What is Arthritis of the feet ?

Arthritis is a broad term for a number of conditions that destroy the workings of a normal joint.

See Arthritis Victoria website

Arthritis of the feet is very common and can occur at any age. Arthritic feet may be painful and/or look unattractive. It may also make it hard to fit your feet into shoes.

What can Arthritic changes in the feet be caused by ?

• • • Osteoarthritis (the wear and tear type of arthritis)
    • Gouty Arthritis
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Psoriatic Arthritis
    • Other forms of arthritis

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Arthritis in the feet ?

• • • Pain in the joints
    • Redness, swelling and/or tenderness
    • Prominent lumps and bumps

What are the Treatment Options for Arthritis of the feet ?

At Irymple Foot Clinic we suggest the most simple, least expensive methods to help give you relief and keep you on your feet. Some of the treatments that may be suggested to you are:

• Advice on footwear
• Advice on exercises
• Advice on pain relief
• Pressure relief padding and/or custom orthotic devices
• Referral to a specialist (if appropriate)

Your "arthritis" may be something else so if you are not sure or still having problems please make an appointment to see us at Irymple Foot Clinic!

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Do Children's Feet Need Special Treatment?

Children's feet are different from adults as they are not yet fully mature. A baby's foot consists mainly of cartilage and so is very flexible and prone to damage from abnormal pressure (for example from shoes or socks that are too tight). For this reason it is important to continually check if socks and shoes still fit your child.

Footwear

Prior to walking "footwear" should be for warmth and protection only. When your child starts to walk (usually be between 8 and 18 months of age) it is time to look for the correct shoes. Remember it is important to allow sufficient bare foot time to help promote proper development of your child's feet. Make sure this is in a safe and protected environment to help prevent injuries such as insect bites, splinters and the like.

Developmental Stages

Children go through normal developmental changes in the feet and legs starting with quite "flat feet" and "bowed legs", progressing to "knocked knees". If you are concerned about the development of your child's feet or legs or if they are complaining of any pain see one of our Podiatrists. Often there is a simple reason for mysterious "growing pains" and they can be treated effectively by our Podiatrists.

Common conditions that can affect children's feet:

• • • Sever's Disease
    • Ingrown Toenails
    • Plantar warts
    • In-toeing or Out-toeing
    • Toe walking
    • Flat Feet
    • Foot Odour
    • Tinea
    • Under-riding/Over-riding toes
    • Bunions and other lumps and bumps

You should take your child to a podiatrist if:

• • • You notice uneven shoe wear
    • You notice any skin rashes, hard skin lumps or bumps on your child's feet
    • Your child complains of recurrent pain in the feet and/or legs
    • Your child is constantly tripping or falling
    • You have any other concerns about your child's feet

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Choosing Shoes

 

Questions to ask yourself when choosing shoes 

 

•   For what purpose do you want to use the shoes?

•   For how long will you be wearing them?

•   Where will you be wearing them?

•   How far will you be walking in these shoes?

 

If you are planning to go for a long bush walk or just a regular shopping trip you may be surprised just how much distance you cover.

 

The Ideal Shoe Has.........

 

•   A Firm heel counter (to help control the foot)

•   Laces, Velcro or buckles to secure the foot & help prevent slippage

•   A Deep and wide toe box (wiggle your toes)

•   A Bend only at big toe joint (assist "toe off" action)

•   Not too much sideways twist (maintain stability)

•   Low stable heel (maintain stability / prevent falls)

•   Shock absorbing, non-slip sole (help prevent falls)

•   Natural materials, including lining (breathability)

•   A removable insole (helps fit custom insoles)

 

 Remember these tips when choosing shoes

 

• Purchase shoes in the afternoon when your feet may be slightly larger!
• Take appropriate socks and your custom insoles with you to the shoe store.
• Leave a ½ to 1 thumb’s width of empty space at the end of your longest toe.
• Never “wear shoes in” they should be comfortable immediately.
• Beware of shoes that hurt – take them to your Podiatrist and ask for advice.
• Keep your shoe box, sales receipt, don’t damage or soil shoes and ask the shoe shop if they are okay if you return them if your Podiatrist disapproves.

 

Irymple Foot Clinic Podiatrists can give you advice on the most appropriate footwear for you. We take into consideration factors such as your foot shape and medical conditions that may affect your feet. If you are unsure if you have the right shoes or think they may be causing your foot problem then make an appointment with one of our friendly Podiatrists by calling 5024 6333.

