Podiatrists are health professionals specialising in the foot, ankle and lower limbs. They diagnose and treat specific problems experienced by the feet and lower limbs, including injuries, back pain and diabetic foot care. Home visits are available. Bulk-billed Medicare and private patients are welcome.
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Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet (neuropathy), causing pain, discomfort, or numbness. It can also impair blood flow to your feet, making it difficult for even minor cuts to heal. Untreated wounds can become infected and lead to ulcers, a serious condition that threatens your foot health. If left untreated, ulcers can develop into severe infections and gangrene (dead black tissue).
The best way to prevent diabetic foot problems is to take good care of your feet, including washing them daily and drying well between the toes. Wear shoes that fit well and are made of breathable materials. Keep your feet warm, especially in the winter. Don’t soak your feet in hot water, which can dry and irritate the skin. In addition, people with diabetes should have their feet checked regularly by a podiatrist, usually at least once a year.
A podiatrist can help you maintain healthy feet by examining for calluses, corns, sores, blisters, redness or swelling. Make sure you check your feet daily, using a mirror or asking someone to help if necessary. If you notice any changes, make an appointment to see your doctor or podiatrist. A podiatrist can recommend special shoes and help you with your daily foot care. A foot doctor can also give you information on how to manage your diabetes, which includes controlling your blood sugar, exercising and taking your medicine correctly. For professional podiatry Woodville services, check this out.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury characterised by pain in the bottom of your heel or arch. It is caused by damage to the thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, that runs along the bottom of your feet. It helps to support the arch of the foot and distribute weight evenly. Pain from plantar fasciitis usually occurs gradually, often after long periods of inactivity or exercise, and worsens when you start walking again. It tends to be worst with the first steps out of bed in the morning, but it can also be painful when you walk or stand after a period of rest or after long periods of sitting or standing.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis involves:
- Resting your feet.
- Wearing supportive shoes inside and outside the house.
- Using ice to soothe the pain.
- Doing specific foot exercises to stretch your plantar fascia.
Depending on your activity level and how consistently you use at-home treatments, it may take several months to heal from plantar fasciitis. Sometimes, podiatrists recommend steroid injections to speed up healing and reduce inflammation.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Ingrown toenails develop, most often on the big toe, when one of the corners of a nail curves down and digs into the skin, typically causing pain, swelling and redness. If left untreated, the condition can lead to infection. The good news is that it’s easy to prevent ingrown toenails by cutting the nails straight across, without rounding the corners, and wearing shoes and hosiery with plenty of room for the toes. Soaking the feet in warm water several times a day can also help relieve pain and swelling. Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) can provide relief, and antibiotic ointment can treat infections that develop.
If an ingrown toenail becomes painful or infected, it’s time to see a doctor. A simple exam can usually diagnose the problem. Your foot specialist may numb your toe by injecting it with medicine and then cutting and pulling out the part of the nail digging into your skin. They may also apply a chemical, such as phenol, to the affected area, which can stop the pin from growing back.
If the toenails grow inward, your foot specialist may recommend gutter splints or braces that force the toenails away from the skin’s edge. For recurrent ingrown toenails, more extensive nail removal may be needed. The partial nail plate avulsion procedure involves numbing the toe and using scissors to remove a small strip of the affected toenail along with the underlying tissue. For professional podiatry Woodville services, check this out.