common conditions

A corn or callus are areas of thickened skin that occur in areas of pressure. They are actually a normal and natural way for the body to protect itself. In the foot, the skin will thicken up to protect itself when there are areas of high pressure. The problem occurs when the pressure continues, so the skin gets thicker. It eventually becomes painful and is treated as something foreign by the body. Corns and callus that are not treated will become painful. They will not come right on there own unless the pressure that caused them is taken away. If it is not the skin will continue to thicken and become more painful. After a while the body will start treating it as a foreign body and a ulcer (abscess) can develop. This can get infected – the infection can spread.  As corns and callus are symptoms of underlying problems, self treatment should follow a proper diagnosis of the underlying condition and advice on how to best manage it. For advice and treatment of these, contact Proactive Podiatry Practices today to book an appointment.

When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This “digging in” of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. Sometimes initial treatment for ingrown toenails can be safely performed at home. However, home treatment is strongly discouraged if an infection is suspected, or for those who have medical conditions that put feet at high risk, such as diabetes, nerve damage in the foot, or poor circulation. For treatment, contact Proactive Podiatry Practices today.

‘Shin splints’ is a term covering a number of common pains that occur in the shin area during or after sport. The pain can come from a number of structures in the shin area, including tendons, muscles, bones and ligaments, and occurs at the point where muscle attaches to bone at the front or inside of the shin.

Tinea is a contagious fungal infection of the skin. It is easy to catch and is often picked up in public areas, such as communal showers. It usually develops between the toes and along the arch of the foot. The skin can change in appearance, becoming red, moist and itchy, and sometimes developing small blisters. Ask PPP today for prevention and treatment of Tinea.

Bunions are a foot deformity in which the first joint of the big toe becomes prominent because the big toe leans inwards. The joint is easily inflamed by pressure and can be very painful. You should always ensure that you shoes fit properly. Ask us today for help with Bunions.

– Take care of your diabetes. Work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose in your target range.

– Check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.

– Be more active. Plan your physical activity program with your health team.

– Ask your doctor about Medicare coverage for special shoes.

– Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.

– Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes. Read more about skin care.

– Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.

– Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Don’t put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in it just as you would before bathing a baby. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.

– Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, two (2) or three (3) times a day. Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time. Don’t smoke.

– Get started now. Begin taking good care of your feet today. Set a time every day to check your feet.

– For more information, contact Proactive Podiatry Practices today.

Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. In most cases, it is a type of overuse injury and is more common in younger people. Professional and weekend athletes can suffer from Achilles tendonitis, but it is also a common overuse injury in people not involved in sport. Treatment includes rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition.

Onychomycosis is infection of the toenail with fungus. Onychomycosis can affect all or part of the nail plate. An infected nail plate usually becomes thickened and brittle. It also takes on a yellowish-brown colour and eventually develops a porous appearance. Proactive Podiatry Practices can help resolve these issues today.

– Achilles pain
– Aching feet
– Ankle sprain
– Athlete’s foot
– Blisters
– Bunions
– Callus
– Children’s feet
– Corns
– Cracked heels
– Dance injuries
– Diabetic feet
– Fallen arches
– Flat feet
– Foot pain
– Foot ulcers
– Fungal nails
– Gait abnormalities
– Growing pains
– Heel pain
– Heel spurs
– High arches
– Ingrown nails
– Knee pain
– Knock knees
– Leg length discrepancy
– Muscle fatigue
– Pidgeon toes
– Pins & needles
– Plantar fasciitis
– Plantar warts
– Pronating feet (roll inwards)
– Rheumatoid arthritis
– Sever’s Disease
– Shin splints
– Sports injuries
– Stress fractures
– Supinating feet (roll outwards)
– Swollen ankles
– Tendonitis
– Thick toe nails
– Tinea
– Torn ligaments
– Work injuries