Total Care Podiatry

 It seems people are more aware of the damage that occurs due to sunburns thanks to dermatologists and skin cancer screenings. ‘SPF’, ‘UVA’ & ‘UVB’ are becoming regular terms for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you are going to the ocean, lake, river, or swimming pool, do not forget to put sunscreen on your feet. A sunburn on your feet can cause swelling, blisters, pain and limit your ability to walk in closed shoes. You may be able to stroll along the beach in flip-flops or sandals, but come Monday morning you most likely will be back in closed shoes and that is when you will be wishing you had put sunscreen on your feet. So, enjoy the rest of summer and if you have any concerns about your feet, come by the practice on Malop street and we will be happy to help you.

Here is a story from one of our valued clients:

“The first day on the beach I got a wicked sunburn on the tops of my feet. I didn’t have sunblock on, but I swear I was completely in the shade under my tent on the beach. I still don’t know how it happened. That totally sucked because it really hurt to wear flip-flops to and from the beach. It was the worst coming back from the beach because the sand on my feet would get ground into my sunburn by my flops.”

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.  

What are they?

Plantar warts are lesions which occur on the soles of the feet. They can occur as singular or multiple lesions. Unlike corns which tend to look quite similar, warts have no skin lines running through them, are painful to squeeze and often have small black dots in their centre which represent the blood vessels within the wart tissue.

What causes them?

Warts are caused by a virus. There are many different types of wart viruses, some more resistant than others. The wart virus can be picked up in public showers, swimming centres and walking barefoot over infected areas. Warts tend to be very contagious so family members with warts should take care to prevent spread of the infection.

How are they treated

1. Boost the immune system just as you do to fight cold and flu viruses (i.e. Good diet and Vitamin/Mineral supplements may be advised)
2. Chemical cautery (breakdown of the tissues with strong chemicals) to the warty lesions. Single warts usually require 6 to 8 treatments. Multiple warts may be more resistant and take longer to clear.
3. Surgical removal – curretage.

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.

What is Tinea?

Tinea is a common condition caused by a fungal infection and can affect both the nails and the skin. Skin is commonly affected between the toes, with redness, itching and cracking. Tinea of the nails often presents as a discolouration and thickening of the nail.

How do you get tinea?

Tinea is a contagious condition, and can be spread by direct or indirect contact. Tinea is commonly picked up at public showers, pools or locker rooms where footwear is not worn. As fungus thrives in warm humid environments, so occlusive footwear and sweaty feet commonly contract tinea as the fungus can thrive in a warm wet environment.

How can I treat tinea?

As there are varying types of tinea and a range or treatment options available, it is advisable to speak to your podiatrist about which treatment is best for you.

Tinea is commonly treated with an Antifungal agent, usually a cream, powder or tincture in combination with ongoing nail or skin care.

In addition to using an antifungal agent, it is also advisable to wear cotton socks and ensure you always wear clean socks .  It is also important to wash your feet thoroughly and then dry them properly .

How can I avoid getting tinea?

• Regularly wash feet and dry properly between your toes
• Avoid very tight occlusive footwear especially in hot weather
• Ensure socks, towels and bedding are washed regularly
• Wear thongs to the public pool, showers and changing rooms

For further advice, more information or to discuss treatment options please contact your podiatrist.

Tinea between the toes

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.

What are callus and corns?

A callus is a build-up of thick, hard skin and caused by excessive pressure. The body produces callus in an attempt to protect underlying tissues.
Often calluses form causing little problem, however if the skin builds up and gets too thick it can become quite uncomfortable to walk on and sometimes burning and painful.
Depending on foot structure calluses can occur in a number of patterns as a result of clawed toes, bunions or other alignment problems.

Corns commonly occur over prominant joints or areas of very high pressure. These are compacted callous often with the consistancy of a pebble. Corns can make weight-bearing and walking extremely uncomfortable.

How do I treat painful Callus and Corns?

· Visit your podiatrist to have the callous reduced or removed using scalpel or through gentle filing.
· Use moisturising cream on the feet daily for dry skin, this helps to maintain soft, supple skin.
· Speaking to your Podiatrist about using silicone pads to absorb shock and stress through the foot.
· Soft Orthotics can often help to redistribute areas of high pressure in the foot reducing callus build-up.

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.

What are Cracked Heels?

‘Cracked Heels’ is often how people describe a condition where the skin on the heels becomes very thick, dry and hard. The formation of cracks may also be visible in this thick, callused skin. The skin bordering the callused area may appear red and sore. Cracked heels form gradually over a period of time and when any of the associated callus becomes too thick it can be very uncomfortable for people to stand and walk on.

heel fissure / cracked heel

Sometimes the callous can crack and create painful splits called fissures, which can become infected. In these instances it is important to have the callus treated by a Podiatrist to reduce the callous and/or address any infection that has occurred.

What causes them?

There are a number of things which may lead to a person having cracked heels:

• Wearing open backed shoes with no socks
• Walking around in barefeet
• Skin condition involving rapid skin thickening
• Wearing synthetic material on the feet either from hoisery or shoes

How can it be treated?

Moisturising the heels daily.

Gently filing the heels with a foot file once – twice a week.

Limiting the period of time you spend barefoot

Heel callus can be reduced by a podiatrist which can often help it to be managed much more easily at home through routine moisturising and filing

moisturising you feet

WARNING : This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist.