General Footcare - Including Corns, Callous, Warts, Tinea, Toenail Fungus, Cracked Heels.
Nail Problems
Nail changes and problems can occur at any age, they can cause pain and discomfort or simply be unsightly. Some changes are normal as we age and as the nail is subject to pressure and stress from injury, shoes and other events. Fungal infections of the nail are common, as are problems resulting from sporting injuries. Other causes of changes to the nail are poor circulation, growths under the nails, or trauma.
Corns or Callous
There lesions are caused by too much pressure or friction on an area of skin, if left to build up too far can become painful. An area with pinpoint pressure, often over a bony prominence can often develop into a corn, with a hard centre, or if between the toes can be soft and rubbery. Patients with a corn under their foot often tell of the feeling of a hot pebble. A podiatrist can assist with these problems by painlessly removing these thickened areas painlessly with specialised tools. We can also give advice on how to best reduce the severity in the future.
Warts
Otherwise known as papilloma, verrucae or plantar warts, warts are a viral infection in the skin, easily caught or spread and extremely common. The most frequent situations leading to infection are public showers and change rooms such as at the swimming pool or gym. These lesions can become painful, especially if they become larger and are located in an area that bears weight. The body’s immune system plays a large role in the resolution of a wart, but often requires external help and treatment. Quest Podiatry offers treatment options exist such as use of acid treatment, use of natural therapies and use of liquid nitrogen, or dry ice. These treatment options should be carefully considered and discussed with your podiatrist.
Tinea
Tinea is otherwise known as Athlete’s Foot and is a fungal infection of the skin, which is easily spread to the nails. The infecting fungus thrives in warm moist environments such as gyms and easily spread through areas like public showers and change rooms. It can appear as red and scaly skin, often itchy and can be found either between the toes or on the sole of the foot.
Cracked Heels
Cracks in the heels are generally due to dry skin under friction and not only look unsightly but can also cause significant discomfort. The skin cracks due to loss of elasticity usually when the skin is too dry or under pressure. This problem can be easily attended to by Quest Podiatry, taking away the overlying callous and treating the cracks underneath. We are able to assist with diagnosing any underlying issue such as poor circulation, and also offering advice for ongoing care to prevent the cracks from re-occurring.