Foot Care

When normal feet turn into problem feet, it is best to seek professional help. To keep your feet in good health, basic hygiene and nail cutting may be all that is needed. It is also essential that you wear well-fitting shoes.

Some of the most common foot problems that we deal with are:

Corns and Calluses - Corns and calluses are generally symptoms of underlying problems and in some cases, early warning signals of complex foot disorders. They are caused by continuos pressure in one particular area, that may indicate abnormalities or deformity in bone structure, or by the way a person walks. Often corns and calluses are caused by ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear.

The most important thing to remember about treating corns and calluses is to never do it yourself without seeing a specialist first. Over the counter remedies such as corn plasters or paint will generally treat the symptoms, not the problem. We will recommend ways to relieve pain and get rid of the corn or callouses and also help isolate the cause and prevent the problem recurring.

Nail Problems ~ common conditions are:

Ingrown Toenails - Caused by improper trimming of the nails, shoe pressure or repeated trauma. Most cases will respond to conservative treatment, while others may require minor surgical correction performed at our Clinic under local anesthetic.

Thickened Nails - This is a common condition, which is usually as a result of injury to the nail bed by dropping something heavy on your toes. Thickened nails can easily and painlessly be thinned down.

Fungal Infections - This nail condition is characterised by thickening, discolouration and separation of the front of the nail from the nail bed. In some cases the nail may crumble. These infections tend to stay in the nail if they are not treated. We can assist with trimming and care of out-of-shape nail plates and recommend a range of anti-fungal medications available for treatment.

Heel Pain

Many people try to ignore the early signs of heel pain and keep on doing the activities that caused it. Heel pain is one of the most common conditions treated by podiatrists and is often seen in middle-aged men and women, those who take part in regular sporting activities and people who are significantly overweight and on their feet a lot. Heel pain can also occur in children, usually between the ages of 8-14 years as they become increasingly more active in sporting activities. Early treatment might involve exercise and shoe recommendations, taping or strapping and anti-flammatory medication and the prescription of orthoses.

Common Complicatons:

Heel Spur - Often the result from strain on the muscles of the foot by a biomechanical imbalance.
Plantar fasciitis - The inflammation may be aggravated by shoes that lack appropriate support,
especially in the arch area.
Sever's Disease - inflammation of the growth plate of the heel in children

Other Causes:

Diabetes

Most foot problems occur in people with diabetes when injuries/infections go unnoticed and untreated, or when healing is delayed due to poor circulation. If your diabetes is poorly controlled for a long period of time, this may lead to nerve damage, which impairs sensation to the feet and poor circulation.

We will assess and examine your circulation by feeling foot pulses. We will also examine sensation by testing reflexes, vibration and pressure sensitivity. We will work with you to show you how to monitor your own feet daily. A six monthly foot assessment by a podiatrist will also help to detect any changes early on.

Orthoses

Foot orthoses are shoe inserts, designed to support, align or improve the function of the foot. If orthoses are recommended, we will provide a comprehensive service to ensure safe and effective foot care including: