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Fungal Nail Infections: Why Proper Testing Matters Thickened, discoloured or crumbly toenails are one of the most common reasons people attend a podiatry clinic. These changes are often blamed on a fungal nail infection, but appearances alone can be misleading. In reality, not all abnormal nails are caused by fungus, and treating the wrong condition …

Fungal Nail Infection Testing Read More »

What to Expect From a Musculoskeletal (MSK) Assessment A musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment is designed for people with foot, ankle, knee or lower-limb pain who want clarity on what’s causing their symptoms and a plan that matches their goals. The appointment is structured, thorough, and centred on understanding both the problem and what you need to …

What to expect: Musculoskeletal Podiatry Assessment Read More »

A clear guide to your first podiatry appointment in Perth: assessment, screening, treatment and prevention advice. If you’re booking your first podiatry appointment, it’s normal to feel unsure about what will happen. Many people worry they’ll be judged for the condition of their feet, or that they’ll be rushed through the appointment without being properly …

What to expect from a Podiatry appointment Read More »

Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, sports injuries, diabetic foot concerns, or nail problems, there are many factors to consider when choosing a podiatrist Scotland. 1. Check Professional Registration The first step is to ensure your podiatrist is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This guarantees that they are fully qualified, meet …

Choosing a Podiatrist in Scotland: What You Need to Know Read More »

When it comes to foot care, you might see the terms podiatrist and foot health practitioner used interchangeably. While both focus on the health of your feet, there are important differences in training, scope of practice, and the conditions they manage. Understanding these differences helps you make informed choices for your foot health. What is …

Podiatrist vs Foot Health Practitioner: Understanding the Difference Read More »

Custom foot orthoses can provide significant relief for foot, ankle and some knee problems, but their effectiveness depends heavily on proper assessment, prescription, and follow-up. Choosing the right podiatrist is essential to ensure your orthoses are tailored, comfortable, and effective. 1. Check Professional Credentials •Ensure the podiatrist is registered with the Health and Care Professions …

How to Choose the Right Podiatrist for Custom Foot Orthoses Read More »

How to Choose the Right Podiatrist in Scotland Foot and lower limb health is vital for mobility, comfort, and overall wellbeing. Whether you need treatment for pain, injury, nail problems, or musculoskeletal issues, choosing the right podiatrist in Scotland is key to receiving safe, effective, and personalised care. 1. Check Professional Credentials •Ensure the podiatrist …

How to choose the right Podiatrist in Scotland Read More »

Verrucae (plantar warts) can be painful, irritating and surprisingly persistent. While some disappear on their own, many linger for months or even years – especially when located on weight-bearing areas of the foot. Traditional treatments such as salicylic acid, freezing, or laser therapy can be helpful, but they don’t always work for everyone. If you’re …

Verrutop: A Gentle, Effective Option for Stubborn Verrucae Read More »

Verrucae (plantar warts) are a common and often frustrating problem. They can be painful, unsightly and incredibly stubborn – sometimes hanging around for months or even years. Traditional treatments like salicylic acid, freezing, or laser therapy can help, but they often require many sessions and don’t always provide lasting results. If you’ve tried everything and …

Swift Therapy for Verrucae Read More »

In this blog we will discuss the role of Ultrasound-Guided Injections for Foot & Ankle Pain.  Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, arthritis, or chronic pain, getting the right diagnosis and treatment is key to recovery.  That’s where ultrasound-guided injections come in. This advanced technique provides accurate, targeted treatments, making them a game-changer for …

Ultrasound-Guided Injections for Foot & Ankle Pain Read More »

In this blog we discuss the benefits of diagnostic ultrasound for foot and ankle conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, arthritis, or chronic pain, getting the right diagnosis and treatment is key to recovery. That’s where diagnostic ultrasound comes in. These advanced techniques provide accurate, real-time imaging and targeted treatments, making them a …

Diagnostic Ultrasound for Foot and Ankle Conditions Read More »

In this blog we will discuss how Hyaluronic Acid Injections can help common causes of foot and ankle pain.  Many conditions such as arthritis and soft tissue injuries cause pain and stiffness, making it difficult to stay active. While conservative treatments like rest, rehabilitation, and orthotics help many individuals, others may require additional relief. Hyaluronic …

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Foot and Ankle Pain Read More »

