GENERAL PODIATRY

General Podiatry

Corns

  • A corn refers to localized callus, usually occurring over a bony prominence. Corns are deep and conical in sharp and can become very painful.
  • Treatment for corns involved removal via scalpel, the application of a topical agent and addressing the contributing factors to its development.

Warts

  • Callous refers to thickening of the skin. Callous forms to protective sensitive structures underneath the skin after being exposed to concentrated pressure.
  • Callous commonly presents as a result of poor fitting footwear, gait or biomechanical deficits or in where there is atrophy of the foot’s fat pad.
  • Treatment for callus involves debridement and addressing the contributing factors to its development.

Section

  • Warts or verrucae are a benign, vascular growth caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
  • Warts can cause pain, resolve spontaneously or be present for years.
  • There are a range of treatment options for warts these can include:
    • Salicylic acid;
    • Cryotherapy;
    • Curettage.

Ingrown Toenails

  • Ingrown nails are a common presentation often caused by trauma, curvature of the nail or poor cutting techniques.
  • Ingrown toenails can be very painful and even become infected.
  • If ingrown nails are persistent and painful, surgical removal of part or the entire nail may be required. Your podiatrist under local anesthesia can conduct this procedure.

Fungal Infections

  • Fungal infections can affect the nails and skin of your feet. Walking barefoot in contaminated areas such as public change rooms, showers and pools usually causes fungal infections. These areas are warm and moist environments, which are the idea conditions for the spread of fungus.
  • There are a range of factors which can increase your risk of developing a fungal infection. These include:
    • Diabetes;
    • Reduced circulation;
    • Reduced immune function;
    • Smoking;
    • Age;
    • Working in humid or moist environments;
    • Excess sweating;
    • Wearing tight shoes with poor ventilation.
  • Fungal nails can have the following characteristics:
    • White or yellow discolouration;
    • Increased thickness;
    • Brittle/crumbly;
    • Separation/lifting.
  • Fungal skin infections of the feet also referred to as athletes foot or tinea pedis can present with the following signs and symptoms:
    • Soft, white, cracked skin;
    • Redness;
    • Itchy;
    • Burning;
    • Odoour.

Diabetes & Foot Care

  • It is important for people with Diabetes to maintain good foot health given they are at an increased risk of complications that can included peripheral neuropathy (loos of sensation), increased healing times, increased risk of ulceration, infections and amputation.
  • It is crucial to have annually neurovascular assessments and to regularly see your podiatrist to maintain good foot health and help prevent the complications associated with diabetes.

Please contact Melbourne Podiatry Group on 1300 650 293 to make an appointment, or make an appointment online today.

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