General Podiatry
As part of a general podiatry appointment services that might be provided include; cutting / filing nails as they may be too hard, too long or too far away for self treatment. We commonly treat older people as they are unable to manage their own foot care. We also debride any callus and enucleate corns and treat ingrown toe nails and warts as part of a general treatment. We can also prescribe for diagnostic tests such as x-rays and ultrasounds.
Sports Podiatry
Aches, strains and pains in the feet, legs and knees can be a warning sign that there may be abnormal function of the foot. Walking, running, jumping – places greater physical demands on the body than normal day-to-day activities. During running there is up to about 3 times your body weight put through the foot, hence any problem can be increased during sport. Incorrect or worn out sports shoes can also be detrimental to the feet.
Paediatric
Children’s feet are not simply little adult’s feet – the last bone doesn’t begin to form until the child is around 3 years old and it is not until 18 that most bones are fully formed. Being mostly cartilage, children’s feet are soft and pliable which are prone to damage. A child’s foot will double in size by the age of one and they are approximately half their adult length by 18 months of age. A check up with a podiatrist is recommended if you notice uneven shoe wear, notice any skin rashes, hard skin, lumps or bumps. If your child complains of any recurrent pains in their feet or legs, or if they are constantly tripping and falling then assessment is important.
Diabetic Assessment
Diabetes affects the feet in two ways. It can reduce blood circulation and also damage the nerves to the feet.
Good foot care can help people with diabetes to avoid foot problems. Take care of your feet and have at least an annual diabetes review of your feet to keep them healthy.
Nail Surgery
Why suffer with the pain of constant ingrown toe nailsA one hour procedure under a local anaesthetic can be done in the rooms to remove the ingrown portion of the nail and a chemical is used to prevent that part of the nail ingrowing again. Make an appointment with the podiatrist to see if you are suitable for nail surgery.
Orthotics
Relief for your leg and foot pain can be achieved through orthotics. Orthotics come in many different sizes and types. From off the shelf to custom made devices we can offer a solution.
Custom made orthotics involve the Biomechanical Assessment of your feet and a prescription written based on the results of the assessment. A plaster cast of your foot is taken and a device is then made to perfectly fit your foot.
Common problems orthotics are used to help include: heel pain, flat feet, sore knees, plantar fasciitis, ball of the foot pain, heel spur, shin splint and bunions.
Biomechanical Assessment
A biomechanical assessment is where we measure the foot and its range of motion, assess the cause of the pain, examine footwear and watch you walk. From this we can ascertain if the foot is functioning poorly or excessively and if so, an orthotic or shoe recommendation may be recommended to correct the problem.