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Plantar Fasciitis
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An inflammation on the bottom of the foot that leads to heel and/or arch pain. A variety of foot injuries or improper foot mechanics can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Treatments range from icing and foot exercises to the prescription of custom orthotics to correct the foot position and help alleviate pain.
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Bunions
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Misaligned big toe joints that swell and become tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Bunions tend to be hereditary, but can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe.
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Hammertoes
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Usually stemming from muscle imbalance, this condition occurs when the toe is bent into a claw-like position. Hammertoe can affect any toe, but most frequently occurs to the second toe, when a bunion slants the big toe toward and under it. Selecting shoes and socks that do not cramp the toes may help alleviate any aggravation of pain or discomfort.
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Heel Spurs
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Growths of bone on the underside, forepart of the heel bone. Heel spurs occur when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area of the heel later calcifies to form a spur. Proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes can reduce the strain to the ligament and prevent the formation of heel spurs.
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Ingrown toenails
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Toenails with corners or sides that dig painfully into the skin. Ingrown toenails are usually caused by improper nail trimming, but can also result from shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity, and poor foot structure. Women are more likely to have ingrown toenails than men. The problem can be prevented by trimming toenails straight across, selecting proper shoe styles and sizes, and responding to foot pain in a timely manner.
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Neuromas
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Enlarged benign growths of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Neuromas are caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves. Pressure from ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure can also lead to this condition. Depending on the severity, treatments may include orthotics (shoe inserts), cortisone injections, and, in extreme cases, surgical removal of the growth.
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Sesamoiditis
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An inflammation or rupture of the two small bones (known as sesamoids) under the first metatarsal bone.
Proper shoe selection and orthotics can help.
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Shin splints
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Pain on either side of the leg bone caused by muscle or tendon inflammation. Shin splints are related to excessive foot pronation, but also may be related to a muscle imbalance between opposing muscle groups in the leg. Proper stretching before and after exercise and corrective orthotics for pronation can help prevent shin splints.
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Stress Fractures
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Incomplete cracks in bone caused by overuse. With complete rest, stress fractures in toes or any bones of the foot heal quickly. Extra padding in shoes can help prevent the condition. Left untreated, stress fractures may become complete bone fractures, which require casting and immobilization.
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Burning feet
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Burning feet are a common complaint among many groups of people, most commonly those over 50 years of age and in diabetics. There are many causes. Heavy alcohol use may lead to the condition. Neuropathy and loss of sensation often are contributors as well. Other causes include thyroid dysfunction and gastric restriction in obesity. Some infectious diseases, such as leishmaniasis, a rarely reported neurologic change secondary to a bacteria, also may cause burning feet. Treatments vary, depending on the cause of the burning foot syndrome. Diagnostic tests often are performed before a diagnosis is made.
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Corns & Calusses
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Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, dead skin cells. They are caused by repeated friction from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe. Corns ordinarily form on the toes and calluses on the soles of the feet. The friction and pressure can burn or otherwise be painful and may be relieved BY PODIATRIC TREATMENT. Never cut corns or calluses with any instrument, and never apply home remedies, except under a podiatrist's instructions.
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Plantars Warts
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Plantar wart is a term generally used to describe warts found on the feet and toes, particularly on the plantar surface or bottom of the foot. Warts can be painful as they are lesions that contain nerve endings and blood vessels. They can have tiny dark centres and may bleed if cut back.
They are caused by the Human Papilloma virus, spread by skin contact with infected wart tissue or secretions. Growth is accelerated by warm moist conditions, such as found on hot sweaty feet and in closed. Warts are very contagious.
Plantar Warts (veruccae pedis), occur not only on the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot, but can also occur on and between the toes. In appearance warts can be confused with corns or callous.
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Nail fungus
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Treatment of nail fungus with laser therapy.
The procedure is safe and there are no side affects.
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Sports Injuries
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Whether you are a professional athlete or play sports just for fun, the demands made on your feet and lower limbs can lead to a range of injuries, including blisters, sprained ankles, torn ligaments, shin splints, knee pain, lower back pain and other joint or muscle problems.
Your running style, quality of footwear, and even minor limb length differences can contribute to injury. It is important to have your gait assessed to either avoid or treat sports injuries.
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Paediatric Podiatry
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Paediatric orthotics focus on providing treatment for children’s feet to enhance functionality and prevent deformities while the child is growing.
There are many reasons why a child may benefit from orthotic intervention at all different ages. Orthotics can be used to assist with flat feet, toe walking, weakness, poor balance, frequent tripping, leg length discrepancies etc. Orthotics are intended to improve the child’s walking pattern to facilitate age appropriate child development.
We have a real focus on promoting proper foot function and provide specific devices to enable correct gait performance in your child.
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