Hello
Welcome to 1st Foot Podiatry Podiatry
My name is John McGinn and I am the Owner and Director of 1st Foot Podiatry. I have been a Podiatrist for 26 years working in both NHS and Private Practice here in the UK and Internationally. As a Company we strive to bring innovative advanced treatments with comprehensive care for our Patients.
About 1st Foot Podiatry
Our Vision and Mission
Sharon and I started the company back in June 2024 to serve local communities around East Renfrewshire. We initially started out providing a home visit service but zooming on one year later, we have opened our clinic in Gateside, Barrhead in Glasgow.
We believe that we have exceptional clinical standards echoed by 25 years experience within the scope of Podiatry, providing services such as conservative management of ingrowing toe nails as well as minor surgery to permanently remove those painful ingrowing nails when its required. We address and treat MSK foot issues and specialise in custom made insoles/ orthotics, teaming up with BIOLAB Precision Orthotics. We have just introduced a new revolutionary treatment for painful corns using Curacorn ® - an innovative technique injecting Hyaluronic Acid gell filler under painful callous and corns.
On top of these services, we also provide routine foot care maintenance to manage regular nail cutting, callous and corn removal, fungal nails and verucca.
At 1st Foot Podiatry, our mission is to provide exceptional podiatric care and its our aim to improve the foot health and enhance the quality of life for our patients through personalised treatment plans.
Expert Podiatry Care for Healthy Feet
Conservative Ingrowing Toenail Management
Conservative Ingrowing Toenail Management
Conservative Ingrowing Toenail Management
Ingrowing toenails develop as a result of poor nail cutting, inappropriate footwear, hormonal change (common in teenagers) and infection. Quite often, ingrowing nails start out as being inflamed and irritating but avoiding proper attention, they can become chronic, immensely painful and cause distress and dysfunction to your day to day activities. In many cases, infections can make it difficult to cope with the pain and may put your toe nail or even your toe at risk of further damage. Quick action to have your ingrowing nails treated can save you a lot of unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Nail Surgery
Conservative Ingrowing Toenail Management
Conservative Ingrowing Toenail Management
In many cases, chronic and painful ingrowing toenails become unmanageable and due to difficulties treating them conservatively due to pain, it becomes necessary to remove the toe nail to allow the ingrowing nail to be resolved. This is called a toe nail avulsion which may involve a small part of the nail (partial avulsion) or the full nail (total avulsion). In most cases, the nail surgery procedure involves the use of Phenol which is a chemical that stops the nail from growing back offering a permanent solution to get rid of the chronic painful nail once and for all. If you have been suffering from a painful ingrowing toenail for too long, speak to our Podiatrist for more information.
Biomechanical Assessment and Orthotics
Conservative Ingrowing Toenail Management
Biomechanical Assessment and Orthotics
A Biomechanical assessment is an clinical evaluation of the soft tissues and skeletal alignment of the foot and ankle. The assessment also takes into account the full body and how posture and joint function influences the pressures and forces applied to the foot and ankle during gait (walking). Abnormalities identified from a Biomechanical assessment often highlight issues resulting in pain and loss of function. Some examples of this are; Plantar fasciitis which is a common condition causing pain in the heel and arch of the foot. It's primarily due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, supporting the arch and acting as a shock absorber. The pain is often most intense upon first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Rearfoot/ ankle pain can present as Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is the dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon. It is a progressive disease that has four stages and is the most common cause of adult flatfoot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which is a nerve compression syndrome or nerve entrapment syndrome causing a painful foot condition in which the tibial nerve is entrapped as it travels through the tarsal tunnel. The tarsal tunnel is found along the inner leg behind the medial malleolus Forefoot pain such as plantar plate tear. This refers to damage to a thick, fibrous ligament (the plantar plate) located beneath the joints of the toes, specifically the metatarsophalangeal (MPJ) joints. These ligaments help support and stabilize the toe joints during movement. Tears can range from mild to severe, with symptoms including pain, swelling, and potentially toe deformities.
Orthotics (insoles) can be custom made with a bespoke prescription to address the above conditions. In some cases, an off the shelf prefabricated insole may be of benefit as a first line treatment along with rehab exercises to strengthen the foot and ankle musculature.