Steroid Injections for foot and ankle pain can help many of the common complaints we see in clinic. Many conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis cause inflammation and pain. While conservative treatments are effective for some, others may require additional intervention such as a steroid injection.   Steroid injections are a commonly …

Steroid Injections for Foot and Ankle Pain Read More »

If you’ve ever experienced a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, you might be dealing with Morton’s neuroma. This common foot condition occurs when a nerve in the forefoot becomes thickened and irritated, causing pain, tingling, or numbness-especially when walking. Luckily, with the right diagnosis and treatment, Morton’s neuroma can be effectively managed. In this …

Morton’s Neuroma: The Best Treatment Options Read More »

Midfoot arthritis is a common but often overlooked cause of foot pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Whether due to aging, previous injuries, or wear and tear, arthritis in the midfoot can make everyday activities, like walking or standing, painful and frustrating. The good news? There are several effective treatment options for midfoot arthritis, from conservative …

Midfoot Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and the Best Treatment Options Read More »

Shockwave therapy for Achilles Tendonitis, is a non-invasive innovative therapy that gives significant or total relief of pain in the vast majority of patients. Pain caused by Achilles Tendonitis can be debilitating, difficult to manage and cause a great deal of stress. It can impact the quality of your life and mean that you’re unable …

Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis Read More »

Shockwave therapy for Plantar Fasciitis, is a non-invasive innovative therapy that gives significant or total relief of pain in the vast majority of patients. Pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis can be debilitating, difficult to manage and cause a great deal of stress and upset. It can impact the quality of your life and mean that …

Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis Read More »

An ingrown toenail is a common problem and can happen when the corner or edge of your toenail curves and grows into the skin surrounding the nail. This can be painful, and the condition is very common in both men and women, but there are things you can do to ease the pain. Common causes …

What to do if you suffer from an ingrown toenail? Read More »

Private podiatry is becoming an increasingly valued option for people seeking timely, accessible and high-quality foot and ankle care. With NHS services under significant pressure, many patients find themselves facing long waiting times or not meeting the criteria for treatment. In these situations, private podiatry provides a convenient and dependable alternative. At Footcare Scotland, we …

How much does it cost to see a private Podiatrist in Perth? Read More »

Now we are coming into the colder months, we regularly see our patients suffering from chilblains. Chilblains are small itchy, red or purple lumps that develop on your skin as an abnormal response to the cold.   Despite being thought of as an older person’s problem, anyone of any age can develop them.  What causes chilblains? …

Chilblains – What are they? Read More »

Achilles tendon pain in runners is a very common overuse injury.  It causes pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon below the calf muscle.  The most up to date description of this condition, is actually Achilles tendinopathy.  This more accurately describes the condition as it is most often not an inflammatory condition as the name …

Achilles tendon pain in runners Read More »

Shin splints are a common overuse injury that cause pain in the front of the shin bones when you run.  Shin splints is actually not a diagnosis, but a general term used to describe any exercise induced pain in the shins.  For this blog we will be focussing on one common cause of shin pain, …

Shin Splints Read More »

Iliotibial band syndrome is a common overuse injury that causes pain on the outside of the knee in runners.    Iliotibial band syndrome can also be irritated by activities such as swimming and cycling.  The Iliotibial band (IT band) is a thick band of fascia that runs down the outside of the leg from the hip …

Iliotibial band syndrome Read More »

Runner’s knee is one of the most common running injuries we see in the clinic.  Runner’s knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a general term used to describe pain at the front of the knee.  The patella (kneecap) lies within the quadriceps tendon and the back of the patella is covered with smooth cartilage.  This …

Runner’s Knee Read More »

If you have developed pain in the bottom of your heel that is worst in the morning, then there is a very good chance that you have plantar fasciitis.  Plantar fasciitis is a very common and very frustrating condition.  It  can stop you from doing the activities you love, and generally makes life a bit …

How to treat plantar fasciitis at home? Read More »

Custom orthotics are commonly used to treat a variety of painful foot, ankle and lower limb conditions.  But how much do custom orthotics cost? Conditions commonly treated with custom orthotics include: – Plantar fasciitis – Metatarsalgia – Tendon pain – Symptomatic flat foot – Shin splints – Anterior knee pain Custom foot orthotics are also …

How much do custom orthotics cost? Read More »

