The Marlow Podiatry Clinic
Common Conditions
The Marlow Podiatry Clinic specialise in a range of podiatric problems, of which the following are the most common.
Neuroma

A neuroma is an enlarged fibrous nerve in the front of the foot in-between the metatarsal bones (inter-metatarsal space). The neuroma in the diagram is positioned in the third - fourth inter-metatarsal space.
Neuromas are more common in females but can affect anyone. Frequently they are found in the third - fourth inter-metatarsal space (50-70% of patients) with the second-third inter-metatarsal space being the next most common site.
Most patients complain of a sharp shooting pain affecting the front of their foot that radiates towards their toes. Some patients experience numbness, tingling and often describe a sensation of “walking on a stone”.
Symptoms can be initiated or made worse by wearing footwear with a narrow toe box or increased heel height, walking or driving for extended periods of time and high impact activities.
Resting and removing aggravating footwear can often alleviate symptoms.
Toe Deformities

An abnormally shaped toe can rub against adjacent toes or be irritated by your footwear. Symptoms include soreness between the toes, over the prominent joint or at the tip of the toe. Hard skin or corns may form and there may be associated damage to the toenail
The exact cause may be unknown but may be due to one or more of the following:
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Poorly fitting or unsupportive shoes
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High or low arched foot type
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Previous injury such as a fracture
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Increased length of toe in comparison to adjacent toes
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Older age
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Medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
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Genetics – it may run in families
Heel Pain - Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a band of thick tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and irritated near where it attaches to the heel bone. Often there is a tenderness beneath the heel which can radiate into the arch of the foot.
This condition accounts for 11% to 15% of all foot symptoms referred to Foot and Ankle departments.
Most common symptoms:
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Stiffness
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Variable pain worse at the end of the day
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Tenderness – Often beneath the heel bone, which can radiate into the arch of the foot.
Metatarsalgia and dislocated toe deformities

Metatarsalgia is the term used to pain affecting the ball of the foot; however it is not a diagnosis. The cause is varied and can include overuse injuries, fracture, trapped nerve, joint pain and skin lesions. The symptoms can include pain, swelling and inflammation. The problem is often worse in thin sole or high-heel shoes and aggravated by standing for long periods or lengthy walks.

Hallux Limitus - Osteoarthritis in the big toe
Hallux limitus is the name given to osteoarthritis or “wear and tear” of the big toe joint.
In a normal joint the surfaces of the bone are covered by cartilage, allowing one surface of the joint to glide smoothly over the other.
As the cartilage wears away, the bones rub together results in pain. As the condition progresses, the body lays down additional bone around the joint margins, which restricts the movement and can obliterate it all together.

Ingrown Toe Nail
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 big toe is often affected, however, any toe can be affected.
What are the symptoms
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Pain if pressure is placed on the toe
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Swelling and redness at the end of the toe
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An overgrowth of skin around the affected nail
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Bleeding
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Infection – with the presence of pus

Bunion - Hallux Valgus
A bunion (hallux valgus) is the movement of the first metatarsal away from the second metatarsal with the big toe drifting towards the second toe.
Most patients complain of pain, a prominent joint, and problems with shoes.
Bunions are considered to be a progressive condition. The cause of bunions is unknown, but possible factors include a family history, foot function, and footwear.
“After years of being told that it was better to live with the pain and discomfort cased by my unsightly bunion rather than treat it, I was delighted to hear from Miss Feeney that I didn’t have to. She both reassured and guided me through the whole process from consultancy through to post operation and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Thank you for getting me back into my party shoes!"
The Marlow Podiatry Clinic
Locations
BMI Chiltern Hospital
BMI Shelburne Hospital
Berkshire Independent Hospital
Spire Dunedin
The Marlow Club
Appointments
BMI Chiltern: 01494 890890
The Marlow Club: 01628 474761
Secretary
07732 695131