Routine Foot Care Maintenance
Routine Foot Care Maintenance
Biomechanical Assessment and Orthotics
For some PAtients who have difficulties in managing their own foot health, the Podiatrist can assisst to provide basic foot care maintenance. This may involve, simple nail cutting, reduction of callous (hard skin), Corn enucleation (removal), Fungal nail fungal infection treatment and advice and lastly, treatment of Verruca. This service can be sought regularly every 6-8 weeks as a way to maintain foot health and prevent further problems developing.
Diabetic Foot Assessment
Routine Foot Care Maintenance
Diabetic Foot Assessment
Being Diagnosed with Diabetes can predispose you to many complications associated with the disease but it is important to know that these complications can be managed as well as prevented when you take care of your diabetes. This is true when it comes to looking after your feet. Diabetes complications can cause problems with your circulation (this is called peripheral vascular disease) restricted blood flow or even blockages in your arteries puts your foot health at risk. If you have an injury or if you develop an ulcer, this can make it difficult to heal and often increases your chances of developing infection. Diabetes can also affects the sensory nerves to your feet which make it difficult to appreciate pain and sensation. This is called Peripheral Neuropathy. Being able to appreciate sensation in your feet is important function in the protection of your feet.
Having a Diabetic foot assessment every 1-2 years helps to screen your feet for any signs of the above developing and with the right tailored diabetic foot care advice, you are one step closer to preventing diabetic foot complications.
Curacorn
What is Curacorn?
Curacorn® is a revolutionary technique using a sterile gel injection to cushion painful corns
or pressure areas in the foot from inside the skin. The procedure can eliminate the need for bulky padding or frequent visits to your podiatrist to have corn or calluses cut away..
How Many Treatments will I need?
The majority of patients see an improvement after just 1treatment, some may require more than that.
Your individual treatment plan will be explained by your podiatrist during your initial assessment.
Does the treatment work on all corns?
All corns or calluses form as a result of pressure from within the skin where the boney structures below rub the inner layers of the dermis. By injecting a sterile cushion between these layers, Curacorn can eliminate the skin’s reaction to the pressure & callus does not form.
How long does the treatment take?
A Curacorn treatment usually takes the same time as your routine podiatry treatment although larger areas may require more time. Your podiatrist will discuss your individual requirements during your
assessment.
Is the treatment successful?
Curacorn is used in many countries around the world with high levels of success. It has been shown to drastically reduce reoccurance of stubborn corns & calluses. Every corn is unique, your podiatrist will discuss what you can expect from your treatment & how much gel will be needed to create a sufficient cushion inside the skin for you. Following Curacorn you will be asked to refrain from putting any pressure on the treated area for 48 hours. Keep the foot dry for 24 hours. If you are not able to do this, you will not be deemed suitable for Curacorn treatment.
Can I drive after the treatment?
A small amount of local anaesthetic will be administered prior to your treatment to ensure the maximum comfort during the procedure. Driving with anaesthetic in the foot is not permitted.
What are the benefits of Curacorn?
Curacorn can replace the need for padding or toe protectors which are unhygienic & bulky in the shoes. After treatment your corn may not form as quickly & could disappear all-together. Less podiatry clinic visits for callus removal, less pain, saving you money & time.
Can under 18's have this treatment done?
Treatment is restricted to patients over 18 years of age unless authorised by a doctor/ consultant.
In patients below 18 the podiatrist will discuss your case with the doctor prior to proceeding.
Hear what Patients have to say about Curacorn
"I feel like a new man I have started playing golf again something I stopped doing due to how painful my feet have been and wearing tight shoes was out of the question but now I have no worries and can enjoy a lot more things."
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"I havent had to have my corns treated in over a year this treatment is incredible. Thank you so much."
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"Since having Curacorn done I have been able to continue my life pain free it really is a fantastic treatment and I can honestly say my life has become easier and more enjoyable not having to worry about my feet stopping me"
PODtox®
What Is PODtox®?
PODtox® is a treatment involving injections of Botulinum Toxin. Botulinum Toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum.
In a purified form, as is the case with many drugs such as Penicillin, Botulinum toxin is a very safe, effective treatment used for a number of medical conditions, including hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), plantar fasciitis, Morton’s Neuroma, tinea pedis (athletes’ foot), and to relax tight calf muscles.
