Addressing diverse foot-related concerns is paramount for maintaining overall health and mobility. Among the multifaceted issues confronting podiatrists, two significant areas of focus emerge: diabetic foot care and biomechanics.
Diabetes, a prevalent metabolic disorder, poses distinctive challenges to foot health, ranging from diminished sensation to compromised circulation, potentially culminating in severe complications like gangrene and amputation. Vigilant monitoring and adherence to evidence-based guidelines are pivotal in averting such outcomes.
Concurrently, biomechanics elucidates the intricate interplay of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons within the foot structure, crucial for movement and stability. Sports-related injuries and common conditions such as plantar fasciitis underscore the necessity for tailored interventions, including orthotics and targeted therapies.
In this discourse, we delve into the comprehensive spectrum of podiatric services, encompassing plantar fasciitis treatment, heel pain management, ingrown toenail remedies, and the evolving landscape of podiatric surgery. Within these domains, a cadre of dedicated professionals, equipped with advanced techniques and compassionate care, endeavor to enhance foot health and overall well-being.
Read on as we navigate through the intricacies of podiatric care, guided by a commitment to excellence and the pursuit of optimal outcomes for every patient.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes causes changes to the feet and legs including loss of sensation, reduced circulation, and damage to blood vessels. This can increase the risk of foot infections and cause serious complications such as gangrene which can lead to amputation of the foot or leg.
The regular inspection of the feet by medical professionals is the best way to identify these complications early and prevent them from developing into severe problems. Often this can be done at home but some people with diabetes require specialist care from a podiatrist.
Regular foot inspections are paramount for individuals with diabetes as the condition predisposes them to various foot and leg complications, including sensory loss, diminished blood circulation, and vascular damage. Such alterations elevate the susceptibility to foot infections and potentially grave outcomes like gangrene, necessitating amputation. Timely detection of these issues through routine foot examinations by healthcare providers is crucial in mitigating their progression into severe complications. While many can conduct self-examinations at home, some individuals may benefit from specialised care provided by a Perth podiatry clinic, ensuring comprehensive management and minimising the risk of debilitating consequences associated with diabetic foot complications.
Biomechanics
Taking part in sports and other physical activities is great for your health but can often cause injuries to the feet and lower legs. Podiatrist Subiaco can identify sports-specific injuries and work with you to prevent them and treat them if necessary.
The foot has 26 bones and is a complex structure made up of a skeleton, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The field of biomechanics studies how these structures work together in order to move.
Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, is a common condition that can be treated conservatively or surgically in severe chronic cases. Flat feet, also known as Pes planus, can be treated with orthotics in mild to moderate cases. Morton’s neuroma, characterized by numbness and tingling in the ball of your foot as if you have a pebble under your shoe, can be treated with injections or surgery. Call or book online to see one of our experienced Perth podiatrists today.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions causing heel pain. It’s usually caused by walking, running, or standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. It can also be triggered by wearing unsupportive footwear, being overweight, or having a job or leisure activities that stress the feet and legs. Other risk factors include poor foot anatomy, especially flat feet or high arches; tight calf muscles and tight Achilles tendons; and being older.
Podiatry services include stretching and strengthening exercises to help alleviate heel pain. They can also prescribe functional orthotics to redistribute pressure away from the heel bone and soft tissue structures.
Heel Pain Treatment
Podiatrists will identify the cause of your heel pain by performing a physical exam, taking X-rays, and asking about your symptoms. They may recommend a night splint, shoe inserts, or muscle-strengthening exercises to redistribute pressure away from the heel and soft tissue.
They can also offer shockwave therapy to treat plantar fasciitis and certain bone conditions causing heel pain. Shockwave therapy is clinically proven to be an effective treatment for chronic soft tissue injuries and some bone conditions.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Whether it’s a result of genetics or a mechanical injury, ingrown toenails are painful and can lead to infection. The toenail digs into the skin beside it causing inflammation and pain, which can be difficult to treat at home with salt water soaks or antiseptic ointment without sterile equipment.
Foot specialists can conservatively trim and shape your nails to alleviate the condition, while in stubborn or recurring cases they can offer a permanent solution through a quick and easy procedure under local anaesthetic. The doctor numbs your toe, removes the offending nail section, and then uses a chemical to cauterize the area underneath so it never grows back that way.
To prevent ingrown toenails, make sure your shoes fit properly and leave plenty of space for your toes. You can also put a bit of cotton or waxed dental floss under your toenails after soaking, which can help keep the nail away from the skin.
Podiatric Surgery
The most conservative treatment options are often exhausted before podiatric surgery is considered. However, podiatric surgery has greatly improved in recent years and carries an excellent track record of success. This is due to modern techniques and the fact that your podiatrist will only operate on the foot rather than the whole body as a general surgeon would do.
Podiatrists have a wide range of surgical solutions to fix a variety of problems including hallux limitus, Morton’s neuroma, hammertoes and ingrown toenails. Most surgeries are performed as a day procedure and can be done with local or general anaesthesia depending on the type of surgery required.
In conclusion, addressing a range of foot-related concerns is essential for overall health and mobility, with a particular focus on diabetic foot care and biomechanics. Diabetic foot complications, including sensory loss and circulatory issues, underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and timely intervention to prevent severe outcomes such as gangrene and amputation. Concurrently, understanding biomechanics aids in diagnosing and managing conditions like plantar fasciitis and flat feet, ensuring tailored treatments such as orthotics or surgical interventions. With a comprehensive spectrum of podiatric services, including treatments for heel pain, ingrown toenails, and advanced surgical options, podiatrists in Perth are dedicated to enhancing foot health and improving overall well-being through compassionate and effective care.