Blacketts Medical Practice, Bondgate, Darlington, UK
Your Feet Deserve the Best Care
When should you see a Podiatrist?
Many of us put up with foot discomfort, thinking it's a part of growing older, or those new shoes. However, early intervention can prevent minor issues becoming chronic problems. You should book an appointment if your problem persists. At Bond Podiatry we treat a range of issues:
Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge of your nail—usually on the big toe—curves and grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This often starts with mild tenderness but can quickly progress to symptoms such as sharp pain when walking, redness, swelling, and a feeling of warmth around the nail fold. If the nail punctures the skin, you may notice clear drainage or yellow pus, which are signs of infection. Time to call a professional. To relieve the pain at home, you can soak your foot in warm, salty water (using Epsom or common table salt) for 15 minutes twice a day to soften the skin and reduce inflammation. It is important to wear wide-fitting shoes or open sandals to remove pressure from the area and avoid trying to resolve the issue with your own bathroom tools. This can worsen the problem and often leaves a nail spike.
If home soaking does not provide relief within 24–48 hours, or if you see signs of infection, professional intervention is necessary. At Bond Podiatry, we offer both conservative clearing of the nail and permanent surgical solutions under local anaesthetic to ensure the problem does not return.
If a patient has diabetes or poor circulation, they should never attempt home treatment for an ingrown toenail and should contact a professional immediately, as these conditions increase the risk of serious complications from minor foot wounds
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic foot care is a critical aspect of managing diabetes because high blood sugar levels can, over time, lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and reduced circulation. These conditions mean you may not feel a small cut, blister, or stone in your shoe, which can quickly develop into a serious ulcer or infection if left untreated. Symptoms to watch for include tingling or "pins and needles," numbness, unusual coldness in the feet, skin color changes, or wounds that are slow to heal. You should avoid walking barefoot - even at home, and have a daily moisturising routine to avoid hard skin and fissuring.
Corns
Corns are small, concentrated circles of thickened skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction, often caused by tight footwear or the way we walk. Unlike calluses, corns have a deep, hardened "plug" or core that can press against nerves, causing symptoms such as a sharp, localised pain that feels like walking on a pebble.
Corn plasters should be used with caution. These products typically contain salicylic acid, which is designed to eat away at the dead skin. However, the acid cannot distinguish between the corn and the healthy skin surrounding it. This often leads to:
• Chemical burns and blistering.
• Ulceration, which is particularly dangerous for those with diabetes or poor circulation.
• Infection, as the skin becomes raw and exposed.
At Bond Podiatry, we provide a safe and painless solution. We can expertly "enucleate" (remove) the core of the corn in a single session, providing immediate relief without the risk of acid damage. We also offer advice on pressure redirection to help prevent the corn from returning.
Callus (hard skin)
Callus (hyperkeratosis) is a broad area of thickened, toughened skin that forms to protect the foot from excessive friction or uneven pressure. While similar to corns, calluses are generally larger, flatter, and have less defined borders. Common symptoms include a burning sensation when walking, a "thick" or numb feeling under the foot, and skin that appears dry, yellowed, or flaky. If left untreated, the skin can become so inelastic that it develops deep, painful cracks known as fissures, which can bleed or become infected. To manage callus at home, regularly apply an urea foot cream to keep the skin supple.
Professional Treatment at Bond Podiatry:
A professional podiatrist can safely debride (remove) the hard skin using specialized clinical tools, restoring the skin’s natural flexibility and comfort instantly.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative Chinese medicine that has been practised for thousands of years. Bond podiatry is now able to offer this service to problems below the knee. Whether it's knee pain or plantar fasciitis Bond podiatry can offer an effective remedy.
Home visits
if you are housebound you may request a home visit. These are now priced at £65
How To Book Your Home Appointment:
If you or a loved one in the Darlington area requires professional foot care at home, please contact me directly.
Call or text my work mobile : 0753 4411888 or send a message to check availability for your postcode.