If you were a fly on the wall, what kind of problems and people would you expect a clinician at We Fix Feet’s foot clinic, Derby to encounter?
Meet Steve, our Advanced Clinical Practitioner, as we follow him for the day. It’s a cold Friday morning in February and today Steve is tending to foot and lower limb problems at our Ilkeston, Derbyshire clinic.
As usual, Steve has a full diary. Today, he has a mix of 18 patients, ranging from repeat general footcare, verruca treatment, nail surgery, Biomechanical assessment and Muskuloskeletal concerns, and new patients attending for their Initial Appointments.
The first patient of the day is suffering from an ingrown toenail.
A great start to the day by seeing the first patient who is suffering from an ingrown toenail. As with all patients we provide education and a variety of treatment options. In this case, it can range from simple conservative measures to some longer-term solutions such as Onyfix Toenail Correction or Toenail Surgery.
If the ingrown nail is caused by an involuted (curled) toenail, then we often recommend Onyfix Toenail Correction. Over a period of months, the Onyfix system will change the shape of the nail in a safe and painless manner, often avoiding future ingrowth, pain and the need for Nail Surgery.
However, if the client is constantly experiencing persistent ingrown nails and infection, then Nail Surgery may be the next option. Fortunately, for this client, Onyfix is discussed and agreed upon as the best solution. Steve, explains that this is a service that any of our clinicians at We Fix Feet are qualified to perform.
The wonderful thing about being a Foot Health Professional, is we often become someone’s hero in a matter of minutes after meeting them. A problem is presented, and with our knowledge and skills, we present options to our clients. We create a tailored solution and have the tools and skills to provide treatment for their problems. We explain how it may have occurred and offer educational advice for onward home care.
Our next few patients are our regular essential Foot Healthcare appointments. These clients come to the clinic for a variety of reasons including, routine nail cutting and callus removal, diabetes, and fungal nails. No one client is the same and all have individual needs.
Lunch is fast approaching. However, we have a few more clients to see. Our next appointment is a new patient for an Initial Consultation. We never really know what we are going to get here until we see their feet. After a full assessment and medical history, it appears that this person is suffering from a verruca. This person states that they have had this for about two years and it’s now becoming very painful. We discuss the range of treatment options available. Here in our Ilkeston clinic, we can offer Verrutop; a painless treatment using Nitrzinc Complex, VP Plasma pen; using plasma technology and Swift Microwave therapy; this is the most effective treatment for persistent verrucae.
Lunch, a bite to eat and to catch up with colleagues whilst the next batch of surgical steel clinic instruments go through their autoclave sterilisation cycle. Then it’s back to work for the afternoon session.
Back to work.
Some of our clients see us as hidden gems that they have just discovered. Others are regular visitors to our clinics, knowing the benefits of keeping their feet pain-free. We are lower limb specialists in all problems from the knee downwards. This doesn’t mean we can’t resolve hip or back problems though, as lower limb problems often manifest in pain further up the body. We can deal with gait issues, treat musculoskeletal problems and sports injuries, to dealing with corns and callous and routine nail care.
Straight after lunch, into fungal nails. This client first came to us 6 months ago by a GP recommendation for possible fungal nails. He is a construction worker and wears steel toecap boots that constantly damages his toenails. Initially, we carried out the Five-minute Fungal Test to confirm a diagnosis of fungal infection. A treatment programme was formed and he now attends every 8 weeks for the management of his nails. Today, he shows signs of great improvement and he has a healthy nail. A result! Fungal toenails can take time to treat, but with patient education and with home treatment, they can be beaten.
Our penultimate client of the day is in for a Biomechanical/Gait Assessment. Here we look at how the joints, muscles, bones function to see if there are any movement-related issues. Within this assessment, Steve also assesses the client’s footwear and their suitability for their work and leisure activities. The assessment reveals, the client has fallen arches and has developed Plantar Fasciitis; a heel pain condition. Treatment is agreed with the client, including some prescribed 3D scanned orthotic insoles, stretching exercises and sports massage, along with client education.
The final patient of the day is a teenager who has been suffering from an infected ingrowing toenail for several months that doesn’t seem to resolve itself, even after the GP prescribed antibiotics. During the consultation, it was agreed that nail surgery, a minor procedure to remove the section of nail ingrowing into the skin, was now the best option for him. This surgery is performed under local anaesthetic. The procedure is straightforward and from entering the clinic to leaving the client was with us for an hour.
The end of the day.
The day comes to an end. All notes have been completed, the clinic has been restocked and cleaned down. It’s been yet another busy day and time to go home. Steve is at our Beeston, Nottingham clinic tomorrow. Darren and Sarah will be continuing with a busy schedule of client appointments at Ilkeston clinic tomorrow, with Karen on Reception supporting both locations. You can meet our friendly team here.
So there you have it! All in a day’s work, we can see up to 18 clients a day, trying to make sure everyone can get back to their normal activities with little to no discomfort in their legs and feet.
If you haven’t yet seen us then do your feet a favour and book in for an assessment.