In today’s foot health practices, damaged nails are a common concern among patients, often stemming from trauma, fungal infections, nail surgery, or various medical conditions. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, toenail reconstruction can be a fantastic, temporary cosmetic solution—sometimes the only viable option for restoring the appearance of a damaged nail.

Toenail reconstruction offers a range of options, each tailored to address the specific needs of the patient. While it is primarily considered a cosmetic procedure, its impact goes beyond aesthetics. For many patients, the restoration of their nail’s appearance can have a profound psychological benefit, boosting confidence and improving overall well-being, especially when no other treatment options are available.

This procedure allows practitioners to offer patients a sense of normalcy and satisfaction, enhancing the holistic care provided.

This course will delve into various nail deformities and pathologies that can lead to unsightly toenails, equipping clinicians with the skills needed to address these issues effectively. You will learn how to confidently prepare the nail plate—and the nail bed if necessary—to create a cosmetically pleasing, temporary prosthetic nail using specialist gels.

The reconstructed toenail not only enhances the appearance of the damaged nail but can also be treated as a ‘normal’ nail, providing patients with a practical and aesthetically satisfying solution. Typically, these prosthetic nails last between 6-8 weeks, offering a durable yet temporary option that can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.

In this course, we will explore the Wilde-Pedique LCN, polygels and Gehwol toenail reconstruction systems in detail. Attendees will gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience with both of these leading systems, ensuring they are fully qualified to use them in their practice. Upon completion, no additional training will be required, allowing clinicians to begin offering these treatments to their patients immediately.

This course equips you with the skills and confidence needed to incorporate these effective toenail reconstruction methods into your practice seamlessly.

Course Tutor

Gaynor Wooldridge, is a consultant podiatrist working within a multidisciplinary clinic in Kent. She has a passion and commitment to the field of foot health, with special interests in research, injection therapies, wound care and diabetes. She is a great believer that continuing professional development is central to the ‘lifelong learning’ approach so vital within healthcare.

Lunch and refreshments are provided.

Diabetic foot complications and vascular disorders are among the leading causes of lower limb amputations worldwide. Proper assessment, early intervention, and advanced management strategies are essential in preventing severe complications and improving patient outcomes.

This Vascular & Diabetic Foot Management Course is designed for podiatrists and foot health professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and clinical skills in managing diabetic foot ulcers, peripheral artery disease (PAD), wound healing, and limb preservation. Through evidence-based practices, hands-on training, and expert-led sessions, participants will gain the critical tools needed to assess vascular health, prevent complications, and implement effective treatment plans.

Whether you are new to foot health or refreshing your skills, this course will provide you with the latest advancements and best practices to enhance patient care and reduce amputation risks.

The workshop covers:

• Review of Neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
• Procedures for the assessment of a diabetic foot
• Foot Health tools: Semmes-weinstein sensory filaments, Neurotips and vibration tools
• Doppler assessment
• Doppler sound interpretation
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers
• Treatment/management of ulcers
• Thermal scanning
• Footwear for diabetic feet
• Daily footcare for diabetic feet

This course is heavily-weighted towards hands-on practical training using the latest technologies. Delegates will be practicing and experiencing all procedures taught. There is no better way to understand exactly what your patient will experience by way of treatment, than in receiving it yourself!

Join us and take the next step in mastering vascular and diabetic foot management!

Course Tutor

Somuz Miah, CFPodM, BSc (PodM), Dip Sp.I, PGC IP, MFPM RCPS (Glasg),is a qualified Sports Practitioner & Podiatrist (Diploma Sports injuries &Electro Therapy).  

Somuz is a highly respected podiatrist specializing in a variety of foot health and lower limb conditions including diabetic foot care. With over 24 years of experience in preventing and treating diabetes-related foot complications. Somuz has an established history in expertise of wound management, neuropathy assessment and treatment, helping patients maintain mobility and prevent amputations.

The pain-free, non-invasive, non-surgical treatment solution

This course will investigate nail pathologies frequently seen by podiatrists and foot health practitioners. We will discuss how we can use safe, simple and inexpensive treatment options that avoid surgery, require no anesthetic, have no recovery period, offer quick relief from pain, and can be repeated successfully without trauma.

Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful condition that can significantly affect patients’ quality of life. Nail braces offer a conservative, safe, and effective treatment option suitable for various patient groups, including children, those with needle phobia, patients with diabetes or poor wound healing, and individuals with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). They are also ideal for patients who have undergone successful treatment for fungal nail infections, as these nails often grow flatter and wider, necessitating careful management.

Nail braces are evidence-based, affordable for patients, and profitable for practitioners. They provide a non-invasive alternative to more drastic interventions, reducing the risk of complications and promoting better patient outcomes.

During your training, you’ll be introduced to a variety of bracing systems available in the field. These include composite solutions, wired adhesive solutions, and simple adhesive braces. The practical sessions will give you hands-on experience with these different systems, allowing you to gain confidence in their application and use. This course enables the course delegates to purchase Onyfix systems post training.

By becoming proficient with a range of braces, you ensure that you can tailor your treatment plans to the specific needs of each patient, rather than being restricted to a single method. This adaptability is crucial in providing the best care possible and achieving optimal outcomes for your patients.

Course schedule

9.15am -Welcome and refreshments

9.30 -12.00 Nail pathologies and treatments options for ingrown toenails. Nail braces – types, patient selection, research and evidence.

12.00 – 12.45 – Lunch

12.45 – 13.10 – Tutor demonstration

13.15 – 15.30 – Student practical’s

15.30 – 16.00 – Q&A, feedback and CPD

16.00 – Close

Tutor

Gaynor Wooldridge, is a consultant podiatrist working within a multidisciplinary clinic in Kent. She has a passion and commitment to the field of foot health, with special interests in research, injection therapies, wound care and diabetes. She is a great believer that continuing professional development is central to the ‘lifelong learning’ approach so vital within healthcare

Lunch and refreshments are provided throughout the course.

Members of The College of Foot Health, can use credits of attendance towards their Higher Diploma.

Further your knowledge on actions in clinical emergencies by undertaking our short online assessment.

Each delegate will be sent 2 brochures via post in order to complete an online assessment.

The first is a detailed presentation written by The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists covering anaphylaxis, CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED), the second is a handy size glossy AED & BLS First Aid 4th Edition handbook which is ideal for use in preparation for the online assessment and will prove invaluable as ongoing reference.

Use these two training guides to assist you with the classmarker assessment.

On successful completion you will receive CPD certification totalling 10 points.