Podiatrists specialise in treating all forms of foot and ankle conditions, from injuries and diseases to abnormalities affecting skin, ligaments, bones, muscles tendons nerves in your feet and ankles.
Podiatry Adelaide offers state-of-the-art medical and surgical solutions for any foot or ankle issue, following four years of dedicated study at an accredited podiatric medical school.
Heel Pain
With 26 bones, 33 joints and over one hundred tendons in our feet and ankles to treat, heel pain is among the most prevalent conditions that podiatrists treat. Heel pain may stem from issues directly with the heel bone itself such as plantar fasciitis or other issues near its location such as Achilles tendonitis or calcaneus bursitis.
Plantar fasciitis symptoms typically include dull pain or an ache in the base of the heel which worsens with weight accumulation, or when walking for extended periods. Sometimes more intense acute pain will develop suddenly (i.e. plantar fascia tears) or when rising early in the morning or performing repetitive activities for extended periods.
At first, a podiatrist may suggest rest, calf stretches and ice packs as ways of soothing inflammation of the plantar fascia. Depending on the severity of damage sustained by you or someone you care for, your podiatrist may order an x-ray or MRI to diagnose you and create a personalised treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Ingrown Toenails
Trimming and regular pedicures usually suffice in keeping their nails under control, while for some with predisposition to certain foot conditions ingrown toenails can become an ongoing and painful problem.
This condition, which most often affects the big toe, occurs when the edge of a nail bends downward into its surrounding skin and causes redness, swelling and pain. More seriously, an untreated toe may develop a granuloma — inflamed tissue filled with pus — which could become infected if left untreated. Thus, it only makes sense to visit Podiatry Adelaide to get immediate treatment.
For ingrown toenails that persist despite these measures, podiatrists offer surgery known as partial nail avulsion with phenolisation to remove strips of toenail under local anaesthetic and apply chemicals that prevent it from growing back.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most prevalent foot conditions, leading to inflammation, swelling, stiffness and skin changes in feet and ankles. Although doctors who specialise in orthopaedics or rheumatology typically oversee arthritis in feet and ankles, podiatrists can diagnose and treat the condition more efficiently.
Podiatrists will assess your symptoms to identify which form of arthritis is responsible and any additional underlying issues. They will also take x-rays of your feet to assess its damage caused by disease.
A podiatrist can provide special inserts (orthotics) designed to cushion and distribute weight evenly, as well as shoes that allow freer movement while decreasing pressure on affected areas. They may even recommend heat or cold therapy treatments to relieve pain and inflammation.
Bunions
Bunions are hard, bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe and may be hereditary or caused by abnormal foot biomechanics such as flat feet and excessive pronation. Bunions are more prevalent among women as narrow shoes or high-heeled ones tend to pinch together their toes and cause pressure points that lead to bunions.
Podiatrists often offer early treatment for bunions that are mild or moderate in severity. This could involve prescribing padded shoe inserts and changing to shoes without pressure points. Furthermore, Podiatry Adelaide can sometimes help prevent the progression of bunions into more serious issues like hammer toes or crossover toes (when one toe angles toward and crosses over another toe).
Bunions can lead to additional issues such as bursitis, arthritis and joint pain in other parts of your feet, knees, hips or back. Furthermore, they may impede exercise or social participation making life less fulfilling overall.
Calluses
Calluses are hardened patches of skin that form when an object constantly rubs against something, like the top or sole of a foot, repeatedly. Callus may also form on hands or knuckles.
Calluses can be extremely painful and may develop cracks that become susceptible to infection. Sometimes they’re caused by diabetes or another condition involving poor circulation of the feet.
