MEDICAL SERVICES
Health Comes First
CORNS & CALLUS
Corns and calluses occur as a reaction of the skin to the pressures on it. Sometimes this is pressure from shoes, sometimes there is a structural or functional cause. Corns and calluses can be painlessly removed. More importantly, the Podiatrist can give advice or provide treatment to target the cause and aim to prevent further recurrence.
ATHLETE’S FOOT
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection and is characterized by itching, cracked or peeling skin. Although it is frequently found between the toes it can also occur on dry skin elsewhere on the foot.
Athlete’s foot is usually treated with antifungal creams or sprays. If left untreated the fungus can spread to the toenails. It is important that hosiery and footwear are also treated to prevent re-infection.
FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
Fungal infections in the toenails often occur with Athlete’s foot, but can occur on its own. The toenails become thick and discoloured. This infection can be difficult to treat, especially if the nail bed is involved.
There are a number of ways this infection can be treated: oral medication, application of a topical anti-fungal or through intensive light therapy (eg. PACT). Regular thinning of the nail plate increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
DIABETIC FOOT CARE
People diagnosed with diabetes can develop foot complications including loss of sensation in the feet. This can result in damage that you may be unaware of eg. standing on a sharp object or a toenail digging in. People with diabetes should have annual foot assessments to monitor any loss of sensation. Numb feet should be always protected and checked regularly for damage.
Diabetes can also affect the blood supply to the feet, causing a delay in the healing of any wound and increasing the risk of infection. The circulation to the feet is also checked during a diabetic foot assessment.
FOOT HEALTH CHECK
VERRUCA
Verrucae are caused by a viral infection. In most cases the verruca is painless and, given time, will resolve without treatment. Painful or spreading verrucae can however cause distress. A wide range of verrucae treatments are available including Cryosurgery (freezing), traditional acid treatments, herbal remedies, low level laser therapy and surgical removal.The treatment of choice will depend on a variety of factors and the options are discussed in detail to enable an informed choice.
NAIL SURGERY
Ingrowing toenails can occur when a nail has been damaged or is deformed. The nail grows into the skin causing pain and sometimes leading to infection. This condition can be treated conservatively, but surgery may be necessary to prevent recurrence. Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia. Usually only part of the offending nail is removed, although it is possible to remove the whole nail if it is very deformed.
BIOMECHANICS
A biomechanical examination is used to assess foot and lower limb function. Foot pain can be caused by poor foot posture or other structural problems. Common problems include heel pain, pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia) and flat feet. If the foot is hypermobile or out of alignment it can result in pain or injury in the foot/knee/hip/lower back.