 

To download our printable Information Sheet on Choosing Shoes click HERE!

 

What are corns or callus?

Corns and Callus are hard, thickened areas of skin caused by excessive pressure and/or friction. Because corns and callus are caused by pressure and/or friction they can't be completely cured by surgically cutting them out or putting commercially available "corn cure" or "medicated corn pads" on them (which contain acid). They can however be effectively treated by our podiatrists to help keep you mobile.

What is the difference between corns and callus ?

Corns are a concentrated area of callus with a central core. There are many different types of corns including hard, soft and seed corns. They commonly occur on top of toes, between toes and under the ball of the foot. Callus is usually over a broader area like under the ball of the foot or around the heels. Sometimes callus around the heels can crack, bleed and become infected.

What can cause corns and callus?

• • • Pressure and/or friction from footwear (socks or shoes) on the feet
    • Pressure and/or friction on the feet from the ground from standing and/or walking

What are the most common symptoms of corns & callus ?

• • Pain and Tenderness
  • Inflammation/redness of the skin
  • Burning (especially under the ball of the foot)
  • Thickened yellowing skin

What are the treatment choices for Corns and Callus ?

At Irymple Foot Clinic we suggest the most simple, least expensive methods to help give you relief and keep you mobile. Some of the treatments that may be suggested to you by your podiatrist are:

• • Debridement by the Podiatrist
  • Self treatment by filing down using emery board or special Foot File
  • Application of an emolient foot cream such as Podiatrist's Own Heel Balm
  • Application of pressure relief padding /cushioning
  • Application of Tubular foam padding
  • Footwear advice
  • Custom padded Insoles
  • Biomechanical Orthotic Devices (Orthoses)

Corn Before & after treatment by our podiatrists

  

What you think are corns and/or callus may be something else more serious, so if you are unsure please make an appointment to see us at Irymple Foot Clinic!

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What are cracked heels?

Cracked heels usually occur in adults especially those who wear open backed shoes or no shoes in hot/dry climates. In the older adult the skin does not moisturise itself as well as it did when it was younger and therefore becomes more prone to damage (mechanical and otherwise).

What can cause cracked heels?

• Wearing no shoes for extended periods of time especially in hot/dry climates (like the Mildura / Sunraysia area)
• Dry skin on the feet either due to a co-existing medical problem or just as a natural part of getting older

What are the signs and symptoms of cracked heels?

• Pain and tenderness on walking
• Visible cracks/fissures in heels (sometimes they can look dark, dirty and unsightly)
• Redness and/or Bleeding around the heels (with or without associated pus)

What are the treatment options for cracked heels?

• Regular self treatment using a foot file and heel balm
• Debridement by a Podiatrist
• Medical grade tissue glue (Histoacryl) used by a Podiatrist
• Avoid going bare feet for extended periods especially in hot/dry climates (like Mildura!)
• Application of an Emollient heel balm

What you think is cracked heels may be something else more serious, so if you are unsure please make an appointment to see us at Irymple Foot Clinic!

To make an appointment with one of our fully qualified, registered and experienced Podiatrists call us on 50246333 or Email us today.

It is recommended by Diabetes Australia that persons with diabetes should have at 6 monthly foot check-up. Regardless of what type of diabetes you have get your feet checked by one of our Podiatrists at least every 6 months or more regularly if recommended.

What effect does diabetes have on feet?

Diabetes can have two main effects on the feet. 

• • • • Nerve damage 
      • Blood Vessel damage

In extreme cases where wounds are not healing amputation may be required so it is extremely important to look after your feet especially if you have diabetes.

What sort of Signs and Symptoms can diabetes cause in the feet?

• Numbness / Pins and Needles
• Altered sensation in the feet
• Pain in the feet
• Burning feeling in the feet
• Cold feet
• Wounds that do not heal or take a long time to heal
• Increased probability of infection
• Trips and Falls

What can you do to minimise the effect of diabetes on your feet?

• Maintain good stable blood sugar levels
• Maintain blood circulation and general health by exercising regularly
• Inspect your feet daily - they can't warn you if they are being damaged
• Wear correctly fitted footwear appropriate for your activity
• Check shoes regularly for foreign objects, defective lining or anything that may damage your feet
• Don't expose your feet to the extremes of hot or cold (turn the electric blanket off!)
• DON'T smoke!
• Moisturise your feet daily
• Follow general foot hygiene practices ie wash daily in warm water, pat dry
• Dress any wounds and seek medical advice if they are not healing
• NEVER use "corn cures" as they contain acid and may ulcerate the skin
• Have a foot check up by a Podiatrist at least every 6 months - know if you are "high risk" or "low risk"

What is checked at a Diabetic Foot Check-up?

