for all walks of life
WHAT WE DO
Toenails that tend to grow inwards and dig into the flesh are known as ingrown toenails. They cause pain, redness and swelling of the surrounding tissues. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to infection.
Causes of ingrown toenails include:
Ingrown toenails are best treated early before they progress to a chronic stage. Treatment is usually fast and effective with immediate relief. The offending nail spike is removed and the area is appropriately dressed. In early cases small infections can often be resolved without the need for antibiotics and a GP visit.
NB. Antibiotics will treat an ingrown toenail infection, however, if the offending nail spike is not removed infection will most likely reoccur.
Chronic ingrown toenails may require more in-depth treatment and may even require minor surgery. At Oakleigh Foot Clinic we can perform a relatively painless, simple and effective Nail Surgery procedure under local anaesthetic that will permanently cure an ingrown toenail.
Fungal nail infections occur when a fungus infects the skin under the toenail. This causes the nail plate to take on a discoloured, mottled appearance. The nail may also be thickened and difficult to cut. In later stages, the nail may become flaky and brittle.
Treatment is important to prevent the problem spreading to other nails. Our podiatrists can reduce and clean the nail plus prescribe a topical anti-fungal solution that is easily applied. Chronic cases may require oral medication.
Corns and calluses are painful lesions resulting from pressure and friction. A callus is a thickening of the skin due to pressure. Corns usually form over a bony area of the foot. They form due to excess pressure but are more focal and painful than calluses. Generally they form over the toes, between the toes or on the soles of the feet. A hard centre places pressure on the nerves, resulting in pain.
Causes of corns and calluses can be poorly fitted footwear, poor foot function and excess pronation, claw and hammer toes etc. Don't take the risk of infection using self-treatment. Our podiatrists can remove corns and calluses safely and easily with little discomfort.
Causes of corns and calluses can be poorly fitted footwear, poor foot function and excess pronation, claw and hammer toes etc. Don't take the risk of infection using self treatment. Our podiatrists can remove corns and calluses safely and easily with little discomfort.
A wart (also commonly known as a plantar wart, papilloma and verruca) is a growth on the foot caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. They tend to have a cauliflower or blister appearance and are commonly seen on the feet, especially in children. They can be painful particularly if they are located on a weight-bearing area of the foot.
Warts can spontaneously disappear as the body builds up its own immune defences, however warts that remain can spread to other areas of the foot.
Treatment can range from therapies like Liquid Nitrogen and Acid Treatments. Treatment is most successful if instigated early. Longer standing warts can be very resistant to treatment and require longer treatment periods.
Tinea or athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin. It commonly occurs between the toes and on the soles of the feet. The fungus thrives in a dark, moist, warm environments, therefore feet that sweat excessively or are enclosed for long periods in shoes with socks or nylon pantyhose provide the perfect environment for the fungus to spread.
Tinea of the feet can cause scaling, flaking, peeling and itching of the skin. Sometimes cracks and small blisters may appear, leading to redness and inflammation. In bad cases tinea infections may lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Our podiatrists can advise you on the best form of treatment and the best products for prevention for tinea. Early treatment is essential to prevent spreading to other parts of the body and to other family members.
Smelly feet or foot odour results from the interaction between excess bacteria and excess sweat. Bacteria love to thrive in warm moist environments. Therefore, feet that perspire a lot or are continually in an enclosed environment are prone to this problem.
Treatment is usually aimed at reducing the amount of sweat and bacteria on the feet. Our podiatrists can advise you on how best to manage this condition.
Heel fissures are a common problem where the skin around the heels is dry and cracked. It is sometimes complicated by thick callus around the edge of the heel.
There are many problems that can cause dry skin in the feet and these include hormonal changes, medication, or problems within the skin structure. Dry skin can lead to loss of elasticity of the skin that can then lead to cracks or fissures. If deep, they can be very painful and in severe cases, may lead to infection.
Our podiatrists can help treat this condition by removing any excess callus and advising you on the best foot products for treating dry skin and preventing fissures.
From their first steps, the health of your child's feet is of significant importance. That's why we're always happy to assess your child's feet, and offer you the best professional advice and treatments available.
Issues with children's feet are usually discovered through complaints of pain, discomfort or if there is a family history of foot problems such as flat feet. Other issues that require the assistance of a Podiatrist include late walkers, tripping over their own feet or uneven shoe wear.
Our podiatrists will assess your child's feet and determine if there is a need for further attention or intervention. Possible treatments may include the use of foot strengthening exercises, custom-fit orthotics or footwear advice. Our podiatrists are experienced with treating children of all ages, having also established relationships with local dance schools that often refer students for assessment prior to their commencement of pointe work.
Contact us to make a booking today.
Common ailments for many seniors can be effectively treated by a Podiatrist, yet these conditions can often be overlooked due to a lack of awareness about podiatric services. For senior citizens, the value of podiatry is much greater than the removal of corns or calluses.
We offer a wide range of Clinical treatments, including those for:
Through gait analysis, our podiatrists can assess your walking pattern and advise if orthotics are required to improve foot function. We can also advise you on the correct footwear for ageing feet and preventive foot care maintenance, helping keep you mobile and active for longer.
