Fungal infection of the skin, also known as Tinea, typically presents as redness, itching and flaking of the skin between the toes, although this can also occur on other parts of the foot. In many cases, Tinea will occur as a result of excessive sweating, wearing footwear for long periods or not drying in between the toes properly after showering.
Injury to the Achilles tendon can cause stiffness, weakness, tight muscles and pain in many individuals. Patients will generally experience pain with pressure from footwear, pushing off during walking, going onto tip-toes, or when the knees are positioned past the toes during movements such as calf stretching or squats. Thorough clinical assessment by our Podiatrists will assist in the diagnosis of an Achilles injury. Management can vary significantly depending on the specific condition of the Achilles injury. Targeted rehabilitation in conjunction with a variety of treatments such as orthotics, shockwave therapy, high powered laser and footwear recommendations are often paramount in recovering from Achilles injuries and returning to activity.
Ankle sprains are the most frequent injury in sport – regardless of the sport or age. These also commonly occur when walking on uneven surfaces. Severity of ankle sprains vary greatly from minor sprains, to severe sprains, ruptures and fractures. Early diagnosis and rehabilitation following an ankle sprain is important as the risk of a subsequent sprain is high. We are able to assist in all manner of ankle sprains, from acute sprains which require imaging and bracing or immobilisation, to chronic ankle issues that require footwear, orthotics and rehabilitation.
Arthritis is very painful and debilitating and affects many joints of the lower limb. Arthritic joints are often painful, inflamed & stiff. Arthritis can lead to cartilage damage, joint weakness, instability, and deformities, and can reduce a joint’s ability to function normally. Foot arthritis is very common and often seen in conjunction with other forefoot pathologies such as Bunions. Our management of Arthritis can involve orthotics, footwear recommendations, rehabilitation programs, padding and bracing. Common forms of Arthritis that we treat:
Bunions (Hallux Valgus) are a condition affecting the forefoot in which the big toe joint deviates towards the second toe, causing a bony prominence on the side of the joint. Common complaints include pain, stiffness, issues with shoe fitting and cosmesis. This is often an inherited condition and is classified as a progressive deformity. We will often refer patients for x-rays for their bunions, as this is a useful way to assess the severity of joint changes. Some of the conservative management for bunions includes footwear education, orthoses and general treatment. Conservative management for Bunions is important to reduce pain and to increase function before surgical intervention is considered. High-Power Laser therapy may also be implemented for bunions in order to reduce joint pain and manage inflammation.
Diabetes can lead to a number of serious foot-related conditions. Some of the more common issues we encounter are poor circulation (Peripheral Vascular Disease), reduced feeling of the feet (Peripheral Neuropathy), increased risk of infection, decreased healing ability of the skin, wounds/ulcerations and, in more serious cases, amputation.
Podiatrists play a vital role in assessing, preventing, treating and educating those patients with Diabetes. It is important for people with Diabetes to see a Podiatrist for general foot care and education on the link between Diabetes and foot health.
The structure of your feet plays an important role in determining how your feet work. For instance, if you have a flat foot, you may be more predisposed to developing foot conditions, such as Plantar Fasciitis. Our Podiatrists will assess your foot structure and determine whether orthotics are appropriate. We use orthotics to assist in improving functional movements of the foot and ankle, whilst providing targeted support where needed.
Fungal nails (also known as Onychomycosis), are often characterised by discolouration, thickening and friability. Fungal toenails often affect the big toenail, however all toenails can become affected by the infection. This can occur in cases of trauma to the toenail, excessive sweating, wearing occlusive footwear for long periods, and the presence of Tinea on the skin. This issue often takes a minimum of 6 months to resolve, as fungal toenails grow very slowly, however our Podiatrists can implement effective treatment regimes to address the contributing factors.
A Ganglion cyst is a benign lump of fluid that is soft and compressible, generally arising from tendons or joints and is generally confirmed through Ultrasound imaging. They may get smaller or larger over time and can cause pain when compressed or during gait. Our Podiatrists are experienced in conservative management of Ganglions, however, in some instances, a specialist referral may be required.