• Foot Pulses (circulation in your feet)
• Sensation in your feet using various tools such monofilaments and tuning forks
• Your Ankle / Brachial Index (if required)
• If you need treatment for any other general foot problems such as wounds, corns/callus or infections
• Assess if you need pressure relief devices such as padding / insoles to help prevent pain / ulceration
• Your footwear and general diabetic foot care advice
• Give you advice on what to do between appointments to look after your own feet
• Advise when your next check-up is due (At Irymple Foot Clinic we can send SMS reminders)

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What is Foot Odour?

Foot odour is caused by bacteria breaking down excessive perspiration on the feet. The feet have over 250,000 sweat glands and produce approximately 500ml of sweat per day between them! Excessive sweat along with a dark, warm environment (i.e. inside a shoe) provides the ideal environment for bacteria growth. The by-product of this bacteria growth is the bad odour which can be embarrassing and prevent you from enjoying the activities you normally would. For more information Click HERE for our brochure on Foot Odour.

What are the Treatment Options for Foot Odour ?

At Irymple Foot Clinic we suggest the most simple, least expensive methods to help give you relief and keep you on your feet. Some of the treatments that may be suggested to you are:

• • Advice on footwear (including socks)
  • Advice on foot hygiene
  • Foot Spray to help reduce perspiration
  • Sometimes antibiotics may be required
  • Referral to a specialist if required

Your foot odour may be a sign of a more serious problem so if you are not sure or still having problems please make an appointment to see us in person at Irymple Foot Clinic!

To make an appointment with one of our fully qualified, registered and experienced Podiatrists call us on 50246333 or Email us today.

What is a fungal toenail infection ?

Toenails can commonly become infected with fungus spores, the most common being called dermatophytes. This can cause the toenails to change their appearance, they most commonly become thick, yellowing and crumbly however they can also get a thin white covering (superficial white mycosis). Fungal toenail infections occur commonly with tinea (fungal infection) of the skin of the feet. It is important to have a sample of the affected toenail taken and sent to pathology for testing as there are many other conditions that can mimic a fungal infection of the toenails. Click HERE for our brochure on Fungal toenails.

What are the most common symptoms of fungal infection of the toenails ?

• Thickening of the toenail
• Lifting of the toenail
• Yellowing of the toenail
• Thin white flaky layer on top of the toenail

What are the treatment options for a fungal infection of the toenails ?

There are many commercially available products to treat fungally infected toenails. At Irymple Foot Clinic we commonly recommend "Loceryl Nail Lacquer" for toenails that have been proven to be fungally infected which is available over the counter at your local pharmacy. Currently it is recommended that you treat all nails (even if only one or two seem to be infected) twice a week. Alternatively your general practitioner may prescribe you an oral medication to treat the condition such as "Lamasil Oral" however it is imortant that you keep in contact with your doctor whilst being treated with this medication.

To make an appointment with one of our fully qualified, registered Podiatrists call us on 50246333 or Email us today.

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What is Plantar Fasciitis ?

The plantar fascia is the name of the ligament under the arch of the foot. It is made of connective tissue and inserts onto the heel and then fans out to the ball of the foot. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed it is called Plantar Fasciitis and is one of the most common conditions that our podiatrists see.

Plantar Fasciitis (sometimes referred to as "Heel Spur") is probably the most common causes of heel pain in adults. It is an inflammation of the Plantar Fascia. It can be acute or chronic and causes pain in one or both heels often radiating up under the arch of the foot. The weakest point of the plantar fascia (ligament under the foot) is where it joins onto the heel, this is why the pain usually starts in the heel first. There may or may not be a spur present on the heel. The spur usually develops if the heel pain has been there for a long time.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis ?

The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• • Heel pain in the morning when you first get out of bed (or when you get up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night!)
  • Heel pain after rest (when you get up out of the chair)

What are the Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis ?