Pain in the ball of your foot can be frustrating and limit you from your normal activities. If you have pain in the ball of your foot you are not alone- this is something that we treat in clinic on a daily basis.  There are many conditions that can cause pain in the ball of …

What causes pain in the ball of the foot? Read More »

Private Podiatry is becoming increasingly popular due the convenience of the service and short waiting lists.  With services stretched, you may not qualify for treatment on the NHS or face a lengthy waiting list to be seen.  Our clinics in Edinburgh and Perth, offer quick access to expert care when you need it the most.  …

Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist? Read More »

The sesamoid bones are two small bones that sit directly underneath the big toe joint.  The bones themselves sit within a tendon and help the toe joint move correctly.  Sesamoiditis is a painful condition that affects these bones, and causes pain on the underside of the big toe joint.    What causes sesamoiditis?  The sesamoid bones can be …

Sesamoiditis Read More »

Before we can understand what is the best treatment for metatarsalgia, we must first of all we need to understand what metatarsalgia actually is.  Metatarsalgia is actually not a specific diagnosis but a term that is used to describe any condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot.  If you are suffering from …

Best treatment for Metatarsalgia? Read More »

Moccasin tinea pedis is caused by a fungal infection of the skin on your feet.  It is a common cause of dry, itchy, scaly skin on the soles of the feet.  70% of the population may be affected by Athlete’s foot at some point in their life. People are most familiar with athlete’s foot between …

What is Moccasin Tinea Pedis? Read More »

At Footcare Scotland, we specialise in the treatment of foot, ankle and lower limb musculoskeletal injuries.  We use orthotics to help manage a wide variety of painful conditions. We believe that orthotics should only ever form part of a successful treatment plan.  We also utilise education, rehabilitation, activity modification, injection therapy and footwear modification to …

Do Orthotics work? Read More »

Steroid injections for plantar fasciitis are a common treatment – but do they work?  Plantar fasciitis is a very common condition that presents as pain on the underside of the heel.  It is particularly sore first thing in the morning and after periods of inactivity.  It is a very common issue, and something that we …

Steroid injections for plantar fasciitis- do they work? Read More »

At a recent sports medicine conference, I was lucky enough to listen to a lecture from esteemed sports medicine doctor, Dr. Peter Brukner.  He spoke about the effects of nutrition not only on sporting performance but on our general health.  He is passionate about reducing the amount of sugar that we eat and has set …

Nutrition and diet Read More »

One of the things we get asked about most often when people are considering an operation for an ingrown toenail is, “how long does it take to recover from nail surgery?” We get it- you want life to be as normal as possible. You want to know you’re going to be able to walk, run, swim, …

How long does it take to recover from nail surgery?  Read More »

If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably considering having nail surgery for an ingrown toenail and you want to know “can you walk after nail surgery?” If that’s you, you might want to also check out our Ultimate Guide to Nail Surgery. So, can you walk after nail surgery?  The short answer is YES! You …

Can you walk after nail surgery? Read More »

Morton’s neuroma is a condition affecting the foot.  It is caused when a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes irritated. The nerve becomes thickened, and this can lead to shooting/burning pains and numbness in the ball of the foot, sometimes extending into the toes. It is a very common condition and there a …

What is the best way to treat a Morton’s neuroma? Read More »

If you are suffering from heel pain, you are certainly not alone!  Heel pain is a very common problem and affects around 10% of people. Sometimes it can be caused by a specific injury but most of the time it caused by repetitive stress. There are actually many conditions that could be causing your pain, …

Why do I have heel pain? Read More »

Blisters are often trivialised but they can be very painful.  They are a common source of foot pain especially with runners and walkers.  Blisters are the result of increased shear stress affecting the skin.  Where there is excessive or prolonged shear stress, blisters will form. Here are some simple but effective ways of preventing blisters: …

How to prevent blisters Read More »

If you are reading this you, or someone you know, probably has an ingrown toenail.  All too often we see clients who have suffered unnecessarily with a painful, infected ingrown toenail for weeks or even months. They were either too nervous to seek treatment or just didn’t know who could solve their issue. We hope …

The Ultimate guide to Nail Surgery Read More »

If this is a question you are considering, you are probably suffering from a painful ingrown toenail.  With long NHS waiting lists perhaps you are considering private treatment.  But what does nail surgery cost? To make things simple we offer a package of treatment. The cost of our nail surgery packages are £350 for one …