All botulinum toxins are prescription only medicines and can only be prescribed by medical practitioners with a prescribing qualification. This may be a podiatrist or other registered medic. PODtox® uses a licensed brand of Botulinum toxin A called Botox®.
Botulinum toxins contain albumin, which comes from human blood. No cases of contamination of licensed botulinum toxin products with infectious diseases have been reported.
How Does PODtox® Work?
The aim of the treatment is to significantly reduce the movement of muscles causing pain in the tendon attachment at the heel, to reduce production of sweat by the skin, to change the environment where tinea pedis is present to allow resolution of a fungal infection, to shrink a Morton’s neuroma between the metatarsal heads or to relax tight calf muscles.
The toxin blocks the transition of chemical messages from the nerve to a muscle or sweat gland so that they stay in a resting state for a period of 3-6 months.
This may be only a partial reduction in movement or sweating or a full block in which case there is very little remaining movement/sweat production in the area – this very much depends on the amount administered and location of product placement – treatment may be tailored to suit your individual requirements.
Your expected treatment outcomes and whether they can be achieved will be discussed at the time of consultation.
How Long Does PODtox® Last?
Results tend to last 3-6 months. Frequent treatment at intervals of less than 3 months is not recommended.
Repeating treatment when movement recovers or sweat production starts again will deliver optimum results over time.
Frequency of treatments may be reduced according to your results. Should you choose not to maintain the results and halt further treatment, your muscles and skin will return to their pre-treatment state.
Does PODtox® Hurt?
Your podiatrist will administer an injection of local anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
A very fine needle is used and generally this treatment is described by most as pain-free.
You will not be able to drive for 12 hours following treatment. It is important to go straight home from the clinic and rest your foot for 24 hours. Normal activity may then resume.
Before PODtox® Treatment?
It is important you tell your podiatrist about any medicines you are taking, some medicines can adversely affect the way the medication works or increase your risk of bruising.
If you are taking supplements such as Vitamin A, C or E, Gingko Biloba, garlic, fish oils, St. Johns Wort or some pain killing medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen, then these can increase your risk of bruising and it may be advisable to stop taking them a few days before your treatment. It is also advisable that you do not drink alcohol the night before your treatment, for the same reason.
It is not advisable to have treatment if you are feeling unwell.
After PODtox® Treatment - For 24 Hours
You are advised to rest the treatment area, avoid extremes of heat or cold and do not engage in vigorous exercise.
After treatment it is expected that you will start to see an improvement within 2 or 3 days. For some people this takes longer. The full result will be judged at 2-3 weeks.
You may be invited to attend a review appointment after 3 weeks where the success of the treatment will be assessed and adjustments to your personal treatment plan made if necessary.
Should you experience any unexpected side effects or have any concerns, please get in touch.
Treatment for Verruca
Introducing Cryopen Treatment For Removing Verruca
What Are Verrucas?
Verrucas are warts that usually grow on the soles of the feet. They are a viral skin infection that appears on the outermost layer of the skin.
The affected area of skin will be white, often with a black dot (blood vessel) in the centre; be flat rather than raised; it can often be even painful if they are on a weight bearing part of the foot.
Similarly to common warts, verrucas are contagious.
They can quickly spread from person to person by contact with contaminated objects.
After you become infected, it can take weeks or even months for a verruca to appear.
The possibility of catching a verruca increase when your skin is wet, damaged or you have a weak immune system.
What Is Cryopen?
CryoPen is an innovative, high-performance cryosurgery tool to safely remove unsightly skin tags, warts, age spots and other benign skin lesions.
The CryoPen ® allows professionals to work with with pinpoint accuracy working with millimetre precision for removing all benign skin lesions (including plantar warts) with no more collateral damage to healthy tissue.
Benefits to the Patient
- Versatile treatment options, treats verruca from 1mm to 10mm in size
- Fast treatments, treats a 2mm verruca in 10 seconds
- Safely treats verruca on feet
- Pinpoint accuracy, treats just the verruca and not healthy surrounding tissue, no follow up care needed
- Minimal discomfort to patient
- Doesn’t touch skin (no messy buds, cones or apertures)
- Enhanced accuracy
Treatment with CryoPen
During the treatment, a mild white frost should form evenly over the lesion. Following an initial freeze, the tissue should be allowed to thaw for about 30 seconds followed by a second freeze.