Heel pain is the most common foot complaint that our Podiatrists treat at our clinic. In most instances, the pain is caused by Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Spurs. Some of the contributing factors for heel pain involve long hours of standing, inappropriate footwear, flat feet, over-pronation and high arches. Plantar Fasciitis is often associated with pain along the plantar arch, as well as the heel, whilst Heel Spurs mostly cause pain directly over and around the Spur itself.
There is an array of treatment options for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs, all of which our Podiatrists have extensive experience in. Please see our Services section to read more about High Power Laser, Shockwave Therapy and Orthotics.
Ingrown Toenails (also known as Onychocryptosis) are one of the most common foot complaints. Ingrown Toenails occur when the nail plate aggravates the surrounding nail fold or skin. They can cause intense pain, redness, swelling and can lead to infection.
The great (big) toe is the most common site for Ingrown Toenails, however they can occur on any of the toes. Some of the more common causes for Ingrown Toenails to develop are: trauma or injury to the nail; the structural shape of the nail; poor cutting technique; digital deformities and ill-fitting footwear. Ingrown Toenails can be treated conservatively or by a minor procedure called a Partial Nail Avulsion.
Intermetatarsal Bursitis can cause numbness, burning and sharp pain located at the forefoot. Aggravation of Bursas (fluid filled sacs) can be caused by a variety of factors such as foot structure, forefoot deformities, gait styles and ill-fitting footwear. Clinical assessment by our Podiatrists will determine the contributing factors of the Bursa and implement the appropriate management.
Neuroma can cause numbness, burning and sharp pain located at the forefoot can be caused by impingement of a nerve at the toe joints. Patients will often feel as though they are standing on something very sharp, causing a shooting pain. Neuroma can be caused by a variety of factors such as foot structure, forefoot deformities, gait styles and ill-fitting footwear. Clinical assessment by our Podiatrists will determine the contributing factors of the Neuroma and implement the appropriate management.
The plantar plates are structures directly under the forefoot joints whose role is to maintain the stability of the toes. Plantar Plate tears occur most commonly under the 2nd toe, and are characterized by a “floating” or “propped up” 2nd toe, and are very common in patients with Bunions. This is due to the repetitive strain on the Plantar Plate of the 2nd toe, due to the altered foot mechanics that a Bunion will impart on the foot.
The Sesamoids are two circular-shaped bones that are located under the big toe joint. The Sesamoids play an important role in assisting the big toe joint during the gait cycle. Due to the repetitive pressure at the Sesamoids, they are prone to developing into a problem. The main conditions are Sesamoiditis, Sesamoid stress fractures and Avascular Necrosis.
Heel pain in active children aged 7-14 may be a sign of Calcaneal Apophysitis, which was previously known as Sever’s Disease. Calcaneal Apophysitis often causes pain during and after activity, which may impact a child’s ability and confidence when participating in physical activity. Traction from the Achilles tendon and calf muscles during high-impact activities such as running and jumping on the growth plate of the heel can cause this discomfort. Foot structure and gait styles is also a major contributing factor. Calcaneal Apophysitis is the most common condition we treat at the clinics for this age group.
Pain to the front of the lower leg can be debilitating and is common in active populations. We are able to assess the biomechanical contributing factors and provide advice around load management to ensure you are able to perform pain free and at your best.
Sinus Tarsi Syndrome is associated with pain located at the anterior lateral ankle region, due to inflammation and repetitive compression of the soft tissue in the canal between two bones of the rearfoot, called the Sinus Tarsi. To improve symptoms, reducing the compression is paramount, and this can be achieved through a combination or appropriate footwear, orthoses and a targeted foot and ankle rehabilitation program to restore strength and balance
Pain to the inside of the midfoot and ankle may be caused by weakness or dysfunction of the Tibialis Posterior muscle. Tibialis Posterior is an important muscle of the lower leg for effective function of the foot and ankle during gait, which is involved in pushing off during gait and reducing foot pronation.
Plantar Warts are skin growths on any part of the foot, however will be more painful when they are on a weight-bearing part of the foot. These are caused by exposure through direct contact with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). More common in children, Plantar Warts can be stubborn and may not resolve with over-the-counter medications.
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