How much does nail surgery cost? Read More »

Put simply, there is little to no difference! Both Chiropodists and Podiatrists are terms used to describe the registered professionals specialising in foot health. The term Podiatrist was adopted in the UK in 1993 as an internationally recognised name for a foot specialist. So, you could perhaps view podiatry as an evolution of the historical …

What is the difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist? Read More »

It is understandable that you may feel slightly apprehensive before undergoing nail surgery -and this is perfectly normal! You may be thinking: will it hurt? Will I have to stay off my feet? Will there be lots of blood? What will my toe look like after? These common questions will be answered in this blog, …

What to expect from nail surgery Read More »

Having a toenail removed can be a daunting thought but now you’ve had the procedure, you may be thinking ‘how do I look after my toe once I get home?’. Well, look no further as we’ve created a simple, step-by-step guide for your reference.   Removing the old dressing  Carefully peel off the tape at the …

Dressing your toe after nail surgery: a step by step guide Read More »

As anyone who has had a metatarsal stress fracture will tell you, it is a painful and extremely frustrating injury.  You have trained hard for that event and all of a sudden, and without much warning, you have developed a stress fracture.  Metatarsal stress fractures are common place in the sporting community but what are …

Metatarsal Stress Fracture Read More »

Nail Surgery: Top 5 FAQs In this blog Podiatrist Michael Tomassi answers our top 5 nail surgery FAQ’s. Nail surgery is a procedure that we routinely carry out in our clinic. It involves removing either a small portion of nail, or an entire nail, which is the cause of pain and/or infection. The most common …

Nail surgery FAQ’s Read More »

Hallux Rigidus causes pain and stiffness in the big toe joint.  It is caused by arthritis and can effect people of all ages. What causes Hallux Rigidus? Your big toe joint is put under enormous stress when we walk and run.  Around 2 times your body weight goes through the joint when we walk.  This …

Hallux Rigidus Read More »

Many common foot issues can be helped with alternative lacing techniques. We have put together videos showing 3 alternative lacing techniques.   Lock Lacing The first of these alternative lacing techniques is Lock Lacing. This is a really easy way to stop your shoe from slipping at the heel.  It is also a very handy …

Alternative lacing techniques for running shoes Read More »

Plantar Fasciitis is a really frustrating condition.  These simple exercises may help manage your pain. Try these simple exercises for Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar Fasciitis is a very common problem and something we treat in clinic almost every day.  We have put together a short video of exercises for Plantar Fasciitis that you can try at …

Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis Read More »

Plantar fascia strapping can be a really effective way of managing your heel pain. In this post we show you how you can do this at home. Plantar Fascia strapping is something we use in clinic on a routine basis.  It can help reduce your pain in the short term and is also pretty easy …

Plantar Fascia Strapping Read More »

Nail surgery can cure your ingrown toenail forever. Ingrown toenails are painful, unsightly and can prevent you from getting on with day to day life. We often have patients coming to us who have put up with ingrown toenails for weeks, months or even years. They have been through multiple courses of antibiotics but have …

Nail surgery for ingrown toenails Read More »

Do you have a painful, stiff big toe joint? Do you have a painful, stiff big toe joint that stops you from doing the activities you love? Or maybe it limits the shoes that you can wear?  There is no need to suffer, we can help resolve your pain! What is causing my pain? Pain …

Stiff big toe joint? Read More »

Running is a great way of getting fit and losing weight.  It also reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, raises your self-esteem and improves your mental health.  However, developing a running injury is a real risk. Before you hit the streets, let me give you a few things to think about that …

5 simple tips to reduce your risk of a running injury Read More »

Orthotics are something that we commonly use in our practice to manage a wide variety of lower limb conditions. Foot orthoses are medical devices that are accommodated within footwear and can serve many different purposes. We use them to help prevent foot ulcers in Diabetic patients.  Patients with Rheumatoid arthritis are often prescribed orthoses to …

What are Foot Orthotics? Read More »

I recently had a visit from a 48-year-old, male runner who was complaining of a 4-week history of shin splints.  He was training for the Berlin marathon, so was keen to be fit to resume training ASAP. He described his symptoms as a constant, dull ache affecting the inside of the left shin bone.  His …

