance , no problem. We recognise the Equality Act 2010 and offer access to guide dogs if the need arises. We haven't just looked at routine podiatry treatments. In the process we determined that for the more complex chiropody / podiatry treatments there was the potential for extra needs in developing a best practice approach. Nail Surgery is an area of podiatry where we are able to resolve what for many has been a long term anxiety. If it is determined that surgery is recommended, we will never pressure you in to having the procedure. There may be a number of factors that determine your preparedness for surgery. We understand, and it is quite common for a patient to delay until they feel comfortable. When this decision is finally made we ensure that the period before and after a surgery is blocked off. You will arrive to a quiet clinic. The clinic is fully prepared, equipment is sterilised and set out at the start of a surgery. Consent forms and surgery check lists are completed. We will often timetable surgery for an evening or Saturday afternoon so as to ensure a calm environment and allow a better start to your recovery. if this is your first time researching podiatry /chiropody I hope this post gives some reassurance to you, remember too a post can convey a positive message but if you want it reaffirmed and have more questions either contact us via the contact us form or alternatively you can call us on 01244 680365 and speak directly to me or leave a message for me to return your call. Happy to help. Sarah

As we move out of the long cold nights and short days of winter, the chores and jobs of spring come round again. Gardening and household maintenance and renewals now bring themselves to the fore. It may come as a surprise to many that foot health can slip backwards in your list of priorities. Its easy to see why- often we wake and dress in the dark ,return home in the cold and dark and by early March have potentially not given our feet a second glance for nearly 6 months!!! 6 months of neglect for your loyal friends who have carried you through yet another winter , not once complaining or failing to work. During this period your toenails will have grown at a slower rate and your feet may have worked harder to regulate your body temperature. Your footwear will have been exposed to the elements and there may have been occasions where you were unaware that your foot wear remained damp and cold day after day. You may be a regular sportsperson and again that pair of damp wet boots gets thrown in the bag until next weeks game. Your nylon football socks may wash perfectly and retain the vibrant colour you remember from when you purchased them 5 years ago or more. When we actually stop and consider the toil we put our feet through isn't it time we invested some TLC in them. At Deva Podiatry Foot Health Clinic we not only help you with medical conditions but can also advise you on best foot health practices to preserve your feet and improve their general condition. Why not book yourself in for a foot health MOT and let us return your feet back to glory.

You may be surprised to know that certain symptoms in your feet and lower limbs can warn you of a potential loss of life or limb. Public Health England collate information that continues to show that heart disease is the number 1 cause of mortality in the general population not just in the UK but worldwide. Peripheral Arterial Disease is a condition where over time arteries start to see a build-up of plaque. This build up of plaque in the arteries will eventually lead to blockages in the blood flow. If Peripheral Arterial Disease is left untreated, it can lead to amputations heart attacks and stroke. Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease to be aware of are: 1. Absent or Weak Foot Pulses. If the blood flow through an artery on top of the foot (Dorsalis Pedis) and one at the ankle (Posterior Tibial) is low or restricted a test carried out by a podiatrist will show a weak or absent pulse. 2. Cramping in the Calves When Walking. When the muscles in the legs do not get sufficient blood supply due to blockage in the arteries, a cramping pain can occur. The pain known as intermittent claudication typically goes away once you stop walking and rest your legs. 3. Cold Feet, A podiatrist is trained to look for variations in the colour, texture and integrity of your skin which may indicate that your blood supply to the feet is impaired. 4. Slow-healing Wounds on feet and toes. Wounds need a number of healing components from the blood. With poor blood flow, it can take longer for wounds to heal. 5. Loss of hair on Feet or Toes. Little or no hair growth on feet and toes can be an indicator of poor blood flow. In order for hair to grow, sufficient blood circulation needs to occur within the skin of the lower limbs and feet. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is very important that you do not ignore them. Have your podiatrist check your circulation. A diagnosis of poor circulation can put your feet at risk if you have thickened or ingrowing toenails, corns and hard skin. An assessment of your feet can also tell you a lot about your heart health. Today is St Valentine’s Day the day of love. Fall back in love with your feet by having your podiatrist carry out a thorough and medically recognised inspection.