At Irymple Foot Clinic we suggest the most simple, least expensive methods to help give you relief and keeps you on your feet. Some of the treatments that may be suggested to you are:

• • Icing / Heat Packs
  • Strapping
  • Calf Stretching / Exercises  -  click here for our calf stretching brochure
  • Footwear advice  -  click here for our footwear advice brochure
  • Specially Modified Insoles for your shoes
  • Orthoses (orthotics), if you have underlying biomechanical problems that need treatment

Your heel pain may be caused by something else so if you are not getting any better please book in to see in person at Irymple Foot Clinic!

To make an appointment with one of our fully qualified, registered and experienced Podiatrists call us on 50246333 or Email us today. 

 

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What is Sever's Disease ?

Sever's Disease (sometimes referred to as "Calcaneal Apophysitis") is probably the most common cause of heel pain in children. It occurs when there is damage (usually from tension) to the growth plate in the heel. It can cause pain in one or both heels often causing the child to limp and complain of pain (sometimes they whine for a reason!). It is most common in active boys between the ages 10-13 however it usually stops by the age of 15 when the growth plate fuses together.

 

How is the Child's Heel different from the Adult Heel ?

The heel bone (calcaneus) in a child is not yet fully developed. It has a growth plate near where the Achilles tendon attaches to it. This allows the foot to get bigger as the child grows (as long as you keep feeding them!).

 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sever's Disease ?

The most common symptoms Sever's Disease are:

• • Limping
  • Pain at the back of the heel (near the insertion of the achilles tendon)

What are the Treatment Options for Sever's Disease ?

At Irymple Foot Clinic we suggest the most simple, least expensive methods to help give you relief and keeps you on your feet. Some of the treatments that may be suggested to you are:

• • Icing
  • Heel Raises
  • Calf Stretching / Exercises - Click here for Calf Stretching Advice
  • Footwear advice - Click HERE for Footwear advice
  • Specially Modified Insoles for your shoes
  • Modification to training/sporting activities
  • Orthoses (orthotics), if you have underlying biomechanical problems that need treatment

Read our article on Children's Foot Problems or for more information look at our brochures on Children's Feet or Sever's Disease.

Your heel pain may be caused by something else so if you are not getting any better please make an appointment at Irymple Foot Clinic!

To make an appointment with one of our fully qualified, registered and experienced Podiatrists call us on 50246333 or Email us today.

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What are Ingrown Toenails ?

Ingrown toenails occur when the side of the nail penetrates the skin on the side of the toe. They occur more commonly in the big toenails but can occur with the little nails also. This condition seems to occur most frequently in adolescent boys. It is one of the most common problems that our podiatrists see and it often doesn't require surgery if you get it treated early. If however the ingrowing toenail is left untreated it may become a chronic problem which may require surgery. In most cases, chronic ingrown nails can be removed permanently by one of our Podiatrists in our clinic (without admission to hospital).

What can Cause Ingrown Toenails ?

• • Incorrect toenail cutting
  • Picking at your toenails
  • Pressure from footwear
  • Injury to the toenail
  • Genetic susseptability

Excessive sweating and poor hygiene can make the condition worse.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails ?

• • Pain when touched
  • Redness and swelling
  • Proud flesh along the nail edge (may be present)
  • Pus and blood (may be present)

What are the Treatments for Ingrown toenails ?

At Irymple Foot Clinic we suggest the most simple, least expensive methods to help give you relief and keep you on your feet. Some of the treatments that may be suggested to you are:

• • Conservatively trimming the toenail
  • Advice on footwear
  • Advice on nail cutting
  • Toe separators and pressure relief padding
  • Ingrown toenail surgery (to permanently remove the nail under local anaesthetic)
  • Antibiotics are not always required

Your "ingrown toenail" may be something else so if you are not sure or still having problems please make an appointment to see us at Irymple Foot Clinic!

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What are Plantar Warts ?

Plantar warts are also called papilloma, verrucae, plantar verrucae or verrucae pedis. Even though "plantar" means "bottom" of the foot the term plantar warts is used to refer to warts anywhere on the feet. They can be singular, multiple or form a mosaic type pattern. Warts are caused by a virus called the human papilloma virus. The virus can live outside the body however there needs to be a break in the skin (which may be microscopic) for it to infect the host.

The virus causes a deeper layer of the skin to grow rapidly to the surface dragging blood vessels and nerve endings with it.  This can cause black or brown spots to dis-colour the skin as the blood vessels break.  If the wart is on the bottom of the foot the wart will usually be very flat and there will be more below the skin surface.

Who gets Plantar Warts ?