Shin splints Read More »

 With more choice than ever, how do we choose running shoes? Running has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years.  Because of this, we now have a greater choice than ever when it comes to running shoes.  Minimalist, maximalist, neutral, stability, motion control, cushioned….. the list goes on. Historically we have been told …

How to choose running shoes Read More »

Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms & Expert Treatment in Scotland Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. If you’re waking up with sharp pain under your heel, limping on your first few steps in the morning, or struggling after long days on your feet – you’re not alone. At Footcare Scotland, …

Plantar fasciitis Read More »

Painful flat feet, a disabling condition. We recently had a visit from 64 year old man, who was complaining of pain affecting the inside of his left ankle.  He had noticed that his feet had changed shape and his arches were flattening more recently.  There was no history of trauma however he did report that …

Painful flat feet Read More »

In this case study we discuss one of the many causes of pain in the ball of the foot I recently had a visit from a lady in her 50’s, who was complaining of severe pain in the ball of the foot. The pain was so severe that she was having trouble walking and was …

Plantar plate tear Read More »

We are absolutely delighted to present our first guest blog; it comes from ‘The Running Princess’ Allison McArthur.  Allison is an experienced marathon runner, avid Parkrunner and prolific blogger (you can follow her excellent blog here).  Allison wrote this blog a little while ago as she was coming to terms with a running injury that …

Coming to terms with running injury Read More »

The term intoeing, or pigeon toed, is the term used to describe when a child walks, or runs, with their feet pointed inwards. If your child is intoeing, you may notice that your child appears clumsy, especially when they are tired.  In-toeing does not cause pain, and your child will be able to take part …

My child is intoeing Read More »

Is your child active in sport and complaining of pain in their heel?  If so, it is most likely that they have developed Sever’s disease. What causes it? Sever’s disease (also called calcaneal apophysitis) occurs when the growth plate in the heel bone (calcaneus) is put under excessive traction force.   Your child may complain …

Sever’s disease- Heel pain in children Read More »

Does your child walk on their tip toes?  This is what is known as toe-walking. Firstly, don’t panic!  It fairly common in children who are just beginning to walk.  Normal heel to toe walking usually develops by approximately the age of 2 years. The most common type of toe-walking is described as idiopathic toe-walking (no …

My child walks on their tip-toes Read More »

One of the biggest reason for children visiting the clinic, is because of flat feet.  Flat feet are very common in children, and often causes great concern for parents. If your child has flat feet, don’t panic!  Children are almost always flat-footed when they begin walking. Due to laxity of the ligaments in the foot, …

My child has flat feet, should I worry? Read More »

We are delighted to welcome Consultant surgeon, Mr. Robert Clayton to the Footcare Scotland Team. Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle surgeon Mr. Clayton will be running monthly orthopaedic clinics from our Perth base.  He currently operates privately from BMI Kings Park Hospital, Stirling and Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Edinburgh Mr Clayton, performs a wide variety of operations.  …

Welcome to Mr. Clayton Read More »

Ingrowing toenails are painful but easily treated What is an ingrowing toenail? An ingrown toenail develops when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The nail curls and pierces the skin, which becomes red, swollen and tender.  The most common cause of ingrowing toenails is when the nail is cut too short, or …

What is an ingrowing toenail? Read More »

Are corns making walking painful? Corns are small areas of thickened skin that usually develop on the tops and sides of toes, or on the sole of the foot and are caused by excessive friction or pressure.  The most common cause of corns is wearing shoes that fit badly.  If your shoes are too tight, …

What are corns? Read More »

If you have diabetes, it is essential that you look after your feet.  With these quick and simple tips, you can help prevent problems and reduce your risk of complications. What causes Diabetic foot problems? Diabetes is a condition that develops from high blood sugar levels. This can damage the blood vessels and nerves supplying …

Tips to keep Diabetic feet healthy Read More »

Bunions, or Hallux Valgus, is a common deformity of the big toe. The big toe excessively tilts towards the 2nd toe and develops a bony prominence on the side of the foot. The prevalence of bunions is greater in females and older people.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can reduce your mobility and quality of life.  Read on for tips to manage your painful feet. What is Rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in your joints.  Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the lining of the joints, unlike osteo–arthritis, which is caused by wear and tear …

How does Rheumatoid Arthritis affect my feet? Read More »