About
Sara Lewis BSc (Hons), MCPod
Podiatrist/Chiropodist
• First class honours degree in Podiatry.
• NHS and private practice experience.
• Registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Fully insured and a member of the Royal College of Podiatry.
HCPC Registration
‘Podiatrist’ and ‘chiropodist’ are legally protected titles and only allowed to be used by those registered by the HCPC. They help protect the public by ensuring that registrants meet the proper standards of training, skills and behaviour. You can find me on the register by searching for my name on their website.
Quality and Professionalism
Treatments are carried out in accordance to the standards for home visits by HCPC and the Royal College of Podiatry. Single use instruments and disposable gloves are used for hygiene. All information given is treated confidentially.
Common foot problems
Hard skin (callus)
Callus is an area of thickened skin. It forms as a protective mechanism in response to excess pressure. Heels and the weight bearing parts of the foot often develop callus. This can be painful, and if severe, ulceration may occur beneath the callus. I can help by gently removing layers of hard skin and providing advice to maintain it.
Dry / cracked heels
Hard and dry skin, particularly at the heels may crack. This can be painful and uncomfortable. Any split in the skin is an entry point for bacteria and poses the risk of infection. I can help by taking down the thickness and applying a urea-based foot cream that draws moisture deeper into the skin.
Corns
Corns forms as a result of pressure points or friction on the feet. Hard corns develop when a substance in the skin called keratin forms a cone-shaped plug in the skin from localised pressure. The tip of this ‘cone’ presses into the deeper layers of skin causing pain when walking. I can carefully remove corns, and relieve discomfort. I may also be able to provide ways to help reduce pressure points on the foot to delay corn formation.
In-grown toenails
Sometimes toenails curl inwards and cause discomfort and pain. These are called involuted nails. I can help conservatively manage these by gently removing debris under the nail, cutting and smoothing the edges. I can also advise on whether nail surgery would be a suitable option. This would be done in a clinic under local anaesthetic to remove the painful section of nail, or the entire nail.
Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis)
This is a common fungal infection of the skin. Fungus thrives in warm and moist areas on the foot. It often causes itchy, red and cracked skin between the toes. It can also present as scaly, red patchy areas on the sole and borders of the foot. I can advise on antifungal products and ways to prevent it coming back. Fungal skin infections can spread into the toenails causing fungal toenails, which are much more difficult to eradicate.
Thick toenails (Onychauxis)
Sudden injury or trauma over many years to the area where your toenails start to grow can cause them to become thick. They may also be distorted and discoloured, or grow faster at one side (onychogryphosis). I can help reduce thickness of the nails with a high speed burr. This improves their appearance and makes them more comfortable and manageable.
These are just a few examples of conditions that can affect the feet. If you have a specific foot problem or any queries please contact me.