Plantar warts are common in young people, older persons and people with depressed immune systems. It is believed that warts are more easily transmitted in wet areas such as common bathing areas. Plantar warts can be easily miss-diagnosed as a corn or callus so it is important to be properly diagnosed by a foot care professional such as a podiatrist.

What are Signs & Symptoms of Plantar Warts ?

• • A "splinter" that you can't seem to get out
  • A lump on or under the foot (which may grow larger or spread)
  • Little black/brown dots in the lump
  • Pain when the wart is squeezed
  • "Foot print" lines are distorted where the wart is located
  • Cauliflower type appearance of the warty tissue (may be flat if underneath the foot)

What are the Treatments Choices for Plantar Warts ?

At Irymple Foot Clinic we suggest the most simple, least expensive methods to help give you relief and keep you mobile. Some of the treatments that may be suggested to you are:

• • No treatment/monitor
  • Chemical cautery (silver nitrate, salicylic and monochloracetic acid (under Medical supervision))
  • Cryotherapy
  • Dry Needling
  • Surgical removal
  • Referral to a dermatologist

Your 'wart' may be something else so if you are not sure please make an appointment to see us at Irymple Foot Clinic!

 Plantar Wart under child's heel

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What are the most common sports injuries treated by our podiatrists?

• Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Spur Syndrome / Heel Pain
• Shin Splints
• Achillies Tendonitis
• Ankle Sprain
• Fractues and Stress Fractures
• Metatarsalgia (sesamoiditis, capsulitis, plantar plate tears)
• Neuroma
• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
• Paediatric sporting injuries including Sever's, Kohler's and Osgood-Schlatter's diseases

 What can cause sporting injuries?

• Inappropriate training methods
• Biomechanical isses including impaired foot function
• Inappropriate footwear
• Tripping, falling and collisions with other players whilst playing your sport
• Overuse or repetative strain syndromes

 What are the signs and symptoms of sports injuries?

• Pain and discomfort
• Reduced range of motion and reduced function
• Impaired sporting performance

 What are treatment options for sports injuries?

• Rehabilitiation (Stretching, Strengthening Excercises)
• Modification of training methods and sporting techniques
• strapping / splining / padding / casting
• Footwear advice
• orthoses (custom and modified off the shelf depending on the case)
• Acupuncture
• Ultrasound, Massage, Interferential / Tens, 

We work very closely and in conjunction with Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Myotherapists, Massage Therapists, trainers, coaches and the like to provide a wholistic approach to the sporting injury. We can also order X-rays and ultrasoud examinations if appropriate.

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What are Thickened Toenails ?

Thickened toenails are very common and can occur at any age. They may be painful or just look unattractive. For more information Click HERE for our brochure on Thickened Toenails.

What can Cause Thickened Toenails? 

Thick toenails are commonly caused by:

• Pressure from footwear
• Injury to the toenail
• Fungal Infections
• Genetic susseptabilty
• Various skin or medical conditions

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Thickened Toenails ?

• Pain when touched
• Thickened yellowing nails
• Pain when touched
• Redness, swelling and/or tenderness
• Ulceration under the nail

What are the Treatment Options for Thickened Toenails ?

At Irymple Foot Clinic we suggest the most simple, least expensive methods to help give you relief and keep you on your feet. Some of the treatments that may be suggested to you are:

• • • Conservatively trimming/filing of the toenail
    • Advice on footwear
    • Advice on nail cutting
    • Pressure relief padding
    • Treatment for a fungal toenail infection (if appropriate)
    • Toenail surgery (to permanently remove the nail under local anaesthetic)
    • Referral to a dermatologist or other specialist (if appropriate)

Your "thickened toenail" may be something else so if you are not sure or still having problems please make an appointment to see us at Irymple Foot Clinic!

To make an appointment with one of our fully qualified, registered and experienced Podiatrists call us on 50246333 or Email us today.

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What is Tinea ?

Please refer to the patient information supplied with these medications and/or speak with your podiatrist, general practitioner or pharmacist to decide if any of these medications are appropriate for your problem.

If tinea of the feet is left unchecked you may develop a fungal toenail infection which is much more difficult to treat. Also if the skin becomes broken either from being macerated or from you scratching the itchy skin you may develop a bacterial infection as well as the fungal infection. The medications for tinea (even the ones that are available across the counter at the pharmacy or so called natural medications) can have side effects. Remember that tinea can mimic other more serious conditions so if it is best to get professional advice.