The Foot Clinic We treat sore feet !

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CALLUS

Callus is a large area of thick hard skin caused by excess pressure or friction. Under normal conditions, callus forms to provide a protective function in these areas of increased pressure. Callus is usually reduced by your Chiropodist when it becomes excessively thick and causes pain or becomes unsightly.

CORNS

Corns are small painful areas of thick hard skin containing a deep conical centre, which presses into the nerves of the underlying skin. Corns are indicative of concentrated pressure affecting a particular area. The deep central mass, which is often a source of great pain, complicates corns. Your Chiropodist is skilled in removing corns.

PLANTAR WARTS

A Wart is a benign tumour of the skin caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Plantar Warts infect the sole of foot and can be single or found in clusters. Often Plantar Warts are confused with corns. A Chiropodist can determine whether the affected area is in fact a Plantar Wart or corn. Warts are contagious and can be transferred from one area of the body to another, as well as, from person to person. Common places where Plantar Warts can be transmitted are swimming pools, locker room change areas and showers, where many people walk barefoot. Chiropodists can offer a variety of treatments to treat Plantar Warts.

ATHLETE'S FOOT

Tinea Pedis, commonly known as Athlete's foot is a Fungal infection of the skin that occurs on the foot. The infection often occurs between the toes or on the soles of the foot. The infected skin may be dry, red, scaly, and often cracks. Complaints of heat, itchiness, and pain are common. Athlete's foot is contagious. A medication can be prescribed by your Chiropodist to resolve the infection.

FUNGAL TOENAILS

Onychomycosis is the name given to a Fungal infection of the toenails. The infection causes the toenails to become discoloured and thickened. Fungal infections are contagious. The infection may invade from one up to all ten toenails. Chiropody treatment, along with prescription medications from your Chiropodist is available to resolve the infection.

HEEL PAIN (PLANTAR FASCIITIS)

Most often Heel Pain is caused by an acute inflammation at the attachment of the Plantar Fascia, the structure responsible for maintaining the arch of the foot. The Plantar Fascia is a fibrous fan-shaped structure on the bottom of the foot that attaches from the heel bone and fans forward toward the toes. This condition is called Plantar Fasciitis. The cause of Plantar Fasciitis is instability within the foot. This leads to tearing of the Plantar Fascia away from the heel bone. Common complaints include pain under the heel when standing or walking, especially upon getting up in the morning. Often, Plantar Fasciitis is misdiagnosed as a 'Heel Spur'. The most common treatment for Heel Pain is Custom Made Foot Orthotics.

HEEL SPURS

A heel spur is bony protrusion, often caused by Plantar Fasciitis, located on the bottom of the heel . Often people are misled to believe that the source of their heel pain is the heel spur. In fact, it is the Plantar Fascia attached to the heel that often becomes inflamed and causes the pain. A heel spur alone, in the absence of Plantar Fasciitis will not cause pain. Many people have heel spurs and lead pain free lives.

INGROWN TOENAILS

Toenails with increased curvature have a greater likelihood of becoming ingrown. The incidence increases if the toe is fleshy and/or the foot is squished into a pair of narrow shoes. Proper nail cutting and footwear help prevent problems from arising. However, injury or improper nail cutting can result in a piece of nail piercing the skin and causing an ingrown toenail. The situation can be further complicated with swelling and possibly an infection. Your Chiropodist can offer relief by removing the offending piece of nail. If the situation becomes chronic, your Chiropodist can offer a permanent surgery to prevent the regrowth of the ingrown toenail.

THICKENED TOENAILS

Toenails can become thickened for a variety of reasons; trauma, fungal infection and ageing. Concerns usually arise due to the appearance and difficulty of cutting the toenails. Your Chiropodist can cut and thin your toenails back to normal thickness and appearance.

ORTHOTICS

ORTHOTICS

Orthotics are Custom Made Foot supports made specifically for your feet. Orthotics are not just arch supports. Store bought arch supports cannot achieve normal function of your feet. Orthotics work to eliminate the specific causes of your symptoms, so your feet function more efficiently. Foot Orthotics are made under the direction of your Chiropodist (Foot Specialist), and are custom made to meet your specific requirements. The process begins by taking a plaster cast of your feet while you are lying face down on an examination table. The cast is sent to a laboratory to fabricate your Orthotic. Based on your Chiropodist's prescription, your new Foot Orthotics will support, stabilise and control your foot for all your daily activities.