Podiatry: Common Foot Conditions Treated
SKIN
These include the debridement (removal) of callus which is an over production of skin on the foot in response to pressure, a focal area of pressure can result in a corn which can also be removed via mechanical debridement. Other skin conditions include plantar verrucae's which are warts on the bottom surface of the foot which can become painful with weight-bearing activity. These may be debrided and then treated via dry ice/acidic therapies. Fungal infections of the skin of the foot are also common due the environment within shoes where ventilation is poor and moisture can build up, these are also contagious through water droplets in public bathing areas such as showers and pools. Bacterial infections can also occur on the skin particularly when there is injury to the skin surface or when circulation is poor. An example of this is with ingrown toe nails whereby the nail pierces the superficial layers of the skin. The podiatrist is trained to recognize the difference between these things, treat where necessary and offer suggested therapies.
NAIL
Nail conditions may include thickening of the nails due to either trauma, onychomycosis (fungal infection), neglect, or poor circulation. A podiatrist is able to maintain the nails and suggest other conjunctive therapies. Ingrown toe nails as previously mentioned are also commonly treated and the podiatrist may skillfully remove these with or without the administration of local anaesthetic depending on the site and degree of the problem. In this situation the podiatrist works closely with the GP and antibiotics may also be administered if infection is present.
DIABETES
Care of the diabetic foot has become an important facet of podiatry due to possible complications involving the sensory and vascular system of the foot and leg. With poor diabetes control the circulation and / or nerve supply to the feet may be compromised. Neurovascular tests along with assessment of the general foot condition are performed to determine whether t! he patie nt is at low, medium or high risk of foot complications. Neurovascular testing of the diabetic foot is recommended every 12 months minimum, and quite often ongoing treatment throughout the year is required to maintain the foot and prevent problems. Once again podiatrists work very closely with GP's/ Endocrinologists on this matter and may be included in the overall care plan for the patient - as designed by the GP
BIOMECHANICAL INJURY
Various lower limb injuries related to activity and overuse syndromes may have a biomechanical cause. Podiatrists are able to identify such things through gait analysis and biomechanical assessment. For example an overly pronating ('rolling in') foot may be associated with such conditions as
- heel spur syndrome/arch pain- 'plantar fasciitis'
- Achilles tendonitis
- Shin pain- often generically referred to as 'shin splints' eg. periostitis, tendonitis, stress fracture
- anterior knee pain- patellofemoral joint pain
- metatarsalgia- any conditions affecting the metatarsals
- sinus tarsi syndrome
- tibialis posterior dysfunction - most common cause of
- unilateral flat foot in adulthood
- tarsal coalition- most common cause of unilateral flat foot in children
- morton's neuroma- a perineural fibroma ie- scar tissue build up around an intermetatarsal nerve
- repetitive lateral ankle joint sprains
- peroneal tendonitis
- lateral ligament sprains
- Iliotibial band friction syndrome
Peter Marks is CEO of Holdsworth House Medical Practice in NSW Australia. Holdsworth House Allied Health (HHH) employs highly qualified Podiatrists who specialise in a rang! e of are as Heel Pain, Diabetes, Warts, Toenail, Problems, Corns, Callous, Footwear Advice, Children's Feet & more. HHH is located in Darlinghurst & Byron Bay. Podiatry is available in Holdsworth House's Sydney (Darlinghurst) Medical Practice.
Visit http://www.holdsworthhouse.com.au for more information.
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