After thawing, the tissue turns red-ish coloured and has the aspect of a zone of inflammation due to interstitial bleeding. Verucas are typically removed 14 days following treatment.
Aggressive Plantar’s or mosaic warts may require a follow-up treatment after the initial procedure.
It is advised to do 3 sessions, each a week apart. The area should then be given 2 weeks to heal and hopefully clear up. If the area has not fully cleared, another 3 sessions may be required to see a result.
Pre Treatment Advice: Viral lesions are the hardest to treat because you are treating the lesion as well as the virus. In the days leading up to the appointment, your practitioner may recommend to do a pre-treatment to the wart or verrucae to prepare it for the best possible treatment.
What is Verruca Needling?
Verruca needling, or Falknor's needling, is a highly effective, one-time podiatric procedure for treating persistent warts by stimulating an immune response. Under local anesthetic, a sterile needle punctures the wart to push viral particles into deeper tissue, causing it to break down, with a ~70-80% success rate. It requires little post-care, unlike acids.
Details About Verruca Needling
- Procedure: A podiatrist uses a sterile needle to puncture the verruca multiple times, breaking it down and triggering an immune response.
- Anesthetic: The procedure is performed under local anesthetic to ensure it is painless, though slight discomfort may occur during healing.
- Effectiveness: It is highly effective, with about 70-80% of cases clearing after a single session. It is particularly useful for long-standing or stubborn warts that haven't responded to other treatments.
- Benefits:
- One-time treatment: Usually only requires one session.
- Rapid immune response: It forces the body to recognize the virus.
- Minimal self-care: Unlike acid treatments, it requires no daily maintenance.
- Aftercare: A dressing is applied, which should be kept dry for 24-48 hours. Some minor soreness may last 2-3 days.
- When it's used: It is often considered when traditional treatments like salicylic acid or cryotherapy have failed.
Important Considerations
- No Anti-inflammatories: Patients are advised to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen) 3 days before and 3 days after the procedure, as these can hinder the immune response.
- Follow-up: A follow-up check is typical, often around 12-16 weeks later, to assess the result.
- Suitability: It is suitable for most, but a full assessment by a podiatrist is necessary, especially for children or those with specific medical conditions.
What is Verrutop?
Verrutop is a professional, non-invasive topical treatment for warts and verrucae (plantar warts) that uses a patented Nitrizinc Complex® to dehydrate and "mummify" the tissue, usually leading to painless removal in 3–6 sessions. It is applied by registered podiatrists on various warts, with a 90% efficacy rate.
Key Aspects of Verrutop:
- Mechanism: It induces a chemical reaction that denatures viral protein, causing the wart to change color (white/grey/yellow) and detach from the healthy skin.
- Application: It is a professional-only product (not for home use) applied by a podiatrist after debriding (removing) the hard, dead skin on top of the verruca.
- Painless/Low Risk: Unlike cryotherapy (freezing) or acids, Verrutop is generally painless, causes no scarring, and does not require local anesthetic.
- Suitability: Suitable for children (over 6) and adults, and effective on difficult-to-treat warts.
- Contraindications: Not recommended for pregnant/breastfeeding individuals, patients with diabetes (peripheral neuropathy), on the face, or on inflamed/mucous membranes. Not suitable for children under the age of 5 years old.
Treatment Process:
- Typically requires 3 to 6 sessions, with applications spaced 1-2 weeks apart.
- Patients are required to apply alcohol to the area daily to help continue to dry the tissues out after Verrutop is applied.
- The procedure is quick, with little to no downtime afterward.
Disclaimer: Verrutop is only available for professional use, such as to registered Podiatrists and Foot Health Practitioners. Patients should be aware that success is not gusranteed for every Patient and should discuss any concerns with their Podiatrist before commencing treatment.
Gift Certificates
Why not treat your friends and family.
Gift Certificates are available to use on all of our treatments and stock items (*Terms and Conditions apply.)
Ask at your next appointment or call to have them posted out to you.
Shop
Antifungal and Verruca treatments are available to buy (following consultation).
We also stock CCS foot moisturising cream to help maintain healthy skin