The Diabetic Foot
The Diabetic Foot
Norton Podiatry – Professional Foot Care You Can Trust
Living with diabetes means paying special attention to your feet. High blood sugar levels can affect circulation and nerve function, increasing the risk of infections, wounds and complications. With the right care, most foot problems can be prevented.
Why Foot Care Matters in Diabetes
Diabetes can reduce feeling in the feet (neuropathy), so injuries may go unnoticed.
Poor circulation can slow healing.
Small cuts or blisters can quickly become serious without prompt care.
Daily Foot Care Advice
1. Check Your Feet Every Day
Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or hard skin. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if needed. Report anything unusual immediately.
2. Wash and Dry Thoroughly
Wash feet daily using warm (not hot) water. Dry carefully, especially between the toes.
3. Moisturise – But Not Between the Toes
Apply a moisturising cream to keep skin supple, but avoid the spaces between the toes.
4. Wear Proper Footwear
Choose supportive shoes that fit well. Avoid walking barefoot. Check inside your shoes before putting them on.
5. Trim Nails Carefully
Cut nails straight across and file sharp edges. If nail cutting is difficult, book a podiatry appointment.
6. Avoid Corn Plasters and Sharp Tools
Never use over-the-counter corn plasters or attempt to cut hard skin yourself.
7. Keep Blood Sugar Levels Controlled
Good diabetes management helps protect your nerves and circulation.
When to Seek Help
Seek urgent help if you notice:
Wounds or blisters that aren’t healing
Colour changes (red, blue or black)
Swelling, warmth or discharge
Increasing pain
Hard skin or corns forming
Loss of sensation, tingling or burning
Early treatment prevents serious complications.
How Norton Podiatry Can Help
We provide expert diabetic foot assessments, routine care, wound management advice and personalised treatment plans.
Our services include:
Diabetic foot checks
Nail and skin care
Callus and corn removal
Footwear and orthotic advice
Ongoing diabetic monitoring
Treatment for ingrown toenails, fungal nails and painful foot conditions
Book an Appointment
Norton Podiatry
Website: www.thechiropodist.com
Podiatry services for Sutton Coldfield, Erdington and surrounding areas. We also have a practice in Walsall Town Centre
Book Now for Christmas!
We have very limited spaces between now and Christmas so if you want perfect feet in time for the festive season please get in touch.
We still have availability for visits to us and also home visits but its important to contact us on 01922 649779 or 0121 580 8110 as soon as possible, otherwise you may need to wait until January 2026
www.thechiropodist.com
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown Toenails – Causes, Symptoms & How We Can Help
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the side or corner of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, rather than straight over it. This commonly affects the big toe and can become extremely painful if not treated early. Many people experience redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes infection around the affected nail.
At The Chiropodist, we see ingrown toenails regularly, and with the right treatment, they can be resolved quickly and comfortably.
Common Causes
Ingrown toenails can develop for various reasons, including:
Improper nail cutting – Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges too much.
Tight footwear – Shoes that squeeze the toes push the nail into the surrounding skin.
Toe trauma – Stubbing your toe or repetitive pressure from sports or work boots.
Natural nail shape – Some people naturally have curved or involuted nails.
Underlying conditions – Diabetes or poor circulation can increase the risk of complications.
Symptoms to Look Out For
You may have an ingrown toenail if you experience:
Pain when walking or wearing shoes
Redness or warmth around the nail
Swelling on one or both sides of the nail
A feeling that the nail is “digging in”
Signs of infection (pus, throbbing pain, increased redness)
Early treatment is always best and often prevents the issue from becoming more serious.
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails at The Chiropodist
1. Professional Assessment
We begin by examining the toe, assessing the severity of the ingrowth, and checking for infection or complications.
2. Conservative Treatment
For mild cases, we can gently remove the offending nail edge, cleanse the area, apply an appropriate dressing, and give advice on reducing discomfort and preventing recurrence.
3. Minor Nail Surgery (If Needed)
For more persistent or recurring ingrown toenails, we offer a quick and effective minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic.
This involves:
Removing the problematic section of nail
Treating the nail root (if appropriate) to stop it growing back
Applying a sterile dressing and giving you full after-care instructions
This procedure is highly successful and provides long-term relief.
4. After-Care & Follow-Up
We ensure you leave with clear advice on dressing changes, what to expect during healing, and when to return for review. Good after-care helps ensure the best possible result.
What You Can Do to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Cut your toenails straight across, not into the corners
Avoid cutting them too short
Wear shoes with enough room for your toes
Keep your feet clean and dry
Avoid picking or pulling at the nail edges
Seek help early if you notice discomfort
If you have diabetes or reduced feeling in your feet, regular foot checks are especially important.
When Should You Seek Help?
Contact us promptly if:
The pain is worsening
You see pus or signs of infection
You struggle to walk comfortably
Home remedies aren’t improving the issue
You have diabetes or circulation problems
The earlier the treatment, the quicker the relief.
Let Us Help You Get Back on Your Feet
At The Chiropodist, we specialise in safe, gentle and effective treatment of ingrown toenails. Whether it’s a first-time issue or something that keeps coming back, we’re here to help you get back to pain-free living.
Book your appointment by calling us on 01922 649779 or 0121 580 8110 or see our website
www.thechiropodist.com