Podiatry Services

Podiatrists are trained to treat all your foot problems. Podiatrists are registered health professionals who understand wider health issues when treating your feet.

Painful feet

Painful feet do not have to be tolerated. See a podiatrist and enjoy more comfortable feet.

Your feet may be painful for a number of reasons

Common causes include

Corns, callus and nails
Tissue stress
Arthritis
Nerve pain

Corns, Callus and Nails

Common foot problems ingrown and difficult nails and corns and callus.

Toe nails may be thickened for a number of reasons. Fungal infection may make nails thick, misshapen and crumbly. Cutting and grinding fungal nail away by a podiatrist before using topical applications from your pharmacist greatly improves the chance of successful treatment.

Nails may also be thick from previous injury, some diseases or poor circulation. Podiatrists are skilled and experienced at cutting and reducing thick nails to relieve painful symptoms.

Ingrown nails often simply require a wedge of nail to be removed to prevent injury and infection. If the problem persists a simple surgery can remove the offending nail permanently.

Callus is the thick dry skin that forms around heels and the soles of feet. Corns are similar but have a deep hard centre and often develop on and between and under toes. Corns and callus can generally be gently removed with a sharp blade.

Often a simple "in shoe modification" or a toe prop can be quickly fashioned for you to slip over your toe to offload high pressure areas and discourage the return of further problems. Foot wear is often a contributing factor and changes may be advised.

Tissue Stress

Excessive mechanical stress on soft tissues contribute to injury and pain. Common conditions frequently encountered include plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis and tendon strains.

A biomechanical examination can identify the cause of the stress on tissue. Often simple stretching and foot wear changes that alter foot posture offer relief. Sometimes an insole called an orthotic may be advised. Orthotics relieve symptoms by realigning the foot and correcting the way you walk.

Arthritis

Painful feet may be caused by arthritis. Arthritis may be strictly of a bony nature as in osteo-arthritis or it may be inflammatory, such as in rheumatoid arthritis where bones and soft tissue become affected.

Recent evidence advocates preserving foot structure and function in the early stages of inflammatory arthritis with footwear and a functional orthotic
Osteo-athritic feet may benefit by changing to shock absorbing footwear or a shock absorbing orthotic

Nerve Pain

Nerves within the feet may become enlarged from constant mechanical sheer and pressure. The most common presentation is a Morton's neuroma in the fore foot. Conservative treatment by off loading pressure and changing foot alignment may relieve painful symptoms

Older people

The older you are the more important foot care is for you.

Older people require podiatry care as a number of age related changes impact on the feet. Reduced circulation, skin changes, arthritic changes along with reduced balance and sensation all mean the older patient is especially vulnerable. Podiatrists are trained to assess and treat with an understanding of risk. Podiatrists are pro-active in falls prevention and footwear advice.

Bunions

Bunions are often familial and usually progressive. They are not primarily caused by high heels or pointy shoes but footwear may exacerbate pain and deformity. Correct footwear is necessary to slow down the progression and to accommodate any bony changes. Improving the function of your big toe joint may reduce painful symptoms. Supportive footwear assisted by orthotics, special insoles, can improve foot posture and function.

Podiatrists are the experts who treat all of your foot problems

Treat your feet to some professional care

Biomechanical Examination

Biomechanics looks at how the structure affects the function of your foot. A biomechanical examination checks position and range of motion of joints. Visual or actual measurements are taken and foot posture (the way the foot looks in a weight bearing position) is assessed. Podiatrists may also test muscle strength. A gait analysis of the way you walk further helps podiatrists evaluate problems and decide on best treatment.

Orthotics

Orthotics are special insoles you put into your shoes that alter your foot posture and the gait.

The biomechanics examination will indicate whether a prefabricated orthotic can be used or modified or a custom orthotic is required.

For some people an accommodative orthotic which does not alter foot posture may be indicated to improve shock absorption and comfort.